OUR TEAM

Demar is admitted to practice at the Bars in Ontario, Alberta and Jamaica. Demar completed his studies at the University of the West Indies, University of Technology, Norman Manley Law School and University of Toronto.

During this time he was no stranger to community work, being involved in a number of human rights litigation and administrative law matters. This foundation shaped what would become of his legal practice. Until his appointment at BLAC, Demar represented the interest of Black families and community organization at Coroner’s Inquests.

Demar is excited to bring his vision for a responsive, accountable, and stable Black Legal Action Centre. He believes that the clinic, together with other community organizations, has the ability to continue reshaping the law for the benefit of our community. His unrelenting resilience in the face of adversity and reliance on the strength of his team is what he hopes will take BLAC to the next level in fighting against racial injustice in Ontario.

Danette attended Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002. She acquired broad legal experience in the clinic system, the provincial government and in the private sector. She has extensive litigation experience and has argued cases before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal. She has appeared before various administrative tribunals, such as the Social Benefits Tribunal, Social Assistance Review Board, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

In her role as Legal Director, Danette brings her passion, skills, and experience to assist in empowering community. Fundamentally, Danette believes in Dr. Walter Rodney’s vision of a unified Black people and is therefore committed to building alliances across Black communities to combat anti-Black racism.

Shevaun Pierre (she/her) is the Intake Coordinator/Paralegal at the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC). She is a graduate of Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Prior to joining BLAC, she worked in the Provincial Offences Court, Court Services and Prosecutions departments. Shevaun has sat on the Property Standards and Animal Services Appeal Committee and the Youth Justice Committee of the Boys and Girls club in Durham Region.

Shevaun has participated in discussions regarding anti-Black racism in literature and has worked towards amplifying Black voices in literature.

Shevaun is committed to community, equity, and diversity and working towards combating anti-Black racism in Ontario.

Alana C. Weekes is a Paralegal and Intake Coordinator, dedicated to empowering Black communities, through education and advocacy.
Born and raised in Barbados, Alana’s passion for community service and outreach began there, where she led mentorship and development programs for youth, fostering resilience and empowerment by creating spaces where knowledge and opportunities are shared.
Alana holds a Bachelor of Arts (Law) from Carleton University and a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property from the University of the West Indies. Since gaining her Paralegal License, she actively participates in initiatives which promote access to justice, and educating others on social and legal issues within their community.
Whether in her personal or professional life, Alana is committed to fairness and empowerment, and lives by the guiding principle “always pay it forward”.

Piera Savage (she/her) is a Staff Lawyer at BLAC. She is committed to working towards racial equity by advocating for our clients and breaking down systemic barriers to equality.

She began working in the clinic system prior to her call to the bar in 2016, starting at Parkdale Community Legal Services in the Social Assistance Violence and Health division, and then expanding her practice to housing, immigration and employment law as an articling student. Piera then worked at West Scarborough Community Legal Services for four years with a focus on Housing, Social Assistance, and Immigration law.

At BLAC, Piera continues her work by representing individuals at the Landlord and Tenant Board, Human Rights Tribunal, and Social Benefits Tribunal. She approaches her work from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed lens.

Piera is a graduate of Concordia University and Osgoode Hall Law School. Outside of work, Piera loves to sing, cook, and write.

Hodine Williams brings over two decades of diverse professional experience spanning the legal, financial, hospitality, and engineering sectors to BLAC. As a seasoned lawyer and management consultant, Hodine has worked with corporations in Canada and the United Kingdom, performing corporate governance assessments and advising on compliance and regulatory matters.
Hodine’s expertise is underpinned by a Master of Laws in International Business Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, as well as first degrees in Management & Economics, and Law.
Described as meticulous and a critical-thinking optimist, Hodine has represented Jamaica in international and local fora, and contributed to government inter-ministerial committees including human rights and matters affecting the youth. He has also taught legal and business courses at the tertiary level in Jamaica and Canada. Beyond his legal career, Hodine is a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for youth development, and racialised groups and actively supports charities locally and internationally.
He combines technical mastery in business and law with a passion for process re-engineering, painting, and karate. Hodine’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and helping individuals achieve their potential makes him a valued member of BLAC.