City of Markham celebrates 3 Black trailblazers to mark Black History Month

Anti-Black racism training available to public online

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 23, 2023
Irene Wong

One of the most significant things about Black History Month in Markham is highlighting some of the City’s first-ever Black employees.

On Feb. 15, City of Markham acknowledged three trailblazers: Fire Captain Kevin Comrie (2001-current), Customer Service Representative Ira Davis (1987-current) and Fitness Program Coordinator Warren Watson (1985-current).

“We are very proud of the three trailblazers,” said Mayor Franks Scarpitti.

Three signs along with a short bio on these staff trailblazers and their photo will be featured at the Markham Civic Centre’s Great Hall throughout Black History Month.

The event was closed off with raising the Pan African flag at Civic Centre.

In 2020, the Markham council endorsed a Strategy to Combat Anti-Black Racism. Markham council and city staff also received training on anti-Black racism. The eLearning module “Let’s Talk About Racism” is also available to the public at markham.ca/LetsTalkAboutRacism.