[Rachelle]

I think that we have to move beyond mandatory training and push for real change. This would mean providing pathways to better employment and Black workers getting jobs in a decision-making capacity. In education, while streaming was officially eliminated, remnants of that program are long lasting. There has to be more opportunity provided on higher levels and needs to be more than representation. Work, programs, employment practices have to be intentional. Until we move into that stage, change will continue to be very slow.

[Shari]

I Agree and I think @Kamau was spot on about also striving for actionable change! after the training is done then what… what are we doing to apply the knowledge. it requires a full culture shift and fire to dismantle these systems of oppression.

[YouthREX- Kamau]

I very much agree with this! Although representation and training hold a purpose, there is so much more work that needs to be done afterwards in order to initiate real change. When training is used as a substitute instead of being incorporated with program changes it merely gives the illusion of change without addressing the real problems.

[Ijaabo]

Anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because colonizers refuse to take accountability for their misdeeds. White settlers continue to occupy stolen land without providing reparations to the Original Peoples, nor acknowledging the broken treaties and striving towards reconciliation. As long as white Canadians continue to enact violence against Indigenous peoples, how can we expect anti-Black racism to be taken seriously? Black people deserve reparations as well for the violence they endured through the Transatlantic Slave Trade, violence which is still ongoing and in fact reinforced through modern-day institutions like policing, mass incarceration, child welfare, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the destruction of Black families, to name a few. White settlers have too much blood on their hands and there isn’t enough water in all the seven seas for them to even begin cleansing them centuries later. Land back!

[Sanjana]

I feel like it’s still a problem because of the communities and just distance. Ontario, outside of the eastern edge, is very sparse and most of the small towns are still very white-dominated. These communities don’t have much, if any, interactions with POC which allows anti-black racism to persist. I had met someone in university from the area of Chatham-Kent and he would tell me that racism is all normalized as jokes, and he didn’t like that environment. So while students may be taught about anti-black racism and other aspects of racism, they’ll feel that it doesn’t apply to them because they don’t know how to use that knowledge.

[Meg]

Having spent a few years of my career working in the diversity & inclusion field, I observed that people tend to be apathetic towards issues that do not impact them directly. This is why intersectionality is such an important consideration in every sector. It is also necessary to consider how anti-Black racism shows up within other movements (such as LGBTQ pride events, feminist rallies, advocacy, etc.). Overall, we need as a community need to care more about one another.

[Martha]

So much has been discussed in this post. I’m not certain that I can add anything new necessarily. There is no question that anti-black racism is alive and well in Ontario/ Canada. Such a complex issue and much more complex than many people realize. From what I have seen there is a general discomfort in taking about racism. We have been encouraged to soften these conversations to make it more palatable. Further entrenching the white fragility that exists and persists. I teach at a local college and had several white students walk out when I spoke about white privilege. I needed to run things over in my mind after wondering what I said that was so offensive. Upon reflection I didn’t say anything wrong but witnessed the discomfort many white people experience when talking about racism. Beyond this what I learned from my own journey was my own oblivion in what black people experience. I was beyond devastated in my ignorance. Growth is uncomfortable for many as it requires us to acknowledge our own flaws and biases as well as our contribution to the problems that persist.

[Lynne]

Hi Martha,

I am interested to know if any of your white students who walked out, later offered to talk more about their thoughts and feelings?

[Martha]

No unfortunately. I don’t think I saw them again as this was just before COVID had shut us down. As a part-time faculty we all started working remotely. I did have some discussions with a colleague who teaches Indigenous studies to get her perspective. I also did not hear of any complaints either formally through the evaluation, or in hearing second hand. I have changed my practice by incorporating some explicit modules in all courses I teach. Partly to give more specific emphasis to racism and the impacts and also to provide students with a sense of what to expect. If anything, after this experience I have more purposeful discussion in all of the classes I teach.

[Christopher]

I find myself, after taking this course and engaging in the lectures of modules 1 and 2, thinking about the tribulations and possible microaggressions that I encountered or even partaken in. Thinking about all that has been discussed in module 1, I can consider that it has been such a practice point of view and system for Canadians, that there is still this “ghost” that lingers within society; it almost implies that “it’s okay” or “it’s not a big deal.”

