Dear Mississauga

CPOD Executive Director, Aundre Green, presented with award for Black Excellence in Business by the City of Mississauga.

  • Aundre Green
  • February 27th 2023

Dear Mississauga, 

30 years ago my family chose to come here. We chose to move from the hustle and bustle of the Keele & Finch (Downsview North) neighbourhood to a quiet corner of THE suburb we’d all heard of. From a place where I had many friends who looked like me, and understood me, to a neighbourhood where at the time I was one of only a handful of Black pupils in the entirety of Elmcrest Public School (1960-2016).

 

Yes there was racism, prejudice, misunderstandings, and of course, stereotypes, but this city changed; this city accepted and embraced; this city grew; this city evolved. It took time, but investments in its surroundings, and its culture have lead to the economic prosperity needed for this kind of evolution.

 

This is a city that took every opportunity (be it quick or painstaking) to build the best suburban transit system that Greater Toronto has ever seen, ensuring that as many as possible have access. Uniquely, every corner of this great city has a transit hub serviced by multiple bus routes, how can this not be a foundation for growth?

This is a city that encourages, supports and celebrates its diverse cultural identity in a way that harmonizes all its citizens towards its vision. Carassauga is still unmatched in its innovation in manifesting the civic pride that can only come through interconnected cultures and communities. 

 

SO, why is this important? What are some of the tangible benefits that this has created? My high school, Clarkson SS, and its annual cancer drive, is the proof. How can a high school raise $50,000 in one week every year through just the work of its teenaged students, if it did not have well funded surroundings, deep rooted cultural identities, and a community that wants to come together for a good cause?

 

Dear Mississauga, as I accept this award from you, I reflect on the many consultations, funded programs, and economic benefits that YOU, made possible. I wouldn’t be where I am if I lived somewhere else. As Black History Month 2023 comes to a close, I challenge every resident of Mississauga to continue to work we’ve done. To further build our surroundings, strengthen our institutions, and grow our cultural roots so that others with solutions and inputs can achieve.

Thank you,
Aundre Green,
Proud Resident of Mississauga