BY PAUL JUNOR
Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia on Tuesday, February 24th, 2022, there has been much international attention on the discriminatory and racist actions of minority groups. It has been deeply troubling and upsetting to see how Black students from Africa have been treated as they tried to escape the horrors of the invasion.
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) penned a letter on Saturday, March 12th, 2022; to draw attention to the mistreatment of Black people in Ukraine as the war escalates. The FBC was created in 2017. It is, “As a national, non-profit organization, driven by Black organizations across the country.” Its mission is to, “Advance the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent.”
One of the four core values of FBC is, “Caring in the well-being of all within our African Diaspora family mosaic.” The letter reads, “No one wins in war. Nothing justifies the loss of lives and destruction of properties.” The letter describes the millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia as refugees.
It continues, “Even more devastating at this urgent time of war was the images and devices of Black and other people of colour being hindered from fleeing the country. We echo the sentiments shared by Obsidi, united we stand for EVERYONE in Ukraine. It is extremely sad to see that war and racism are still prevalent in these times. We ought to provide unity, not segregation. So, as we advocate for help to be provided in Ukraine, we are advocating for EVERYONE regardless of skin colour or race. It is our wish and hope that peace will reign and that EVERYONE is protected and safe.”
In order to help the Black refugees who are fleeing Ukraine a GoFundMe campaign was launched by the Coalition of African and Black Organizations. It is titled, “Support Vulnerable Black people in Ukraine: Black Diaspora & Students.” The campaign states, “Many members of the Black community are denied access to trains, buses and even just the possibility of crossing the border. We see Black mothers and babies, children, youths, and international students pushed and denied safety. Many reports show that while Neighbouring countries welcome Ukrainian refugees, Africans have been denied safety. We are creating this fund to support vulnerable Black people in Ukraine trying to escape this horror. We are joining forces with community members in Ukraine including Vukile Dlamini, a young Black woman heavily affected by this.”
Information about her can be found at https://time.com/6151294/ukraine-evacuation-stranded-kyiv/. The funds generated will go towards paying for relocation fees, food, warm clothes, and blankets, heating pads, phone lines/cards for people who desire to reach family members.
As of Saturday, March 19th, 2022, approximately $104,202 was raised. Anyone interested in updates or donating to the can check the GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/31bd00ab.