Admittedly, this issue is something that I have not given in-depth thought before until starting this course, but now I see that it is much more complex and old than I had given it credit. I find myself becoming more critical about the actions and words of my peers, organizations, mentors and myself when it comes to the material that I have learned.

[Caitlin]

I also just finished Module One. It was packed with so much information about how anti-Black racism had been key to the formation of what we know as Ontario today and that all of our dominant systems, social norms and structures have been built upon anti-Black racism. In addition, I was struck with how the erasure of the presence of black people within the dominant narrative of Canada’s history, and the erasure of these stories position a dominant history and reality which positions white people as the stars of history and the rightful protagonists in the story of Canada. The thought that the story of the Undergrown Railroad is something that allows white people to feel like they were the good guys, Canada meant freedom and there was no racism or slavery here is eye opening. This is still being taught in our schools. As a youth worker in a rural area these are important conversations to have.

[Sarah]

Just finished Module 1. Heavy stuff. There was so much I didn’t know. I wish more people had access to lessons like these – or maybe the desire to inform themselves.

[Feyisayo]

Honestly, there is so much history behind racism in Canada as a whole that I lacked awareness of. I am so grateful for this content.

[Shannon]

Definitely agree with you there! After listening to each lecture, I learned about many important events from Canadian history that need to be implemented and discussed within our curriculums today. The hidden truths continue to impact many through societal structures that have been constructed that continue to oppress marginalized groups. Courses as such are important to help uncover these truths, and allow more individuals to continue the conversation by sharing this information with others!

[Jenny]

I agree with your statement Luciano, as well as many others as to why anti Black racism still a problem in Ontario. The history of Canada’s role in colonization isn’t embedded in our curriculum in school, unless we have sought out education like this training, I don’t think most Canadians have any true idea of the role our country has played in anti Black racism. I can admit that the Heritage Moments on television that boasted about Canada’s role in the Underground Railway, was about the amount of “education” I received when I was younger. It’s shameful and needs to be rectified.

[Luciano]

In my opinion, anti-black racism isn’t a problem only in Ontario. It is a global struggle we face for ages that has its roots in the economic-political-social system we live in. We can’t forget that slavery was the economic power of Europeans for centuries, and it ended has less than two centuries, but it doesn’t mean that equity and equality began to be part of our ancestor’s lives in a blink. We are here, in this moment of history, discussing it. As Asante Haughton claimed, we shouldn’t have to say this. However, here we are and will be to spread our fight, conquer our rights, and freed our people.

[YouthREX- Kamau]

I definitely agree with those points. Anti-black racism has relegated black people to the bottom of the global economic system, which was founded, and in many ways still thrives off of exploitation. I believe that in order to make any type of progress in combatting anti-black racism in Ontario, the Canadian and greater global economic system will need to focus on equitable policy changes to offset the history of systemic racism.

[Kaitlyn]

As a mixed-blood (White and Indigenous) person, I would contribute to the legacy of anti-Black racism due to Canada’s ongoing settler colonial narratives. As unfortunate as it is, I have never been taught about the colonial past and present and how it will continue to manifest in the future. It was only until I entered university for social work that I was told about Canada’s complicity in the continual colonial project. However, when I converse with others in other programs, such as business or law, none of them are aware of colonization. Colonization is inherently intertwined into all of these systems – why is it that business students are not taught about the structures that profit from the appropriation of Black culture? Why are law students unaware of the disproportionate rates of Black youth in the child welfare system or Black Peoples in the carceral system? Ontario should be employing an education system that ensures that the history of Canada’s truth is told and that takes accountability for these wrongdoings, makes amends, and strives towards fostering meaningful and authentic relationships with Black and Indigenous communities.

The ability for Canada and Ontario to hold a façade of innocence is due to the settler colonial narratives that erase and displace settler guilt and accountability.

[Andrea]

Thanks Kaitlyn (and those who replied to her post). The reality that our public education system continues to whitewash history sits in stark contrast to stated goals in their “Education Equity Action Plan.” It was only through post-secondary education that I learned more about BIPOC truths and experiences. This learning has not ended and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to listen and learn from this platform.

