The Town of Ajax has commended the Black student of a Pickering school whose tribute to his grandmother was replaced with a racist comment in the school’s yearbook.
“We commend you for your fearlessness and extend our best wishes on your birthday and your future endeavours. We have no doubt that you are a rising star,” said a certificate to Joshua Telemaque from Ajax Council signed by Mayor Shaun Collier.
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering had to recall the 2019-20 yearbooks after it was found that Joshua’s ‘RIP Grandma. Thank you for guiding me through my four years of high school’, was replaced with a racist reference.
It is not yet revealed who replaced the original quote. However, disciplinary action is promised after the investigation by both the school and the Durham District School Board.
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier yesterday tweeted: “Today, I had the privilege of meeting Joshua Telemaque, and presenting him with a 18th Birthday certificate from Ajax Council. Our community stands with him, and we condemn the racist act that occurred. Systemic racism is unacceptable and we must work together to combat.”
The certificate says: “We know that your hurting, but we also want you to know that you have a lot of people standing beside you and thinking about you today. The entire Ajax community is here for you and celebrating with you.
“All of us were deeply saddened to hear that your beautiful tribute honouring your grandmother in your graduating yearbook was deliberately manipulated with racist words. No one should have to face this malice and cruelty.
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