During a guest lecture to business students at Trent University on March 19, 2025, Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal used a racial slur that is offensive to Black people.
Mayor Leal later issued an apology to the students and, on April 8, issued a statement and an apology to the public.
The Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough has released the following statement in response to the incident.
At a recent Trent University business lecture, Mayor Jeff Leal was invited as a guest speaker. During his speech, he casually used an anti-Black racial epithet.
This use of a dehumanizing slur is a direct affront to Black people in Peterborough and beyond. As Mayor, he sets the tone for the city — and his use of that word sends a chilling message: that Black people are not welcome here.
Mayor Leal’s word was painful and harmful. By using such a charged racial slur, he normalized it, implicitly permitting others to spread similar contempt, disdain, and hatred — especially toward Black communities.
It is deeply troubling to see the leader of our city express such regressive, outdated values in today’s society. Hearing the recording of him saying the word so casually is proof that racism is far from behind us.
We are living in a time where overt racial slurs are resurfacing, emboldened by the divisive rhetoric spilling over from the politics of our southern neighbours. And it’s not just adults — children are being targeted with painful racial insults too.
To make matters worse, Mayor Leal attempted to downplay his word choice by claiming he was quoting someone else. But he wasn’t quoting — at best, he was paraphrasing. Even more troubling, he used the slur immediately after stating that it was no longer acceptable language, which indicates he understood it was inappropriate.
So, how did he go from discussing business to veering off-topic and using an anti-Black slur? His public apology only came after complaints were submitted — and even then, it took him three weeks to issue it. This delayed response feels more like damage control than genuine remorse. His reluctance to apologize speaks volumes.
Mayor Jeff Leal should resign.
The fact that he could say such a word aloud to a group of people reflects what he may be thinking and saying behind closed doors. What he says in public could very well mirror what he says in private. He does not have the right to use such a hurtful, harmful slur and walk away without consequence.
He should step down because he no longer represents the inclusive, diverse, and welcoming Peterborough we strive for. This is Canada. Racist language and behaviour have no place in our public institutions — especially not from the leader of our city.
There must be accountability. There must be consequences.
What Mayor Leal did was irresponsible and harmful.
The Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough (AANP) will be joining the Trent Central Student Association’s sit-in at City Hall on April 28th (5 p.m.) to stand against this injustice.
The N-word is degrading, dehumanizing, and alienating. Peterborough should not be associated with it. This is not the Peterborough we know or believe in.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Edwards & Charmaine Magumbe
Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough
The Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough is a non-profit organization that strives to raise awareness of the positive aspects of Black heritage and culture. It believes that self-education is the path to eliminating anti-Black racism and internalized racism.