[Lindsay]

I would like to echo what Kaitlyn is highlighting regarding the education system. Canada’s history of colonialism and racism is completely invisible in the current curriculum and only if one is undertaking their own post secondary education around social justice is it part of one’s education.

This proves the invisibility of white supremacy in the Canadian school system and that we should take note of what information is shared and what remains behind closed doors. There is no reason that in high school history classes this is completely omitted from the curriculum.

[Jovelle]

I completely agree with you Lindsay. In school, I found that anti-black racism and the history of Canada and colonization in this area was never taught in the curriculum and slavery was somehow deemed to be only ‘exclusive’ to America. Although I am black, I was not fully aware of Canada’s shocking and terrifying past in relation to black Canadians and the racial violence and discrimination that they faced. In not teaching this part of history to students, I feel this further perpetuates anti-black racism in Ontario and diminishes the importance of this core education. Lastly, I think if it was added to the curriculum, it would allow black students’ the ability to feel more seen.

[Melri]

I agree Lindsay, the history of colonialism and racism was invisible when I was in elementary and high school (many years ago) and continues to be invisible today. I asked some recent high school graduates what they remembered learning and they also did not learn anything about this part of history. Our elementary and high school curriculum needs to change.

[Shannon]

Definitely agree with everyone’s points here. When reflecting on my education experience, it was not until post-secondary education where I was taught about social justice issues and the hidden truths of Canadian history. Back in high school, slavery did definitely seem like an issue only in America, as Canada’s history of slavery was never discussed. Social justice issues and the true history of Canada need to be acknowledged and discussed to help promote change in the system.

[Cecilia]

I think that a big piece of why anti-Black racism still persists is because so many people are still so indifferent to it and it’s harms. Because they are not affected/directly affected by it, they don’t feel incentivized to care. That’s why the work that this certificate does in teaching is so important. It opens people’s eyes to the fact that not only should you fight against anti-Black racism because it’s the right thing to do, but in fighting against anti-Black racism, the world gets better for every single one of us.

[Gerry]

I agree!! I also agree with so many other opinions and insights. Anti-Black racism is a globle stuggle. I live in the States (Arkansas). As, I’m learning (captivating) of Canada’s history of colonialiam and racism – I forgot at times and had to STAY mindful that the focus is on Canada’s (Ontario) anti-Black racism youth & families and not the USA. Both Canada & America. The fight is hard. I will continue to fight for and with our youth in nurturing each one to use their vocies, talents and leadership.

[Ren]

I agree, and I think it’s important to learn about where this indifference comes from and how we can prevent it from continuing to develop. Personally, I think it comes from a lack of exposure to different cultures when growing up. People from monocultural communities are more likely to not understand the lives (both good and bad) of other cultures. This later develops into the indifference and inconsiderate behaviour we see as some of these people don’t understand why what seems like common sense to them may be impossible for others.

[Laura]

I don’t really have anything new to add here that hasn’t already been said. There are too many people who deny that anti-Black racism is a problem here and even some of those that do recognize it exists still fall into the traps of white supremacy and systemic racism.

[Krystyna]

Hi Laura. I also found that I did not really have anything to add to the discussion. I think anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because those with privilege choose inaction or fall on the “at least we aren’t the USA” without learning or taking action.

[Shelly]

I think module 1 speaks volumes to this question. There is a complete lack of awareness, indifference, ignorance, prejudice, privilege, power imbalance and perpetuation of the myth about the tolerance of Canadian society that contributes to anti-Black racism in Ontario. I don’t ever remember being taught anything about black history in school. In my profession, there aren’t many people of colour in leadership roles, and there certainly were only passing references to racism when I was in university. If you watch TV or social media, there are only ever negative portrayals of black people. Even with decades of research and the slow awakening to the reality of minority groups around the country, things will not change until systemic racism is challenged and changed. In my workplace, I am privileged to work with people from around the world, and we openly talk about power, privilege, racism, ageism, etc. and how we can work to change things, even in small ways. We do this because it’s going to take time for systemic racism to be thoroughly addressed, and we recognize that things need to change now.

