Letter condemning intimidation and racism to Ward 14 Candidate Kojo Damptey

The Filipinas of HamOnt strongly condemns attempts at intimidation and racism-motivated vandalism of the campaign poster of Ward 14 Council Candidate Kojo Damptey along the corner of Upper Paradise and Mohawk Rd West in the Hamilton West Mountain around October 10, 2022.

These acts by white supremacists highlight the racism and prejudice directed towards Black, Indigenous and  racialized peoples in Canada and the systemic and institutional racism that embolden these deplorable acts, with perpetrators confident that they will not be held to account for their actions. 

Kojo Damptey, whose transformative work across different civic spaces in Hamilton is well-known and felt by the communities he works with and for. 

Not him, no one should be afraid and be at the receiving end of threats while exercising their right to participate in electoral politics and to run for political office. 

We are extending our solidarity to all Black, Indigenous and racialized community members and electoral candidates.

We reject all acts of racism, hatred, and discrimination and join communities, organizations and groups committed to creating safe spaces for Indigenous, Black and people of colour.

The Filipinas of HamOnt believes that our political system and our society as a whole will be better off if it is truly represented by diverse people who make up and work for everyone in our city.