Roy McMurtry Youth Centre Celebrates Black History Month

Local 290 at Roy McMurtry Youth Centre hosted a talk for youth on February 23rd to help celebrate black history month.  OPSEU President Smokey Thomas was among the guests who took the time to give a motivational talk to the youth people incarcerated at the facility who range in ages from 12 -20 years of age.   Joining Thomas were Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, Superior Court Justice Mike Tulloch, Commonwealth Cruiserweight champion and winner of 'The Contender' series Troy 'The Boss' Ross, and OPSEU member Terrence 'Kid Dynamite' Thomas. 

The guest speakers spoke of overcoming adversity in their own personal lives while in their youth before becoming successful adults. Smokey Thomas spoke about his own personal challenges growing up poor with few opportunities. Thomas said "As a teen I would never have imagined becoming President of one of the largest Unions in Canada, but getting a job as a registered practical nurse led me down this road."

The Roy McMurtry Youth Centre has most recently been in the media spotlight because of serious assaults and violence at the Centre. OPSEU represents more than 300 members at the Centre, which include youth services officers, cooks, nurses, maintenance staff, records clerks, social workers, psychometrists and front office staff.

Bruce England, President of Local 290, who helped to organize the event, thanked guests for helping shine a positive light on the institution. The event was also organized by the Canadian Emergency Services Boxing Association (CESBA) and its President, Barry Dolan. The law enforcement personnel of CESBA, including many OPSEU members, were in attendance to support youth who wished to get their lives back on track.

Special thanks goes to Ed McAndrew, Facility Superintendent, for giving the guests the opportunity to speak and making them feel welcome.