[Joy]

I agree with what you have said here, Shelly. I find that in Canada, we have been sold the myth that Canadians are “nice”, “polite”, “peacekeepers”… thus, the idea that anyone or any system in our country might be racist is hard for many to fathom. I’ve heard it said that while Canadians might be “nice”, we often are not “kind”, and I think that sums us up really well. We are “nice” in that we don’t want to rock the boat, but in so doing, we also allow the status quo – which is white supremacy – to continue. We are so “polite” that we can’t discuss racism; it becomes a topic that is “off limits” when having conversations, and racism can’t be fought, let alone eradicated, if it’s not discussed or even acknowledged. Without talking about it, admitting it occurs and starting to recognize our own parts in the system, it perpetuates.

[Chantal]

Thank you sharing Shelly. I totally agree that Canada has created a façade that is quite damaging to black people and other people of colour. As a black individual, the only history that was taught in schools was around slavery, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. I hope that school and work administration will start to have more of these conversations.

[Kaitlyn]

I completely agree with these responses as to why we continue to see Anti-Black racism across Ontario. I find that many people continue to be uninformed, uneducated, or ignorant to the racism that people of colour experience on a daily basis. I also found the statistics shared in Module 1 about the impact of COVID-19 on families, especially living close to Toronto. I find that there are these huge statistics that have been collected; however, what is being done to support these families? The province should be implementing supports, resources, and other factors to alter these numbers. If the government does not make changes to the system there will continue to be Anti-Black racism across the province.

[Ashley]

Hi Shelly

I thoroughly agree with your comment!

Module 1 touched on this question throughout, and I think so much of it is a lack of information and a lack of knowledge, not recognizing bias, and privilege’s. One thing that really was eye opening were the statistics regarding COVID in Canada, more specifically Toronto (close to home for me). Why is there not further supports for people of colour regarding COVID, with the rates being so high, why are we not talking about it more? Why are things like this not being reported on the news, but white individuals in positions of power are all over the news consistently.
In university, I was lucky to be in a program/ area that challenged bias, made us recognize our own privilege’s and oppressions, and what this meant for our work. I have now taken this into my work in the field.

[Shelly]

Hi Ashley,

The health care system is an interesting microcosm of the systemic racism common in this country. Many Canadians believe that the health care system is without barriers, is neutral and colour blind – that is far from the truth. But there are widespread barriers, racism, injustice and power and gender imbalances seen in this sector of our society as well. This is still, fundamentally, a white-dominated sector. We could have a fascinating discussion about the failure of the health care system to address the inequities Indigenous Peoples face in trying to access basic health services, or how homeless people are treated when they try to access ER services, and how black people and other visible minorities, including new immigrants, struggle to access the services they desperately need, or how poverty impacts your ability to seek out help in the first place. The truth is that racism exists everywhere and in every context….the difference is whether you see and experience it, or never have to consider it at all.

[Kiaunna]

Hi Shelly,

Thank you for sharing with us this week. I would like to echo your statement about Anti-Black racism continuing to exist in Ontario due to the perpetuation of the myth that Canada is a cultural mosaic for all people. The underpinning of this myth is quite simple in my eyes, a Canadian cultural mosaic is one where people assimilate and conform to normative systems of whiteness. Here, Black bodies are only allowed to exist on the condition that they assimilate, and in events where they do not, they are criminalized and stereotyped.

[Shelly]

I think you are so right about this….the idea that this is a cultural mosaic is an illusion. And to punish black people who challenge these norms means they are labelled, criminalized, and ostracized.

[Li]

Yes, I feel the same way. If we don’t give voice to black communities, then no one can know of their history and realities.

[M]

I agree; in high school, I remember history class was taught by an old white man who had the power to teach what he wanted and what he thought was important. As a class, we asked why he was not teaching about slavery in Canada. He looked at the class and said that it is not essential and moved on—neglecting to consider the damage, especially when most of the class was black. It was simple as that to dismiss that part of Canada’s history. Unless we teach our youths ourselves, they will never learn about black people’s contributions to Canada.

I believe that anti-black racism is still a problem in Ontario because they can hide behind the notion that “at least we are not like the US..” It is not in your face as it is in the States, so it is easy to ignore it and act as if it is not a problem here in Ontario.

