CASJ attends Urban Alliance awards night

CASJ attends Urban Alliance awards night

TORONTO – The Community Alliance for Social Justice (CASJ) was one of the organizations that attended theUrban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) 29th Biennial Awards Dinner on Oct. 14, at the Delta Chealsea Hotel.

The event honored two distinguised recipients of the 2004 UARR President’s Award: John Honderich, former publisher of Toronto Star; and Julian Falconer, legal counsel to the UARR since 1992 as well as to many organizations.

It was a packed event attended by about 230 people that included Toronto Mayor David Miller; Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services; Jean Augustine, Deputy Assistant Speaker of the House; representatives of Lieutenant Governor James K. Bartleman, and Liza Fulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, UARR Board of Direcotrs led by President Zanana Akande, leaders and members of labor groups and community-based groups and individuals working on anti-racism and social justice issues.

Falconer, who was honored for his life contributions to the cause of anti-racism, spoke about the concept of one race — that of the human race, as the motivating force for fighting against anti-racism and for a just society. Falconer’s clients have included families who have lost loved ones at the hands of the state, be they police shootings or prison deaths.

John Honderich, honored for his contributions to race relations, urban affairs and governance, spoke about the role of media in a diverse city. He said for media to be relevant, it should be “bold, representative, sensitive and responsible.”

Miller spoke about the importance of investing in youth, community safety, access to trades and prof-essions in a city that values diversity.