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Samuel Getachew

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Samuel Getachew is a resident of Toronto and is a regular contributor to <strong>TZTA</strong>, <strong>Generation Next</strong> and <strong> Leaders & Legacies </strong>(among others). He is the recipient of the City of Toronto's William P. Hubbard Award for Equity and Human Rights and was chosen by the Toronto Star as 'Person to Watch' in 2014.
Why Canada Needs to Speak About the Brutality Of Saudi Arabia's Migrant

Why Canada Needs to Speak About the Brutality Of Saudi Arabia's Migrant Workers

As Saudi Arabia curbs its vital but "illegal" migrant population violently this week to appease high unemployment, I cannot help but reflect on my moment with such destitute citizens a few years ago. Like almost all migrant workers everywhere including in North America, these people perform jobs that their own citizens would not dare touch.
11/13/2013 05:47 EST
By His Own Standard, Rob Ford Is Unfit To Be Our

By His Own Standard, Rob Ford Is Unfit To Be Our Mayor

Should we then be asking Rob Ford to fire Rob Ford? At the end the mayor called the alleged action of the employee "a complete embarrassment and a black eye on our city." While I await the investigation of that particular city employee, I am convinced that the mayor is a proven embarrassment to our city.
10/18/2013 12:35 EDT
The One Canadian I Admire And Will Celebrate

The One Canadian I Admire And Will Celebrate Today

For me, no one represents what International Day of the Girl Child intends to celebrate more than a young Canadian friend who is making a profound impact in the country of my birth. Hannah Godefa, only 15, exemplifies the best of what it means to be an international Canadian citizen.
10/11/2013 03:31 EDT
Why I'm Happy the NDP Was Defeated In Nova

Why I'm Happy the NDP Was Defeated In Nova Scotia

Like Bob Rae's accidental NDP government in Ontario that was also soundly rejected by Ontarians in 1995, the NDP in Nova Scotia became a government that was arrogant and incompetent. This was even truer when it came to justice and equality issues, particularly its treatment of children of African ancestry at a Dartmouth orphanage who have for years alleged sexual and physical abuse.
10/09/2013 05:40 EDT
Ruth Mathiang Uses Her Music to Advocate for

Ruth Mathiang Uses Her Music to Advocate for Good

At the yearly Afro FEST, Ruth Mathiang has been welcomed regularly and is one of the most anticipated artists year after year. She sings in a trio of languages -- in English, Arabic and Kiswahili -- and her audiences are always moved by the beauty and style of each of her songs.
10/07/2013 01:03 EDT
How TEDxToronto Became A Positive Force For

How TEDxToronto Became A Positive Force For Good

TEDxToronto marked its 5th anniversary at Koerner Hall at The Royal Conservatory of Music this week. Since its humble beginnings in 2009 -- the TEDx movement in Toronto has grown tremendously with a slew of impressive speakers and sold out crowds.
09/27/2013 12:16 EDT
The One Time University of Ottawa Student Killed in the Kenyan Mall

The One Time University of Ottawa Student Killed in the Kenyan Mall Attack

Mbugua Mwangi was a University of Ottawa graduate from Kenya. Two weeks removed from what would have been their wedding day, he and his fiancee became victims of the Westgate mall terrorist attack and lost their lives while shopping for a wedding ring. He decided to shield her with his own body and took a total of eight bullets and they both died instantly.
09/26/2013 12:24 EDT
Professor Jennifer Schulenberg Reflects On How To Improve Policing In

Professor Jennifer Schulenberg Reflects On How To Improve Policing In Ontario

Earlier this week -- a list of recommendations on how to improve the Ontario Police Complaints system was released in downtown Toronto. The initiative was made possible after University of Waterloo's Professor, Jennifer Schulenberg, received a Public Outreach Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. The professor reflects with me on some of the recommendations.
09/22/2013 01:32 EDT
Elitism, Arrogance and Lack of Democracy Will Destroy the

Elitism, Arrogance and Lack of Democracy Will Destroy the Liberals

The Toronto Centre nomination for the right to replace Bob Rae as a Liberal MP comes to an end this coming Sunday at a downtown public library. In the spirited nomination battle are three vastly different candidates vying to win the nomination. These candidates include the great community activist Todd Ross, the vibrant Diana Burke and the well accomplished Chrystia Freeland.
09/13/2013 12:22 EDT
How One Broadcaster Shortens the Space Between Canada and

How One Broadcaster Shortens the Space Between Canada and India

The McGill Law School graduate, noted broadcaster and blogger describes herself as having "lived at the intersection of Canada and India my whole life." Her legal career reflects her South Asian Canadian citizenry, as she has interned with a Supreme Court lawyer in New Delhi and worked with the Commission for the Walkerton Inquiry here in Canada.
09/13/2013 05:43 EDT
How Gladys Okine Is Changing Toronto One Family At A

How Gladys Okine Is Changing Toronto One Family At A Time

Gladys Okine is the latest recipient of the African Entertainment Awards for her humanitarian work. She shares with me her work in the community, the mission of the organization she leads in honor of her late mother and educates me on how we can all get involved to help her movement grow.
09/10/2013 04:06 EDT