[Susan]

Hi M

You bring up a really great point! I was reflecting on my experience in history class years ago, and thinking about some of the points brought up in module 1. It is so important that the context of ABR is discussed with our youth!! I find that I’m currently in a long process of un-learning and re-learning so much of our history and understanding the context to which many black people have had to live through.

It is so important that educators take reflect on their role in a student’s life, because you’ve very clearly highlighted the issue. There is so much power and teachers have a large voice to play in shaping what our students learn and discuss about. ABR is such a problem in Ontario, and will continue to be, unless we have these conversations with our youth and empower them by learning. Our history hasn’t always been pure, and if we continue to teach it that way (like highlighting the underground railroad, but not slavery in Canada), we continue to do a disservice and perpetuate ABR.

[Nicole]

So many important points have been brought up here. I’ve had very similar experiences in school and today my children are still having these experiences. In order to learn about Black history, one must seek the information as it is not a part of the curriculum. This is concerning on so many levels especially when we talk about our young people and their identity forming. Representation is amiss and they are being bombarded with images of stereotypes and racial biases rather then learning of their roots.

Another thought that I struggled with was my new-found knowledge that slaveholders were paid large gratuities for wages lost after slavery was “abolished”. There was never any formal acknowledgement or reconciliation for Black folks so learning that this is very bothersome. I think a large part of the issue, with respect to ABR, is that governments have never admitted to or issued any sort of real apology that identifies the centuries of racism and erasure that has occurred. As far as I am concerned, this needs to be one of the first steps.

[Samia]

I really loved all of the modules, and the reason we still have so much anti-Black racism is the lack of mandatory Black history in the curriculum in the school systems, both in Canada and the USA.

First of all, the history of slavery and how Blacks came to be in the Americas is not included or “just enough” and white washed with only the “good stuff” the “benevolent” actions of a few progressive minds of the eras. Second of all, the youth need to be taught history in a fun or interactive way instead of as an obligation and not only during Black History Month. I remember black history being an elective in high school and very few if any white kids taking it. The class consisted mostly of brown or black youth and was taught very dryly by an elderly white male teacher (nothing wrong with that but the lack of interest was obvious).

Many more educational campaigns can be run with Black history or prominent Black leaders represented by being in the news and in the spotlight of all industries rather than just the entertainment world. Black leaders can be approached for mentorship programs with the youth as a mainstream youth program rather than just for Black youth. Youth of all ages and backgrounds need to benefit by seeing Black leaders coming from all industries and fields to actually make a difference in the mindset of the youth. Perhaps then we will start to see a change on ABR during our own lifetime.

[Adem]

I totally agree with you Samia! Black history course should be a required course in all schools in Canada and the US. It is also important for educators and teacher education programs to take a more proactive step in acknowledging the harm that the education system has on Black students. For example: streaming, dress codes, lack of culturally relevant material…

[Hilary]

I think that ABR exists in Ontario because while many are aware of ABR, they are complicit through inaction.

[Li]

I agree with you! It’s time to take action. In my line of work, I will make sure to advocate for increased representation of the Black community.

[Shari]

Being complicit really stood out for me during the 1st module. Inaction is nurtured in our many organizations and I feel like folx are also in token numbers and often have to carry and spearhead initiatives while enduring and navigating systems of oppression and performative allyship. We do need to continue to unravel the truth! I believe the historic segment of module 1 was very powerful and reaffirmed that Black folx are very much a part of the foundation of Canada. This point can truly empower us and the youth we engage with.

[Sanjana]

Many of the speakers have mentioned this, but it’s the erasure of Black history in Canada. The presence of people from Africa, the Caribbean, etc. is thought to be fairly recent, but in reality they have been here even before Canada became Canada. By erasing their contributions, we are essentially saying that they don’t deserve to be here because they came after the “whites”. On top of this, when compared to the United States, Canada has had a smaller presence in the international field. This means that even though slavery and anti-Black practices have existed here, they weren’t as well-known as the United States. This makes many Canadians, even immigrants of colour, believe that Canada is very tolerant and may have a few racist people around some places, but it’s not common. When one anti-black event happens, it is brushed off as a one-time thing rather than a recurring issue because, as I have mentioned, the United States has “more” issues (which are more pronounced due to their status in the world as well as their population numbers).

