A new book featuring Chatham-Kent as the backdrop for discussing racism and sports is set to be released this week.
The book, titled “On Account of Darkness: Shining Light on Race and Sport” will be published by British Columbia’s Tidewater Press.
Racist acts have come to the forefront recently in a variety of sports, including baseball and hockey, and author Ian Kennedy, who was born in Wallaceburg, believes we need to be having discussions about racism in sports.
“By looking at our history in this book, we can better understand why these issues continue today,” says Kennedy.
“In Canada, we’ve always portrayed ourselves as a welcoming and inclusive country, but inclusive for who? Our history says otherwise when you look at Canada’s contributions to slavery, segregation, residential schools, and the internment of Japanese Canadians.”
The book features stories of many local sports heroes including Fergie Jenkins, Bob Izumi, the Chatham Coloured All-Stars, Vicky Sunohara, Ed Pinnance, Mel and Herb Wakabayashi, Bill Sands, Eddie Wright and many more.
Specifically, Walpole Island First Nation takes a central role, as does Wallaceburg’s history as a Sundown Town.
“I was raised here and we have a history we need to acknowledge,” said Kennedy, who is also a writer for The Hockey News and Yahoo Sports, and locally founded the Chatham-Kent Sports Network.
“I hope this book sheds light on this history and sparks meaningful conversation and change.”
While the book uses the lens of sport to discuss racism, its appeal goes beyond sport. As Rogers Hometown Hockey host Tara Slone stated, “This book should live on every Canadian’s bookshelf.”
Canadian Olympian and First Nations woman Brigette Lacquette echoed the importance of the book. “On Account of Darkness is a book we can all learn from,” she said. “These are the truths that need to be heard across the globe.”
“On Account of Darkness: Shining Light on Race and Sport” is on sale now online via Chapters/Indigo, Amazon, and Tidewaterpress.ca. Locally, the book can be purchased in store at Turns & Tales (Chatham), Black Mecca Museum (Chatham), Buxton Museum (Buxton), The Book Keeper (Sarnia), River Book Shop (Amherstburg), the Amherstburg Freedom Museum and the Wallaceburg and District Museum.
Kennedy will be present at Turns & Tales in Chatham for a book signing and reading May 28 from 2-4 p.m., a public book launch party will take place at Sons of Kent, June 4 from 1-4 p.m., and an author talk and signing will happen June 11 at Buxton Museum at 1 p.m.
