James Baldwin once wrote: “To be a negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.” His words continue to ring true. As we navigate a global pandemic that disproportionately impacts Black communities across the province, we are asked to justify our calls for culturally responsive resources. We are told that we do not have sufficient proof that our bodies are those primarily on the frontlines. And when we call for race-based data collection to prove what we all know is true, our request is denied, implemented only voluntarily in public health units that may see value in protecting our lives. These are only some examples of what anti-Blackness looks like in Ontario in 2021. And this is why Black leadership matters.

Laura Mae Lindo, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, is a respected activist and educator who holds both a Masters and PhD in Education. Her commitment to building inclusive communities both within and outside of educational environments is grounded in her knowledge of how to put anti-oppression theories into practice. Laura Mae is a knowledgeable advocate for the rights of women and girls, a respected ally to marginalized community members, and, most importantly, a courageous public speaker on issues often left unaddressed in the mainstream. Laura Mae is the Official Opposition Critic for Anti-Racism, and Citizenship and Immigration. The Leader of the Official Opposition appointed her as Chair of Official Opposition’s first Black Caucus, to collaborate with Black communities and allies to address systemic anti-Black racism in Ontario.