The “civil war” in the community of African descent in Edmonton has reached new heights at the steps of Edmonton Police Service. Some community leaders confirmed that they got calls from the police to confirm if they witness threats on a board member of the Africa Centre, during the last community engagement meeting.
The issue of threats and police involvement is a new level in the crisis that started as a sexual harassment investigation of the Executive Director, that has led to the firing of the Executive Director before the investigation ended, then escalated into accusations, backbiting, witch hunting, letters to the City to cut off funding to the Africa Centre, a board member resigning and coming back within hours, issues with bringing in of new members, auditing of the organization, and now police investigation from a complaint made by a board member on a community member.
Whoa! something is seriously wrong here with little hope of ending as all sides are bent on killing each other.
From the far reaching impacts of the Africa Centre in the community of African descent in Edmonton; with successful programs such as $25 per day day care for families who can not afford the high cost of child care, youth programs for youths in need of work experience or a job, mentorship program to guide young people, after school program for busy parents with multiple jobs, WrapEd for vulnerable people on the streets of Edmonton, you can only pray that the City will not look at the civil war in the community by people who do not use these services but will focus on people who require these services on a daily basis for their survival and to build a better life.
If City’s grants are cut off, the province and and federal government will also pull out their support and this successful experiment will become history. So what is the way forward in a civil war that does not show any sign of ending?
Well, I guess get rid of the warring factions, they are well paid professional who are not fighting for better programs but for things unconnected with the programs that the organization is suppose to be doing.
Hmmm but how and by who? This is the million Dollar question as there is clash of egos with no one willing to humble and seek peace. Threats especially after every article I write or any thing anybody say about this issues one faction or the other is ready and willing to attack. The elitist egoistic situation will surely play itself out and burn down the centre to its grave. I wish the reverse is true.