[D]

Sanjana, great points! I agree with you it is partly the erasure of Black culture in Canada and minimizing any contributions Black people have made throughout Canadian history. I think through this, ABR is minimized, if it is actually recognized at any point. Also, it is hard to speak up, as a BIPOC person, in workplaces when experiences of racism take place toward oneself or others. These reasons, and many others, allow for the perpetuation of ABR.

[Kaydeen]

Hi Sanjana, thanks for your comments!

I chose to reply to your comment specifically and the idea of Erasure and the Black experience in Canada as non-existent, or unimportant, or insignificant and invaluable and relatively new. I found all of module 1 to be of great importance to Canada and Canadians developing awareness of the histories of Blacks on this land and all of the significant incidents, migrations, exposures, programs, policies, promises, that are the tale of how Black people belong to Canada.

How can anti-black racism be challenged and changed if there has never been an official acknowledgement that it even exists and has a defined history or existence in Canada? How will systems and institutions change without evidence that there is need for change? How do the people advocate for change when the evidence in their favour is being hidden or destroyed, erased from record?

It is extraordinary privilege to have these resources, dialogues, references and sources arranged for our personal benefit and knowledge. It is absolutely necessary to have to access to the arsenal of information and data that provides a basis and informs the continuous path forward towards change.

[Eric]

On my point of view , the society is still denying that it’s a reality, and thinking it’s just actions from individuals. This kind of position can’t open the floor to real changes and relevant actions. Also, the persons in charge of making decisions in our society need to be conscient, aware and willing to stop anti-Black racism. Recognize, acknowledge then take actions to make it works.

[Danielle]

Great point Eric! When reading this question my initial thought went to the cognitive dissonance theory and how individuals are in denial as to the true realities of our society. Individuals see acts of anti-Black racism on the media and sum it up to rare occurrences or something that does not/wouldn’t happen within their own communities in order to justify their thoughts and perceptions. It is these acts of justification and defensiveness that continue to perpetuate anti-Black racism in our society and hinder us as a collective unit to take action and make a change.

[stacey]

Its always been this verbalized idea by majority I would think “white people” in an effort to express that they do not look at people in racialized ways. In doing so this “saying” or jargon is minimizing black experiences. Everyone sees colour, everyone is subject to white supremacy while living in this western country, of course how it impacts you is what is different. This concept of being blind to race is one of a privileged position of power, how “comfortable” and convenient for “white” individuals to be blind to the racism, I truly don’t think it was intended to be racist (I could be so wrong though), the opposite in fact but it truly is a reflection of white privilege. It minimizes the black experience and attempts to void the individual expressing that notion responsibility to acknowledge there own place and contributions that have negatively impacted the black community. For a Youth Worker to say they do not see colour to a young black client is disrespectful to that persons culture, ethnicity, community, personal and historical experience and most importantly there race. It is an outdated concept, as we evolve and grow it is time to acknowledge such concept for what they are, another attempt by “white people” to avoid difficult conversations. In module 3 (3.3) the strategy of Broaching is a perfect example of the opposite approach to this concept of “colour blindness”. To engage in conversations, create a safe space supported by the Counsellor to address racial dynamics and how they impact the process, the practice and the experience of the client. To go there and support/empower the client to speak about how this dynamic plays out in there relationships, there institutions and there life not avoid these conversations with the intent the experience with the Counsellor will be different.

Stacey

[Cyril]

Thanks for sharing this Stacey, and for your thoughtful prompting question Raven.

I usually come back to the idea of “Strategic Essentialism” whereby we can acknowledge that we are more than racializing lables, AND that racist labels have very real consequences.

So then… while we (at times) Strategically essentialize (simplify) our identities in order to address social injustice, we remain aware of the socially constructed nature of these labels/categories.

[Raven]

I completely agree with your point of view on this question. I love how you emphasized on the fact that white privilege acts are strong factors in this type of thinking or question. It does allow that particular group of individuals to escape difficult, uncomfortable conversations.

