Durham Region's 'Black History Month scavenger hunt' sparks anger

Decried online as racist, the activity was developed by the region's Inclusive Durham Committee

Torontosun.com
Feb. 12, 2021
Bryan Passifiume

Durham Region has apologized after a poorly-conceived Black History Month-themed ‘scavenger hunt’ caused anger online.

And the Sun has learned the ‘challenge activity’ decried by many online as racist was developed by the region’s Inclusive Durham Committee, who in December were responsible for ordering the removal of a Second World War exhibit after deeming artifacts bearing the Iron Cross -- a contemporary German military emblem -- as ‘offensive.’

Author Desmond Cole shared the motivational exercise on Twitter on Wednesday, challenging region employees to ‘have a conversation with a Black employee,’ cook an ‘African meal,’ dance to a reggae song or photograph items in their homes reminiscent of Black history.

Several hours later, a region Twitter account replied to Cole’s tweet -- not to apologize -- but explaining their recognition of Black History Month “include opportunities for staff to learn more about Black history, culture and achievements.”

An apology came via a Thursday afternoon statement by Regional Chair John Henry and CAO Elaine Baxter Trahair.

“As part of Durham Region’s Black History Month initiatives, an internal challenge activity for Durham Region staff was a mistake,” the statement read.

“It has caused harm to our Black employees and community -- damaging the inclusive culture that we are trying to build. We take responsibility and we are committed to doing better.”

This isn’t the first time decisions by the Inclusive Durham Committee have drawn criticism.

In December, the Camp X exhibit that’s inhabited a display case at the region’s Whitby Headquarters for nearly a decade was ordered removed by the committee after artifacts from the Second World War spy training camp -- specifically those bearing the Iron Cross -- were deemed ‘offensive’ and ‘Nazi-related.’

A symbol dating to the Kingdom of Prussia, the Iron Cross was a symbol used by German militaries before, during, and after the Third Reich -- and continues to this day as an official emblem of Germany’s armed forces.