Go on angels wings. Sleep, knowing that you have made a difference in the lives of many. Charles Roach – Lawyer.Activist.Advocate.Poet.Artist.Musican ~ Afro-Canadian Giant.   1934-October 2, 2012

Reflections:

There is much that we as youth can learn from the life of this exemplary Afro-Canadian, this man was uncompromising in his beliefs. He fought long and hard even in the face of numerous defeats and terminal illness, he insisted on being present for every step in defence of his cause.  Reminds me of a Winston Churchill quote I recently came across, “Success is going (fearlessly) from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm“. If that is the true measure of success then Charles Roach is the greatest representation of SUCCESS in the Afro-Canadian community up to present time.

Never sacrifice your beliefs because it is not popular. Again, Mr. Roach set the bar high in this regard, he did not have the support of the majority, truth to be told, many who will laud him now that he has passed wanted nothing to do with his cause.  Nevertheless, he kept right on going, holding strong to his beliefs even through major illnesses until he took his last.

‘If you don’t STAND for something, you will FALL for anything’. Again, another old adage, but none more apt as a description of this stalwart. He was uncompromising in his beliefs even to sustaining significant personal and professional losses and missed opportunities. Roach made no effort to hide his beliefs, in fact he was daring and bold in making them public knowledge and doing whatever it took to ensure that those beliefs were widely known. Principles and values were the cornerstone of his existence, manifested in his many human rights cases and participation in initiatives that sought to ensure equality and representation for minorities.

The Community has truly lost a beacon, but we have gained a legacy upon whose shoulders we can feel proud to STAND.

RIP, Mr Roach. You have used your time on this earth well, now sleep, sleep in the bosom of Abraham.