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Reflections on Racism 

“No one is non-racist.” These stark words from Fabiola Mizero Ngirabatware, a young black woman and social justice advocate from Montreal, ring true. She was speaking at a recent Canadian Council for Refugees online event.

During these past weeks we have seen horrific images and reports of racially focused violence on both sides of our southern border, highlighted and responded to globally.

Like you, I have been thinking of my own response, owning the words of Fabiola quoted above. She went on to say we are a product of the way we have been socialized and we need to deconstruct that kind of socialization. We must be willing to name our privilege.

I realize how vigilant I need to be in examining my own thoughts and being intentional in resisting racial bias while moving towards non-racism, inclusion, and ultimately love. As an organization, we need to be equally intentional in examining our own practices. One of our values is to follow the One who set the standard for love and acceptance.

Racial persecution is why many people seek refugee protection. Families from different racial backgrounds have come to Canada and joined our community because they have been the target of violent discrimination. Some have lost loved ones.

Together let’s determine that our welcome here will be different than the racism they have tried so hard to leave behind!

James Grunau

Executive Director, Journey Home Community 

Voices

“She told her mother, ‘I am staying in Canada, I feel safe here.’”

— 5 year old girl from Latin America

“My children and I arrived in Canada from Africa. We sought protection because my life was in danger from a relationship that had gone bad. We have had so many needs, but each time God has provided for us.”

— A single mom from Africa

“In a new country, with no job and no family, you feel that you have no identity. That is why Journey Home Community was so important to us. They gave us friendship. They helped us to do the simple things like start a bank account, find a house, a school for the kids, furniture . . . ”

— A couple from Afghanistan

10 years ago, the MV Sun Sea, a leaking, rusty cargo ship packed with 492 Sri Lankan refugees, was escorted into British Columbia’s Esquimalt Naval Base.  Find out a bit of what Journey Home Community did to help settle these refugees in Journey Home's summer newsletter.

For the past 7 years, Tenth has been growing a beautiful friendship with Journey Home.  In 2016, Tenth entered into a new relationship with Journey Home where Tenth became a trial in expanding Journey Homes' reach in the Lower Mainland through churches.  

See a short video below of James' presentation to the Standing Committee on Immigration and Refugees in Ottawa.  Both of the stories that James shares are partner experiences with Tenth.