Who was Peter Madaka?
Peter Madaka was a dear friend, beloved teacher, and dedicated community activist who passed away at age 59.
Peter was a bright light with an infectious laugh and a warm broad smile, who was deeply committed to social justice and higher education. Born in Uganda-Busia, Peter spent five years in a refugee camp before coming to Canada in 1990 on a scholarship to Wilfred Laurier University, where he completed both a B.A. and a Masters in Political Science and then in 1998, he got a certificate in Refugee Studies at York University. He then worked as a teaching assistant in Political Science at Wilfred Laurier, and for a Sociology of Race course at McMaster University, before moving to Toronto to earn an advanced diploma in journalism from Centennial College.
In Toronto, he wrote for and helped edit, Share News, which serves the Black and Caribbean community in the GTA. For more than five years Peter was their expert on international politics and a specialist in African affairs. In spite of the challenges of making ends meet as a freelance journalist with a student loan and the barriers he faced as a Black immigrant with no family in Canada, Peter was a tireless volunteer, particularly on issues like increasing the minimum wage, fair voting, and strengthening tenants’ rights. He also served as the riding association executive of the Parkdale-High Park NDP and was a foot-canvasser during elections. His optimism and determination kept many buoyed during long campaigns.
In 2007, Peter became a part-time communications professor at George Brown College where he was greatly admired by both colleagues and students. He was described as humble, good-humoured and understanding. Peter continued to give back locally, volunteering for at least five years at Parkdale Project Read, a literacy program.
We are so lucky to have known Peter. In memory of Peter Madaka, his family and friends are pleased to establish a scholarship in his name. Donations to the Peter Madaka Scholarship will go directly to student scholarships and you will also be issued a charitable tax receipt.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Gabriella Goutam at the George Brown College Foundation at gabriella.goutam@georgebrown.ca or 416-415-5000 ext. 3289.