[Raven]

I wanted to open the floor for discussion on a question someone earlier this week asked me. We had a pretty good talk about it, so I just felt it would be nice to share with the group and see if others have any insight they would like to share regarding this particular question. 🙂

Question: Is the phrase “I don’t see colour” a positive or negative

[Christine]

A piece that really stood out to me in the final lecture of Module 2 was the fact that Black Youth are regularly connected to supports through the police and often have to wait longer for resources. This caused me to reflect on my own work. Most of the younger youth I work with (0-11) are white. When I worked with teenagers the services that had a lower intensity (weekly counselling for example) were populated with white youth while the higher intensity (such as classroom programs) were more populated by black youth. This module made me realize that this was a trend and that the likely cause of this trend is that the community (schools, my services, doctors etc) may not make a point of connecting black youth to services until things reach a point that more intensive services are needed. White youth get to be helped early on when issues are easier to work through with less invasive services, while black youth are likely being ‘managed’ by punitive measures such as detentions.

[Krishna]

Thank you for sharing this. I would not have thought of this prior to reading your comments.

[Cyril]

Thanks Christine, this is an important point. Please bring this up during the next Virtual Seminar, this is a crucial observation!

[Trina]

It’s been very interesting to read through everyone’s thoughts. There has been a lot of highlight on the structural and systemic embeddedness of racism – I’d like to contribute another thought that falls on a more individual and personal level. I think many of us, myself included, have had to reckon with the fact that accepting the truth of ABR in our society means accepting the fact that we participate in it. For myself, I think that I have been afraid that I might discover that I too hold prejudiced beliefs – some conscious and some unconscious. It’s one thing to call out racism in others/systems and it’s something much more uncomfortable to call it out in oneself. Doing genuine work of anti-racism means that I might bring into consciousness a racist belief that was unconscious in myself up until now. I might discover that I, too, participate in racism (even if I wish it were not true and even if it is painful to discover this truth). This is a scary prospect. And a necessary process. I need to come to terms with the history, the system, and the trends, and I also need to come to terms with my personal participation. I think this fear may play a role in why deep and pervasive change is still a work in progress.

Thanks.

[Ece]

I am really impressed with your honesty Trina. I think every one of us should stop and think about our own actions!

[Raven]

Wow I commend your openness and willingness to be so truthful and expressive. That was definitly an eye opening statment you made there about self reflection. It’s very true, it’s one thing to speak on racism in other parts of society, but to actually take a step back and reflect it back onto ourselves is a whole different story and different struggle for some people, which is a main factor in why change still needs to be made.

[Cyril]

This is crucial…. thanks for sharing this.

As a Black man I am actively combatting anti-Black ideologies that have been so embedded in this culture. The institutional dehumanization of Black peoples is so entrenched that it impacts us all in some way – though Black people face the consequences twice over.

The desire to be seen as politically Correct sometimes overrides one’s openness to difficult self-reflection on how they could be Wrong – particularly in the Ontario/Canadian context.

Ironically, the desire to only be seen as benevolent makes the impact of harmful actions much worse, whereby the person who is called “racist” (by their intentional or unintentional action) may claim to be injured more than the person who felt assaulted by the misdeed.

We have much work to do in respecting how others (and sometimes ourselves) can be fully seen and appreciated for all their soul’s true worth.

[Trina]

I really appreciate this framing…the desire to seem politically correct or to appear benevolent can actually interfere with the openness required to truly be an ally. And it can create greater harm.

[Meron]

anti Black racism will remain a problem until it’s acknowledged as a problem.

[Raven]

Yes simply put. If no one believes theres a problem to begin with then they will see no need to change their ways or the world around them.

[Mercedes]

here is a lot of denial and not enough accountability. As mentioned in the lectures, often the data is collected and nothing is done about it. Or it was simply done for personal gain, like not wanting to “appear” racists, or “appear” out of touch. The fake allyship is really getting out of hand because again, it goes unchecked. Actions speak louder than words. Lets put the data to use, lets see the needs and then go out there and genuinely deal with. More people need to “do it for the love and not do it for the likes.”

– Updates these textbooks; they create false impressions and serious delusions.

– Join more levels of government, make the laws and have accountability. “Want something done right, do it yourself!”

