A Mississauga man who fought for Black children will be honoured in Peel Region and will be remembered as a “warrior, friend, brother and mentor.”
Kola Iluyomade, who was born on the 11th June 1965, died at the age of 56. Kola has Nigerian roots and left behind a wife and two sons.
Kola was a parent, a community leader and an activist. He was one of the founding members of Advocacy Peel, an outfit that describes itself as a grassroots multicultural organization led by parents that was founded in response to the “discrimination, pain and suffering” of children of African descent who attend schools in the Peel District School Board (PDSB). He was an advocate of children and young persons.
Kathy McDonald, one of trustees for the Peel District School Board representing Brampton’s Wards 3 and 4, said Iluyomade made a real huge difference in the community.
“Not only the Black community, but also the Peel Region lost a true social justice champion. Kola was unapologetically African and he fought tirelessly for individuals and the system to recognize and see the humanity in African, Black and Caribbean children,” she said.
Kola died just before he had the chance to begin his responsibilities as a graduation coach by the board.
Politicians, friends and allies were full of praise for Kola who worked to disrupt systemic anti-Black racism in the educational system. His voice and passion were evident in all the avenues where he drove his ideologies about social change. He would also speak at rallies and community events. Kola held child welfare, policing, the courts and unions accountable.
“He held everyone to account when you harmed Black children. It’s not ironic that he fell ill when actually fighting for and advocating for Black children. That was his life’s work. He will be well missed,” McDonald said.
“He was at all tables, advocating for change,” she added.
Idris Orughu, a community organizer, said Iluyomade was a “consummate” activist.
“Kola was a fearless fighter. His voice was loud. He was a mirror to all of us. It didn’t matter if you were Black or white. If you were on the side of the oppressors, he would call you out,” Orughu said. “He didn’t pick sides. He only stood for the truth. There were quite some people who thought he was controversial, but I knew he wasn’t.”
“He was an absolutely brilliant mind. He was a proud African. We wore that and allowed everybody to see that. He was always a brother to count on,” he added.
Colin-Winston Derek Browne, a friend and a member of Advocacy Peel, said Iluyomade was “Superman” to him.
“Kola meant a lot to the Black community in Peel,” he said. “We at Advocacy Peel think of him as a brother. Kola is many things. He’s a mentor, father, all around advocate.”
“He stood up for the rights of Black children at the PDSB when everybody else at the board thought it was not necessary to think or to even bother with Black students. I strongly believe Kola gave hope to Black students in PDSB and that’s why I call him Superman,” Browne added.
Iluyomade spoke whenever he could and he spoke about the Black experience and “how it’s not a game, not a story, it’s actually real,” Browne explained. Iluyomade also offered solutions as to how to cope with being Black and living in Peel, he added.
