From L-R, John Gaye, Judy Smith, Mike Chow
In a world where pro and anti Tesfaye division have led to a flurry of emails copying funders and partners of the Africa Centre. Where witch hunting, character assassination, petty gossips, and unconventional competition for opportunities has replaced conventional communication to a select few with questionable intentions. An information vacuum is being filled by gossips, emails spilling accusations back and forth, arrowing all over the place to share different angle, agenda, and perspective of the Africa Centre harassment investigation, with fake names, nameless and unidentified emails. In this state of confusion, the community and the public yearns for the status of the investigation and the way forward.
The Africa Centre board decided to engage the community on February 17, 2018, at Sands Inn Hotel, Edmonton in a community engagement meeting that saw over 50 community leaders from the major communities of African descent answering the call.
The meeting took place with heavy security that imposed their presence at the entrance before leaders were reminded of the rules of engagement; first warning, second, and then a security assisted walk out. Mike Chow and Judy Smith from the City of Edmonton were present as observers.
After a presentation from the board chair, John Gaye, the Acting Executive Director of the Africa Centre, Diane Conway, shared updates on the programs and projects, followed by the Chair of the Building Committee for the Africa Multicultural Centre, Barnabas Kiliwa, and then followed by a heated question and answer session.
The event was professionally facilitated by Barrister Idohu Ohioze, a Board Member of the Africa Centre, who made sure everybody who wanted to ask a question, asked their question, and every question, was responded to by him or the Board Chair.
Before the meeting went into high gear, Dawit Isaac, one of the leaders present, a co-founder of the Africa Centre, launched an attack on getting Diversity Magazine out of the hall, but was overruled by the Board Chair, who invited Diversity Magazine in the spirit of openness and transparency. As such, we can bring to you the truth and nothing but the truth.
The elephant in the room was the sexual harassment investigation of suspended Executive Director, Tesfaye Ayalew. The Board Chair, John Gaye, shared that the investigation has been extended to the end of March, 2018, and after the board receives the report, they will make a decision and share with the community. Due to confidentiality reasons, the community will not get a copy of the report, only the two parties involved in the investigation, Barrister Idowu clarified.
Barrister Idohu and John Gaye responded to many questions, including the terms and conditions of the contract of new accountant, and the transition of John Gaye from Acting Board Chair to Board Chair. Very little was asked by the community leaders of potential sexual harassment at the centre and steps that the centre has taken to prevent another investigation. Criticized by some for the way the issue has been handled, that did not stop supporters of the Board showering praise for their hard work and commitment to the centre.
The new community membership option at Africa Centre Board was another interesting aspect of the meeting that attracted lots of interest from the community leaders as Barrister Idowu patiently explained the different classes of memberships and how leaders could become members.
Diane Conway now triples as Senior Program Manager, Acting Executive Director, and Daycare Manager after the Daycare Manager resigned. She shared that the staff are worried about job security in the face of the current situation at the centre. She added that there are still spaces in the daycare for families who want to make use of this and many other opportunities that the centre offers.
At the end Diversity Magazine came under another attack, this time from Edith Sam, who was not comfortable with the openness and transparency with Diversity Magazine’s presence there to share the updates. Well, not withstanding, we will keep bringing you frequent updates about the centre and other diversity and inclusion stories in Alberta.
