Justin Trudeau: Prime Minister welcomes Masai Ujiri’s ‘Humanity’ art exhibit to Ottawa


Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said an art installation in Ottawa led by Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri is a reminder of the positivity and hope needed in the world.

Inspired by the legacy of former South African President Nelson Mandela, the art installation “Humanity” is made up of 35 words that reflect what humanity means to Ujiri.

Ujiri, also a co-founder of the Giants of Africa organization which provides basketball camps for boys and girls on the continent, first launched the art exhibition in 2021.

It was first unveiled at Toronto’s Union Station and also went on display at Pearson International Airport, before finding its final resting place in Ottawa’s Major’s Hill Park.

The 2.4 meter high circular sculpture uses light to create a ripple effect from the words carved into it, including ‘human rights’, ‘generosity’ and ‘unity’.

Trudeau and Ujiri appeared together Friday at an event to launch the facility in the capital, where the prime minister said humanity is about empathy.

“It’s about understanding that, however different the people in front of you may be in their background, in their history, in their religion and in their skin color, they are the same — with the same fears, the same hopes, the same desires of our children,” said Trudeau.


This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 8, 2022.