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Neil McNeil and Notre Dame students spoke about racism at Toronto Metro Hall on May 29, 1997. The evening celebrated positive youth initiatives against Hate/Crime activities through speeches, art and music. The program was co-sponsored by the Metropolitan Toronto Police (Hate/Crime Unit) and Metro Hall (Access and Equity Centre). On June 2, 1997, Neil McNeil and Notre Dame students performed at the CASHRA conference held at the Metropolitan Hotel. It was hosted by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. CASHRA provides a forum for the discussion of human rights issues.
Time for Love
Throughout the Notre Dame and Neil McNeil community rests the understanding and compassion for ourselves and our neighbours. However, sometimes, there are moments when there are signs of hatred and lack of inclusion. No matter how hard we close our eyes and wish for it to disappear, segregation and cruelty will always be part of our lives. With this sad reality in mind, ND and Neil took it upon themselves to raise awareness of equality, friendship, respect and love.
After many practices and preparations, the Notre Dame/Neil McNeil Concert Band traveled to the heart of the city at Metro Hall on April 3rd, 1996. The schools performed some upbeat and symbolic songs, helping to raise awareness about national unity and pride. The Neil McNeil Jazz club Combo also performed songs that entertained, as well as informed the audience.
As well as music, Notre Dame and Neil McNeil also offered the exceptional talents of Eileen as MC for the night. Her friendly wit and openness helped set the mood as the evening progressed. There were also student speakers representing both schools. Neil McNeil's own "Cool Guy", Colin Oldman, gave a wonderful speech about being cool and how it's the little things in life that make it worth living. The fabulous Yana Aranda also gave a wonderful speech. With some misty eyes, the audience listened about Yana's travel and experiences from and around the world. Yana explained how it is easy to look beyond the nationalities of others and to accept them for whom they are inside.
To add icing to the cake, some wonderfully talented students from ND's choir sang "Love is..." This song was written by Mr. Ennio Paola, and is the new theme for Notre Dame 1996-97. This song explores the beauty and peace that love can bring. It is not always easy to express oneself with words alone. Love is everywhere.
On December 17, 1996, Notre Dame held an assembly to recognize the students involved in the Metro Hall event. Det. Dino Doria from Toronto Metropolitan Toronto Police Intelligence services: Hate/Crime Unit, presented Notre Dame with a plaque from Metro Council signed by Metro Council Chariman Alan Tonks. Mr. Paola accepted the plaque on behalf of the Notre Dame Community. Students involved in the programme "Celebrating Youth Initiatives against Hate-Crime Activities" co-ordinated by Mr. Paola received a Respect Certificate in appreciation for their positive initiatives in combating Hate Crime. 500 certificates of the 1,500 certificates given out across Toronto were received by students under Mr. Paola's direction.
Reyelle McKeever