Replay: Is Hamilton less racist, more inclusive since the Hindu Samaj temple fire?
Join us live on Facebook Thursday as we explore what the fire meant to the city, what has been accomplished and what remains to be done.
Join us live on Facebook Thursday as we host a panel discussion on racism and diversity in Hamilton
It was early Sept. 15, 2001 when arsonists destroyed the Hindu Samaj Temple, triggering a widespread effort to fight racism in Hamilton and make the city more inclusive.
Fifteen years later, some say the city has fallen short of its goals.
CBC Hamilton will host a Facebook Live event on Thursday to examine how Hamilton has done in those efforts. We'll explore via a panel discussion and your questions and comments what the fire meant to the city, what has been accomplished and what remains to be done.
The panel is as follows:
- Matthew Green. Hamilton's first black city councillor. Green says pockets of right-wing extremism are popping up locally. He has also been critical of police and their practice of street checks.
- Javid Mirza. Former president of the Muslim Association of Hamilton. The Mountain mosque was vandalized the same night as the fire, and the culprits appeared to be targeting Muslims.
- Evelyn Myrie. Diversity consultant. She says Hamilton's leaders are still mostly white and visible minorities are largely shut out of boards and agencies. Myrie was involved in the Strengthening Hamilton Community Initiative after the temple fire.
