Today, SAB honors the memory of Charanpal Gill, a @UBC alumnus (BSW, MSW) and legendary community organizer who passed away last week.
He was 84.
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He was 84.
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Born in Hong Kong and raised in India, Charan already had an MA in Punjabi when he moved to BC in 1967 and found employment at a sawmill.
Thirteen years later, he co-founded the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). 2/7
Thirteen years later, he co-founded the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU). 2/7
That same year, Charan also co-founded the British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism, which he served as president.
The BCOFR was instrumental in driving the Ku Klux Klan out of BC.
That's right, in the early 1980s, the KKK was terrorizing minority communities in BC. 3/7
The BCOFR was instrumental in driving the Ku Klux Klan out of BC.
That's right, in the early 1980s, the KKK was terrorizing minority communities in BC. 3/7
This is the last part of the speech Charan gave at the Ban the Klan rally that the BCOFR organized on April 4, 1981.
As far as we know, this is the first time it is being published anywhere.
"Unite the people! Isolate racists!" 4/7
As far as we know, this is the first time it is being published anywhere.
"Unite the people! Isolate racists!" 4/7
Then, in 1987, Charan co-founded the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (@PICSSociety), which he served as CEO until 2017.
PICS broke new ground in providing services to recent immigrants, offering much-needed programs and seniors' housing. 5/7
PICS broke new ground in providing services to recent immigrants, offering much-needed programs and seniors' housing. 5/7
Charan's many honors and awards include the Order of British Columbia, an honorary doctorate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, just to name a few. 6/7
Please join us in commemorating Charan's inspirational legacy and, most importantly, continuing his invaluable work.
Rest in power, Charan Gill ✊🏾
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Rest in power, Charan Gill ✊🏾
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