BC Black History Timeline
Michael Regis is a graduate of Seneca College Liberal Arts Diploma in Humanities, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, York University, Honours Double Major, History, Law and Society, and now holds a M.A. Dispute Resolution. University of Victoria, School of Public Administration.
In his spare time Michael has managed a fast-paced manufacturing team environment which involved the management, supervision and development of a 30-person production crew, Environmental Auditor and Consultant for the Toronto District School Board, Media and communications consultant for Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and has been the Human Rights Education Volunteer Coordinator at the Equity and Human Rights Office, University of Victoria.
In completing his Masters, Michael conducted numerous focus groups and interviews with various Greater Victoria ethnic communities including Muslim, Chinese, African, Caribbean, Black and Indigenous Peoples on behalf of the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee (GVPDAC). Through this partnership, he provided research-based recommendations to the Committee and the Greater Victoria Police to help them build cultural awareness and trust with the diverse communities of Greater Victoria.
Today Michael is going to talk about this research project, the methodology and how his research is being used today. His thesis: “Policing in Greater Victoria: A Study in Addressing the Gaps in Engaging Greater Victoria’s Diverse Communities“
Officer Davindar Dalep has been a police officer for 20 years; all of his experience has been with the Oak Bay Police Department. He was a volunteer police reserve constable for 4 years with Oak Bay prior to his full time employment. Some of the sections that he has worked in are: School Resource Officer, Community Liaison Officer and Homicide investigations.
Officer Alex Omoding has been a police officer for approximately 8 years. He initially worked with the RCMP and then applied to the Oak Bay Police Department. Alex previously worked in a special unit in plain clothes with police officers from other agencies for approximately 2 years. Alex is currently on general patrol and he is the designated Acting Sergeant in a platoon.
Both officers participate in the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee as Oak Bay department representatives.
Image: Photographer Beth Cruise, ©BC Black History Awareness Society, all rights reserved
The Society promoted this event put on by the UVIC Office of Community-University Engagement. “A Queer Trial“, written by University of Victoria professor Dr. Jennifer Wise, celebrates the sensational trial of an unsung hero of Victoria’s gay history—on the very site where the trial took place, Bastion Square.
The play tells the real-life story of John Butt, an openly gay man who in 1860 was acquitted of sodomy charges by two successive juries—the first of which preferred to spend a night in jail themselves sooner than agree on a conviction. One of the jurors in the second trial (that also acquitted Butt) was Peter Lester, one of BC’s early pioneers, real estate investor and a business partner of Mifflin Gibbs.
“We’re going to be taking this beautiful message of tolerance and humanity right into the heart of the community.” says Wise. “As we celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary this year, this play highlights an important part of our history and reminds us about how essential this message of tolerance is in our world today.” Jennifer Wise
To mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, commemorative events were held at the Victoria Armoury on Bay Street. The Society’s display featured Pte. Robert Burt Gilbert who joined the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles in Victoria and was with the 103rd Battalion at Vimy Ridge in 1917.
The Society promoted this event put on by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Leila Sujir wrote and directed this film. It is a moving portrait incorporating interviews, family footage and archival materials to recount history through the eyes of Jackson’s two grandmothers, Rosemary Brown, (1930-2003) and Ruth Horricks-Sujir, (1925-2015). The documentary was intended as a time capsule for Jackson, their grandson, who at the time was 7 years old.
In partnership with Metro Theatre. “Just an Ordinary Lawyer”, performance and songs by Tayo Aluko, Nigerian-born actor, singer and playwright, based in Liverpool, UK. This was a one-man show about Tunji Sowande, who left Nigeria to study law in Britain and who in 1968 became the first Black head of a major barrister’s chamber.
The City of Victoria proclaimed November 18, 2016 as Mifflin Wistar Gibbs Day to commemorate his election to Victoria City Council in 1856.
Guests gathered at Victoria City Hall to welcome Mifflin Gibbs back to Victoria; he was here on a book tour to promote his book “Shadow and Light”, self-published in 1902. Gibbs was portrayed by local actor/play-writer Justin Carter, who delivered a compelling and entertaining performance recounting Gibbs’ time here in Victoria. The event included a reception hosted by the mayor.
The “book tour” was co-sponsored by the BC Black History Awareness Society, Victoria City Council and the Community Anniversary Grant from Heritage Canada.
Image: Justin Carter portrays Mifflin Wistar Gibbs ©BC Black History Awareness Society
This workshop was led by Sylvia Mangue Alene, Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resources; postgraduate diploma in Intercultural Education, Director, BC Black History Awareness Society. In 2017 Sylvia was elected President, BCBHAS.
This workshop focuses on the management of social interactions with diverse people in everyday life. As a human resources specialist, Sylvia seeks to create models of diversity in the area of human resources that can be used by organizations seeking a more just and equitable workplace.