I can't tell if President Trump is a racist or simply will say anything to get elected. But lets face it, many of his supporters are non-white. The message that resonated with them is the perceived loss of good paying, middle class jobs due to trade and the conjured up fear of immigrants - particularly those who don't look, sound or pray differently. This issue transcends race.

There is still much to celebrate for Black History Month in Canada. It is also a good time to take stock and focus on the work that still needs to be done. The repudiation by BLM of the Toronto Police force's participation in the Pride Parade was clearly a step backwards. And the apparent lack of engagement between some black communities and the police still needs patient relationship building. But all-in-all we appear to have a much more tolerant and respectful community than our American neighbors.