Equality Forum / Forum sur l'égalitéParticipants at the CUPE equality forum enjoyed live music, discussed equality issues past and present and recharged for the struggles ahead.

The equality history project, a yearlong project from the Equality Branch was presented during the evening. The project is a digital timeline of CUPE’s equality achievements since our foundation in 1963.

National Women’s Committee Co-Chair, Sheryl Burns and Chérie Thomas, the Quebec Pink Triangle Committee, presented highlights of CUPE equality breakthroughs.

During the evening, the participants explored in small groups some of the stories they learned about and discussed the kind of CUPE equality activism stories they we would like to be hearing 10 years from now.

They also discussed how members could continue this work into the future.

Based on the human rights victories envisioned by CUPE members, graphic facilitator and illustrator Sam Bradd created a ‘future’ to the equality timeline.

Throughout the forum, cultural workers brought music, poetry and art on social justice and labour history.

The cappella trio Asani who blend Aboriginal musical traditions with contemporary sounds of jazz, folk and blues inspired the audience.

Musicians and educators Ndidi Cascade and Kia Kadiri used hip-hop, spoken word, dance and other creative arts to bring their empowerment message.

Delegates can explore the digital equality timeline online or by visiting the Convention village where computer stations and screens allow them to travel through the timeline in more detail.