Bev Johnson: life time achievement award for social justice

Awards laud social justice advocates

Five winners fight for better world 'We are still seeing the same battles'

Nicholas Keung, The Toronto Star

April 22, 2006

Whether arguing for more civilian oversight of police services or trying to preserve heritage programs in the schools, Beverly Johnson has been on the front lines over a lifetime of advocacy work. But all too often, the 66-year-old activist has seen the same battles fought again and again.

When she learned that she would be among five recipients of a 2006 Social Justice Award - to be presented by Mayor David Miller at Toronto City Hall this afternoon - Johnson had to ask herself whether all Canadians are now valued as equals.

"What have I really achieved?" she wonders. "I'm not so sure, because we are still seeing the same battles.

"Social justice is achieved only when the most vulnerable of us is considered and put into the centre of things. As a society, we are as free, as democratic and as equal as the least of us."

Johnson became the Ontario Human Rights Commission's first intake officer in 1973, shortly after moving to Canada from Jamaica, and stayed in the role until 1990, when she was hired as the first human rights officer for the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

Her long resume also includes involvement with the Emancipation 150 Committee, Toronto Employment Equity Practitioners' Association, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Homeward Family Shelter and the Harmony Movement.

Khadija Uddin is the youngest recipient of this year's awards, which are sponsored by the Centre for Social Justice, the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto, and the Toronto and York Region Labour Council.

When the 17-year-old Grade 12 student returned to her Bangladesh birthplace for the first time in 2001, she was shocked to see "unimaginable" poverty.

Uddin began volunteering at the Regent Park Youth Council, the Danforth Environment Network, and the Regent Park Bengali Women and Families group. In 2005, she visited Ghana as a UNICEF volunteer to explore human rights issues.

"Social justice isn't just about combating genocide and racism. It's about fighting the day-to-day inequality around us," said Uddin, who hopes to become a doctor or lawyer in the developing world.

"This is just basic humanity."

Other recipients include:

Adam Chaleff-Freudenthaler, a member of the Toronto Youth Cabinet, who fought against corporate branding in public schools and led anti-war demonstrations as the founder of Stir It Up.

Barry Rieder, a community minister for the United Church of Canada and founder of the Jane-Finch Street Involved Youth Issues Coalition.

The Stop Community Food Centre, which has served the West Davenport community since the 1970s, organizing community kitchens and gardens, nutrition education and advocacy training.