THE REVOLUTION BEGINS WITHIN

THE REVOLUTION BEGINS WITHIN (2020) is a limited-edition t-shirt fundraising project created in response to the events of 2020 – a global pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, and urgent uprisings occurring globally. The combination of these events propelled a call to action to combat the injustices faced by Black people and other racialized groups worldwide.

Made in collaboration between artist Kachely Peters, LIWI68’s Mark Stoddart, and the Doris McCarthy Gallery, University of Toronto Scarborough, this t-shirt edition was created as a reminder of the revolutionary work being done daily by artists, activists, individuals, and their communities, to destroy white supremacy and its systems. A reminder that committing to social justice is hard work, but also a radical act of love and compassion. When an individual’s growth is nurtured, it extends into their communities and beyond to the wider collective. It is the work of individuals who understand that the revolution must begin within themselves, that it propels them to act, and in turn, form safe communities that work to create collective, healing justice.

All of the proceeds from this t-shirt fundraiser are going to support TAIBU, a mission focused Community Health Centre located in the Malvern area of Scarborough. Recognizing that systemic oppression and Anti-Black racism has fostered conditions of ill-health within Black communities, TAIBU provides primary health care and community services for Black populations across the Greater Toronto Area as its priority population. TAIBU delivers their services through intersectional, equity based, and culturally affirming practices which promote holistic wellness.

-Kachely Peters

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Kachely Peters is a visual artist based in Toronto. A recent alum from the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Studio Art program, Kachely’s work spans across diverse media drawing, collage, painting, and sculpture. Delving into themes such as belonging, love, and the intimacy of experience, her recent works have taken a closer look at in-between spaces. Inspired by her sister, Kachely hopes to extend her wings into screen-printing in the future.

Mark Stoddart combines his passion for music and sports, with a consistent spirit of social activism and a life-long commitment to educate, empower, and unite. Born in the United Kingdom to parents of Jamaican heritage, he moved to Scarborough as a young boy. Mark’s career as a visual communicator, graphic designer and painter have spanned over three decades, and Mark continues to present a variety of works that illustrate the history of Black athletes, entertainers, and public figures. Mark studied formally through the Interpretive Illustration program at Sheridan College in Oakville.

ABOUT TAIBU

TAIBU Community Health Centre is at the forefront of the delivery of community health and social services to Black communities across the Greater Toronto Area. Their work aims to improve, promote and protect the health and well-being for Black populations through quality and culturally designed primary health care services and strategies.

TAIBU provides primary health care and related services for Black populations across the Greater Toronto Area as its priority population and residents of the local community of Malvern. Recognizing that systemic oppression has fostered conditions of ill-health with Black communities, they strive to deliver these services through intersectional, equity based and culturally affirming practices which promote holistic wellness, health education, and prevention. Over the recent years, TAIBU has been supporting the Indigenous communities in Scarborough under the Scarborough Indigenous Mental Wellness Advisory Council and has also implemented a specialized primary care and health promotion programs for Francophone communities of Scarborough.