(Version published in the Hamilton Spectator: December 12, 2023)
By: Maria Antelo
As a newcomer to Hamilton in the early 1990s, my inspiration to work as a community developer came from people who continue to inspire me today.
When I felt there was nothing more to do, I looked to them as a source of strength, wisdom and experience. Their stories offered me guidance at difficult crossroads in my personal and professional life. There are many elders in Hamilton who work to make our city a just and equitable community. Here are a few who inspired me.
I met Marlene Thomas Osbourne when not a lot of folks dared to mention the “R word”: racism. A teacher and racial justice advocate, she put words to feelings that black people and people of colour needed to express. To this day, I look up to her and still feel the same inspiration to foster racial equality in Hamilton.
Later, while getting a diploma at Mohawk College, I met Sandi Bell. Until then I had never met a disability and racial justice advocate who generously shared knowledge and shaped the minds of many who now work for inclusion and equity in our city. I must also mention Nora Lopez, who fiercely advocates for migrants to welcome them to a community where they can belong.
These powerful women shaped my life.
With generosity and kindness, they taught me resilience in overcoming adversities, and that I could emerge stronger from them. Their wealth of experience and commitment to others showed me that fostering positive connections can make a difference in the lives of others.
Sally Palmer, professor emeritus at McMaster University, made me realize that nothing can hold you back when you dedicate your time, with genuine compassion, to pushing for reforms that benefit those in need. Thanks to Sally I have learned to persevere and raise awareness about social justice issues – how it’s possible to use your voice, to protest, to organize.
I also want to mention Sean Selway, who defended our city against predatory developers, and walked the streets of Hamilton supporting the rights of tenants. Young and old activists will remember him as someone growing older with convictions – and making a difference.
Dr. Gary Warner is another man who continues to promote inclusion and peace, and setting the groundwork towards the elimination of hate. I also think of Ken Stone, a veteran trade unionist, environmentalist and anti-war activist who in the company of his dog still marches the streets of Hamilton in his relentless will to promote peace.
Older adults have “been there, done that.” Policy changes that we enjoy today are often the result of lifelong efforts by those who came before us.
In today’s troubled world, we should look for this knowledge and experience with social justice struggles. Collaborations between generations can bridge gaps in perspective and promote empathy, solidarity and mutual aid. Mentoring can inspire future activists.
If we listen to the stories and experiences of seniors, we can learn powerful tools for raising awareness and igniting change. Storytelling can help humanize social justice.
Seniors in Hamilton have helped build inclusive and supportive communities where people from diverse backgrounds come together to address social justice concerns. They create the safe spaces for dialogue and collaboration, which are essential when you work for social change.
They work to preserve social, environmental, disability and racial justice, issues that have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities.
They continue to teach me the core of community organizing and the true meaning of grassroots efforts to mobilize and coordinate actions to address injustices.
Finally, I would like to honour the late Walther Cook and Wilamena McGrimmond, indigenous elders who generously shared the value of preserving traditions, knowledge and love for what gives us life: this land. And that we do not own this land, but rather the land owns us.
I honour all the elders in the city of Hamilton. Thank you for being my constant source of inspiration and strength.
Maria Antelo is a Board Member of the Hamilton Council on Aging. For more information about the Hamilton Council on Aging or to donate please visit Hamilton Council on Aging | (coahamilton.ca)
Click here for the Hamilton Spectator article.