By Neil Armstrong
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| Photo contributed Louis March, founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement, speaking at an event. |
There are many epithets being used to describe the late community stalwart Louis March, 68, who died at Sunnybrook Hospital on July 20 after a brief illness. They include “a great soldier,” “a torchbearer,” “a very committed, kind, passionate, Afrocentric and tireless leader,” and “an advocate for youth.”
But March, who was born on August 1, 1955, in England and spent part of his childhood living in Spanish Town, Jamaica, and attending St. Jago High School before coming to Canada in his early teens, was so much more in the eyes of those who knew him.
For over 30 years, he volunteered in the African Canadian community, focusing on social justice and youth advocacy in organizations including the African Canadian Heritage Association (ACHA), Young and Potential Fathers, now Ujima Fathering Centres, the Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride committee, and Black Students Union, George Brown College.
Having previously worked in the financial services industry, he graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University, in the public administration and governance program in 2017 and pursued further studies there in 2018.
In 2013, March founded the Zero Gun Violence Movement (ZGVM), a collaboration of 40-plus GTA organizations, agencies and programs, addressing structural and socio-economic conditions contributing to gun violence.
Working in a volunteer capacity, he was the director initiative to reduce gun violence in the city.
“The intention is to help build healthier communities for all, and ultimately save lives via a city-wide collaboration of organizations, agencies and programs. I have decided to put my professional business career on hold, so that I can dedicate my full attention to the ZGVM,” said March on his LinkedIn profile.
Dwe, an artist and a friend of over 40 years, met March in the 1980s when they both worked in the financial services. Over the years, their families followed a similar path of moving from apartment to apartment until they bought their homes. Dwe and March were even on the same basement team, Ashanti Gold.
He said March was one of the first to buy his paintings. “We hung out at Louis’s basement every Friday for over ten years straight, that was the meeting place,” said Dwe, noting that they discussed every possible topic at these sessions.
Describing March’s house as being like a museum and library celebrating Black culture, he said they often discussed their philosophy that children learn through play so adults who could afford to go to school should learn through socializing. As a result, a game of dominoes became a roundtable discussion, and they exchanged many books because March insisted that everybody should read.
“We’ve lost a great soldier; he’s going to be missed. It’s going to be hard for anyone to fill that slot. He was dedicated 250% to what he was doing.”
Dwe said Black children needed reassurance that they can achieve greatness and March constantly provided that in the community.
“Somebody had to pick up the torch and go with it and that man was Louis. He marched in the right direction for us and it’s up to us now to keep marching in that direction.”
Nzinga Walker, a neighbour and close friend of the family, said March was a tireless leader who was determined to pursue the things he believed in, but she also knew him as a family man who looked out for others, and their families would have dinners together.
“He was a very kind person, when he saw the opportunity to fulfill a need he didn’t hesitate if that’s something he had the ability to do,” Walker said, noting that they always engaged in robust political discussions and had strong differing views on many occasions but always centred the community.
Adisa Oji, chief of Mother Africa's Children Photographic Reproductions International (MACPRI) and founder of the Made in Africa Awards movement, who is based in Ghana, said among the final things they both shared before March was hospitalized was the support of Zero Gun Violence Movement for his work in Ghana.
March purchased red, black and green (RBG) products for gift giving, supported its flag fundraiser production campaign, and sponsored an associated venture.
“My love for Brother Louis is eternal. There were times I was flat broke, no money for the next day. And I would reach out to Brother Louis and on the dime, he would say something like put together a $200 package for me.”
Oji said it was never about the money, but it was March’s heart that touched him. “When I heard the news, I sobbed—not because I was sad—but because of the tenderness of our relationship. It is still real, journey well Big Brother Louis and as his parting words often in or regular voice and text messages [say]: ‘We still have a lot of work to do.’”
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| Louis March addressing those gathered for the Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride at Union Station |
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| A section of the crowd gathered at the annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride. On July 31, 2024, at 10:00 p.m. everyone will be gathered at Union Station to make the journey to Downsview Park subway. It wraps up at 12:30 a.m. on August 1, Emancipation Day. |
Community advocate Kofi Sankofa described March as a Pan Africanist, Garveyite, community builder and mobilizer.
“In my last conversation with Baba Louis, he wanted to get Sankofa birds to award community leaders at the upcoming Underground Freedom Train Ride, July 31-August 1. He also wanted to unify various community organizations. Baba Louis March was always bringing community together. He was our historian and community elder. We will continue your work and be inspired every time your name is called as our ancestor,” he said.
Blackhurst Cultural Centre, organizer of the annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride with which March played a major role, posted on its Facebook page: “It was a privilege to have walked with Louis in this life. Sending lots of love to the family at this time. Louis carved out a big place in our hearts and in the City of Toronto. May his spirit forever live in our stories and memories.” It will hold an event to honour him at the Centre on July 26.
Dave D’Oyen, a student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University, organized an Emancipation Day March in Toronto on August 1, 2020, which Louis March championed.
“Brother Louis is one of my biggest supporters, in advocacy and in education. When I was worried about the turnout for the Emancipation Day March, he would say, “No matter who turns up, even if it’s 10, we will march like 10,000.” He readily shared information about scholarships to ensure I had funding for my legal studies. He would remind me I am one of his biggest investments. Brother Louis has served young people, Jamaicans and the wider Black community, and this country well. He saved many souls, and his legacy requires that we continue his work.”
Michael Charles, a former president of ACHA, said March always found time to create a balance between his family and the community.
“He was a very loving man, love for his family was paramount, to his son, to his wife, and to his extended family,” Charles said, noting that March’s work for the African community was his lifework.
Lindis Collins-Bacchus, a member of ACHA, said March was always very committed and was their communications person who went all over Toronto.
“He used to bring a lot of people to the program because he was out and about even before Zero Gun Violence. People already knew Louis very well, but he also seemed to have a bigger agenda. He actually found his niche in the Zero Gun Violence, I think, because he loved helping young people and got more and more committed to helping the young people who were in trouble.”
Collins-Bacchus said March would always purchase merchandise from vendors at events to support them whether he needed the items or not.
She said March was a dedicated Garveyite, strong in his Afrocentricity, and a great financial person. ACHA has never forgotten the professionalism he demonstrated in managing the funds of the 55-year-old organization — something she said has contributed to the longevity of the organization. March left a good management history and legacy with the program.
March is survived by his wife, Wendie; son, Troy, his two brothers Adrian and Trevor, and his 91-year-old mother, Alecia March-Aitcheson.
Plans are being made to have two events: a private funeral attended by the family, and a community celebration of thanksgiving — an “aseda” (meaning gratitude in the Twi language) — to be held on Sunday, August 25, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto. Registration details are on Eventbrite.
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| A section of the gathering at Blackhurst Cultural Centre on July 26, 2024 |
The Louis March Tribute event at Blackhurst Cultural Centre on July 26, 2024
Photo credit: Sophia Findlay Louis March and Neil Armstrong at the launch of the book, Welcome to Blackhurst, at Blackhurst Cultural Centre
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