Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

  Windsor Celebrates the Launch of Dr. Howard D. McCurdy's Autobiography: A Legacy of Activism and Achievement Last week, the University of Windsor, in collaboration with Toronto poet George Elliott Clarke, played host to a distinguished book launch and signing event for "Black Activist, Black Scientist, Black Icon: The Autobiography of Dr. Howard D. McCurdy." The just-published work delves into the life of one of Canada's most influential figures in science, civil rights advocacy, and Canadian politics. Held in one of the university's expansive atriums, the event was a celebration of Dr. McCurdy's monumental contributions to academia, politics, and civil rights. As the first Black person to hold a tenure-track position at a Canadian university, achieved during his tenure at the University of Windsor, and the second Black elected to Parliament, Dr. McCurdy's life story is a tapestry of pioneering achievements. Brenda McCurdy, alongside writer/editor George

The Book That Had To Be Written And Now Has To Be Read Just in time for Christmas, the autobiography of Dr. Howard D. McCurdy has arrived at Canadian bookstores. Published some five years after the death of the founder of the National Black Coalition of Canada, "Black Activist, Black Scientist, Black Icon: The Autobiography of Dr. Howard D. McCurdy" is a book that had to be published and now must be read. Dr. McCurdy, the first Black tenured professor, a founder of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the person who named the New Democratic Party, and the second Black elected to Parliament, was working on the book when he passed away in 2018. Not ready for print, Toronto author and poet George Elliott Clarke stepped in to complete the story. I’m working with Toronto author George Elliott Clarke on his latest book, "Black Activist, Black Scientist, Black Icon: The Autobiography of Dr. Howard D. McCurdy" by Dr. McCurdy – George was Dr. McCurdy’s House of Commons

Ride the Night Train, July 31st for August 1 Emancipation Ceremony By Stephen Weir The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard – Senator from Nova Scotia (East Preston) is coming back to Toronto next week to blow the whistle on Toronto’s Underground. Back for the second time to help out with the annual July 31 st train ride, this year the senator will be the conductor. As the Conductor she will welcome over one thousand people onboard Toronto’s Underground Freedom Train, leaving Union subway station in celebration of Emancipation Day on July 31 st . The riders will be riding in a special TTC subway train on a non-stop ride to the Sheppard St West subway station. Senator Wanda Bernard The Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard – Senator from Nova Scotia (East Preston), recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia, and a highly regarded social worker, educator, researcher, community activist and social change advocate was a guest speaker last year at last year’s ride.