The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe Episode 1 - Foreword by Dr. Stanley Doyle-Wood

Dr. Stanley Doyle-Wood provides some historical and theoretical context for our series and for the documentary, discussions, and subsequent episodes that follow.  

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe, Episode 2 -documentary ”A Killing in the Park”

The murder of a young Black man by members of a racist white gang in a city park during fireworks for the Victoria Day holiday in 2001 should have sent waves of shock and outrage through the mid-sized city where it happened.  And beyond. It was two years before anyone was arrested in the killing of Howard Joel Munroe in Victoria Park in Kitchener, about an hour west of Toronto. This is not a true-crime series.  This is an examination of the death of Howard Joel Monroe; a story that should be well-known across Canada...but is not.  

This documentary, originally produced in 2016, will introduce the story.  A Killing in the Park is based on original reporting and interviews by Paul Cross, with audio first gathered in the weeks and months following the murder.  

In the follow-up discussions, commentary, and historic audio, listen as Dr. Stanley Doyle-Wood and Cross analyze the issues, events, and story. Our intention is to do this in a way that honours the memory of Joel, and the strength and resistance of his family and friends. 

WARNING: The content of this story may be upsetting.  The language reported by people involved, and the descriptions given, as well as the substance of the story may be triggering. Please be advised. (Image: family photo of Joel Munroe, used by permission.)

 

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe, Episode 3 - background and commentary by Paul Cross

In this episode Paul Cross reflects on why he wanted to make the documentary A Killing in the Park and connects the persecution and murder of Howard Joel Munroe with historic oppression and erasure in what is now known as Waterloo Region. He also begins to examine the low profile in news coverage in view of aspects of media theory.

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe, Episode 4 - discussion

Dr. Stanley Doyle-Wood connects the murder of Howard Joel Munroe to other contemporary and historic cases, including a comparison with the murder of Emmett Till, in response to Paul's question in 2016 as to why the case "matters" these many years later.

The Erasure of Race: The Murder of Howard Joel Munroe, Episode 5 - Reclaiming the Sacred

Before continuing with discussion and analysis, we want to bring in a moment of reflection and reclamation. Stan and Paul visit the scene of the events in Victoria Park in Kitchener. We want to pause at the site in honour and memory of Joel; and Stan places a candle, shown in the photo, at the tree still standing close to the spot.

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe, Episode 6 - What to listen for in the Memorial service

Before you listen to the memorial service for Joel, held August 18, 2001 please listen as Stan connects historic and contemporary themes and issues with the messages you'll hear in the service. From August 10, 2021 as we look ahead to the 20th anniversary of the service. 

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe, Episode 7 - the Memorial Service

Nearly 20 years before our visit, a memorial service is held at the very place where Stan places a candle; at this tree still standing where Joel took his last steps. To our knowledge, this is the only audio recording that exists of the memorial service for Joel, held August 18th 2001.  Reverend Winston Thompson officiates. The photocopied hand-written program notes shown in the image below include reference to the tribute to be given later in the ceremony by Dudley Laws of the Black Action Defence Committee.  Joel's sister Vanessa reads from scripture; Joel's friends who were with him address the gathering. Listen for the sound of the park maintenance machinery that passes close to the ceremony. 

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe, Episode 8 - Memorial Service follow-up discussion

From August 17, 2021 on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the memorial service for Howard Joel Munroe.  Stan asks Paul about his memories of the experience of attending the service. Discussion connects the themes and calls to action that are heard in the service with recent and deeper history, and with contemporary issues and events. 

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe, Episode 9 - preview to interview with Joel’s sister Vanessa

Before listening to the full interview with Joel's sister Vanessa Simon, please listen to the preview discussion with Stan and Paul as they identify some points to consider during your listening.

The Erasure of Race: The murder of Howard Joel Munroe, episode 10 - interview with Joel’s sister Vanessa Simon

Joel's sister Vanessa Simon speaks with Paul following the memorial service on August 18, 2001 at Victoria Park in Kitchener.  At this time there have been no arrests, three months after the murder -- which happened at a public event in the park, with hundreds of potential witnesses.  The full interview is heard here.