Hey Twitterverse! In addition to Sandy & Nora returning tmrw…allow me to gush abt this project I’ve been working on @BLM_TO . Let me first say how *grateful* I am that this project is finally being released to the world. #cdnmedia #canlit #cdnpoli #BlackLivesMatter /1 
Just over five years ago a number of us in Toronto embarked on a local mobilization project that began as a singular demonstration one cold winter night in late 2014 & became a significant voice in the international movement for Black lives. /2
We had no idea the impact we wld make. The success of our work is testament to our unwavering commitment to community engagement, reflective organizing, careful & strategic planning, a resolute commitment to public organizing & organizing from a place of love for Black people /3
Somewhere in the midst of those years it became clear to us that it would be irresponsible if we did not properly document our story. In thinking of ways that we could do that, we were offered the opportunity to write a book by @UofRPress as part of the Black Studies Series. /4
We thought hard abt what to write. A memoir of our experiences? An organizing manual? A theoretical articulation of our principles? We ultimately decided to embark upon this project in alignment with the principles that guide our organizing...Black Canada should write itself. /5
Someone once said to me that the most radical thing you can do when you have power is to relinquish & disseminate it to others who are marginalized in power. The most radical thing you can do with the ability to speak is to elevate other marginalized and invisibilized voices. /6
What a difficult, lofty project. I don't think myself, @syrusmarcusware or @rodneydiverlus as editors knew what we were getting into. It was difficult work. But this is what we have always done, and it has always been difficult work. Nothing about justice work is easy. /7
We delayed the release of the book over a year to ensure that we did it with the integrity and intention that it deserved.
And we did it. We put together a project where different manifestations of Blackness in Canada wrote themselves. /8
And we did it. We put together a project where different manifestations of Blackness in Canada wrote themselves. /8
This is the work of visual artists and dancers and teachers and scholars and writers and mothers and fathers and people who have connections all over Canada and all over the globe. This is the work of @RavynWngz, @SarahJama_, El Jones, @policingblack, @OmiSooreDryden, /9
...@gilaryPmassa, @SilviaArgentin4, @janaya_khan, @Queen_Tite, @OsopePatrisse, @afrofuturist, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Giselle Dias, Dana Inkster, Dr. Naila Keleta Mae, Randloph Riley, and @paigelinaG. /10
This book is the result of some looong-ass days, late late nights, more than a few sleepless long weekends, arguments, laughter, phone calls on phone calls on phone calls, editeditediting, tears, at least one concussion, and a commitment to making sure these stories are told. /11
What a wonderous, magical thing to be a part of. I feel eternally grateful to all the people who are responsible and contributed to this project and helped to put Black Canada into words. /12
The book is released on Feb 1. If you want to preorder di ting, please support @ADFRNTBooklist, a Black-owned bookstore in Toronto and order here: adifferentbooklist.com/?searchtype=ke… /13
See you Sunday, Feb 9, Toronto. If you miss me and wanna see me, come through to the launch at Lula Lounge at 12 p.m. I'm only in town for a hot second -- I got class on Monday 🤡🙃🤓🤪 /fin.