– create safe spaces to share struggles and challenges, without feeling judged or fear of retaliation. We can not fix what we do not know. At the same time, when people do finally open up, we have to actually do something about it or its in vain. You run the risk of them never opening up again. I think a lot of people just suffer in silence, feeling like their is no point in sharing. We must end that cycle. Its not that we are complacent, but we are just tired.

I’m working as a mentor at UofT and I told them whatever they share with me I will do my very best to bring it the attention of faculty (anonymously) but also see how we can address it in the institution as a whole; to help prevent it from happening to them or any other student again. Long lasting change is the goal; systemic, institutional. Too often people use throw funds at the issue and think the job is done. We need accountability and sustainability!

My thoughts went all over near the end lol but I am happy to be learning and sharing regardless. Great comments from everyone. Stay safe and keep shining! Thank you YouthRex

[Raven]

You made such great points. From your opinion I really took in your third point on creating these safe spaces for black people to express themselves and open up more, but to also follow that up with action or it would have all been for nothing. It just seems like sometimes we allow youth and their families to open up but then not even a little bit of change happens and so we put them through that pain of having to retell their stories for nothing to come from it.

And YES! We need to “do it for the love and not do ti for the likes” 👍🏾

[Mitch]

I think anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario/Canada because ABR is deeply seated in our institutions and social practices. I also think race and class go hand in hand and so the politics of poverty are also nourished by anti-Black racism. I believe that due to systemic erasure of canada’s history of slavery, anti-Black racist policies in education, health care, employment and child welfare that we’ve participated/and continue to participate in growing a collective amnesia that allows many ‘born here’ canadian’s to believe that anti-Black racism doesn’t exist here and that if it does it’s just isolated, or one bad apple whether it’s police, teachers, politicians or citizens. Settler canadian’s like me have also been taught that is not as bad as the american’s have it and that we should be grateful for being here. So the minority myth helps folx like me uphold these systems of inequity through support and belief that there is nothing that we need to do because anti-Black racism does not exist here.

[Tarek]

I think you’ve hit a really good point here, and that is that the denial of its existence is a big part of why it continues to be so pervasive. Within the education system, students have confronted systemic racism and how it manifests in their own lives, and their realities are often dismissed and chalked up to circumstances. The patterns they point out and anti-black racism they experience are dismissed and in turn that lets others in their own age group to deny the reality of ABR. Those same people grow up to be the next generation of teachers/administrators and so the cycle is not stopped.

[Jennifer]

The class analysis is soooo vital when we look at anti-Black racism and other kinds of racism – sometimes I find there’s only focus on representation in oppressive systems. Like, more diverse CEOs isn’t going to solve the problem of income inequality! When we seek power in these oppressive systems, it’s at the expense of many others. To address racism properly we have to also address capitalism!

[Victoria]

I think there is not enough acknowledgment of the issues that black youth face within Ontario and globally thus why anti-black racism exists. Many people do not talk enough of these issues or advocate for them in order to stop them. Also, we are not taught enough about these issues and it seems they are kept mostly out of the spot-light. For example, even though we have heard a lot about innocent black lives being taken due to anti-black racism, it is often that these cases are only heard of once others find out about it and voice them not just in the news already. Moreover, many of these issues are taken out of context and misconstrued within media for example how George Floyd’s and other innocent black people’s deaths have been seen in so many different ways, some even horrible and continuing to promote anti-black racism behind them. This is why I value these learning opportunities as it helps me better understand what I do not know about these issues.

[Enisone]

Anti-Black racism requires people to face uncomfortable truths –that anti-Black racism does exist and it is far worse than many Ontarians and Canadians think.

[Raven]

💯 True

[Sajah]

Anti-Black racism, in today’s world, manifests in more covert and sophisticated ways within institutions, systems, structures, communities and individuals. What used to be easy to identify and call out in the past has been shifted to maintain white supremacy and recodified to making it challenging to name. Terms like equity and diversity are used to give the suggestion that anti-racist work is being done when really whiteness is being maintained in new ways.

[Raven]

👏 Preach!

I believe that’s what makes it so easy for people now a days to completely ignore racism or believe that every human being is actually free from discrimination and prejudice. It’s the simple logical fallacy of appeal to ignorance; lack of so called “evidence” (cause they don’t want to provide any) means that it doesn’t exist. Which in reality their turning their eyes away from it.