BADC marks 25th anniversary with new book

The Black Action Defense Committee ( BADC), an advocate for the rights of Black Canadians, is celebrating a milestone this year.

Founded by the late Dudley Laws and Charles Roach, the BADC turns 25 years.

A commemorative book of short stories from community members about how BADC and its leadership have impacted families, friends and community is being developed for release on October 19.

The organization is seeking mini-autobiographies from community members for literary work on all the issues with which BADC dealt. The stories should be in themes of situations with police, immigration, institutions of learning, occupation among others.

According to a statement from BADC, the stories should be authentic, truthful, and instructive. “These experiences (good or bad) could be a gift to the community. This is for people who didn’t only have negative experiences in the system.”
It added that “the expression of inquiry will be: ‘What did BADC do for me?.’  Ten reasons have been identified as incentives for carrying this work forward.   Among the possible BADC’s narratives are:
A record of the role BADC played in Canadian history. BADC has done something unique in North America. Through persistently advocating for the creation of a particular body that investigates civilian death in police custody, the SIU (Special Investigative Unit) was formed. This carries historical importance because it was the first in the British Commonwealth.
An open door or lens for seeing issues that are affecting community.
A written legacy for research.
An ongoing document;  a document from which plays could be written.
A statement against racism; a document of linkage to bind the First Nation and our people.
The underlying foundation that supports the idea of BADC’s narratives should be, to increase the community’s sense of taking action, and increase their awareness that taking part in activities that are intended to achieve political or social change is something of value.
“Our young people need Rights of Passage that will invest in them, meaningfulness of responsibility for the decisions that set the course of their future,” the statement said.
Individuals that have stories about BADC are invited to write and submit them in 250 words or less, to: Email. blackactionstories@gmail.com;  or call: 416-656-2232 for further information.

Stories can also be mailed to Black Action Defense Committee at 944A St. Clair Ave. West Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1C8.