Citing the current unrest in the United States, Colleen commented on how important it is for each individual to do whatever they can to make a difference.  Colleen then shared an article she read featuring Chika Oriuwa, who has been honoured as Valedictorian of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine.  She is the second black woman to be so honoured.  The last woman to serve as valedictorian was 14 years ago.  When Chicka entered the Faculty of Medicine 4 years ago, she was the only black student in a class of 259.   Her four years of advocacy, speaking engagements and mentoring others has made a difference.  There are now 24 black students entering the Faculty of Medicine for the class of 2024 – the largest group in Canadian history – proving that one person can make a difference.

 

Tonight’s speaker was Walter Cassidy on “Queer Visibility in Windsor-Essex County”.  Walter is an educator at Walkerville Secondary School and has hosted three Rotary Youth Exchange students.  He began by giving a brief history as well as the many challenges faced by gays and lesbians.  Next, he reviewed the challenges he had to face growing up in Woodslee.  Walter now teaches classes at the University of Windsor in “How to Teach LGBTQ Students”.  Walter stressed the importance of visibility in the community since many young people feel alone and afraid and often used suicide as a means of coping.  Walter’s presentation ended with a challenge to create a monument in the city to commemorate the gay rights movement.