History of Racism within Toronto Police
By Adaku Huggins-Warner
Adaku is a volunteer journalist with the FOCUS Media Arts Centre
Journalist Minerva Navasca interviews historian Max Mishler about the origins of policing in Canada and their direct ties to systematic racism.
Max Mishler traces the history police in two strands; 1) to the Medieval city when controlling newcomers or foreigners within the walls first became a priority; and 2) the one that is tied to the history of slavery and bound labour. And so the pursuit public order becomes entwined and inextricable with the policing of blackness.
While slavery and colonization have long since ended in Canada it is clear that present day policing continues to echo many of the same historical themes that oppressed indigenous and black people back in the day. Police forces continue to play a role in protecting the interests of rich, white Canadians by attempting, often intentionally and perhaps sometimes subconsciously, to control and suppress indigenous and black people. There can be no doubt we have a long way to go before we have a fair, just and equal society with a police force that matches those values as well.
Add new comment
FOCUS Media Arts Centre (FOCUS) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1990 to counter negative media stereotypes of low income communities and provide relevant information to residents living in the Regent Park area and surrounding communities.
We seek to empower marginalized individuals and under represented communities to have a voice, through the use of professional training, mentorships and participatory based media practices that enable the sharing of stories, experiences and perspectives on relevant matters and issues. In brief our mandate is to empower marginalized individuals and under-serviced communities to have a voice and tell their own stories.
Recent Media
Regent Park Town Hall: Councillor Chris Moise Updates Residents on Key Issues
Regent Park Marks 34th Annual Sunday in the Park Celebration
Building Healing Pathways for Families: Inside Native Child’s Work in Toronto
We encourage comments which further the dialogue about the stories we post. Comments will be moderated and posted if they follow these guidelines:
The Community Media Portal reserves the right to reject any comments which do not adhere to these minimum standards.