5 Black Canadian leaders who inspired a generation
‘We need to continue to sing their praises and give them all of the respect that they so deservingly earned’
At 81 years old, community activist Winston LaRose has led a formidable life. Over the decades, he has witnessed history as it happened, from the overthrow of colonialism and rise of Black political leaders in Africa to an unforgettable day in Washington, D.C., when he joined the demonstrators at the Million Man March.
An avid videographer, he documented many of these historic events with his camera. The CBC Docs Pov documentary, Mr. Jane and Finch turns the camera back on LaRose, a leader in his own right.
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For the last 25 years, he’s been the director of the oldest community organization in Toronto’s Jane-Finch neighbourhood, an area known for its diverse immigrant population. At the Jane-Finch Concerned Citizens Organization (JFCCO), LaRose and his team help residents navigate issues like police brutality and deportation. He’s so influential and beloved that Toronto MP Judy Sgro says that “nothing in Jane and Finch would be completed without his hand.”
His advocacy work led to his run for public office in the 2018 Toronto municipal election. While he did not capture his seat, LaRose remains an active community leader. But who influenced LaRose in his choice to lead a life of public service? We asked him to talk about the leaders who had the most profound impact on him.
Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/cbcdocspov/features/5-black-canadian-leaders-who-inspired-a-generation