[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.

[Amanda]

Anti-Black Racism is still a problem in Ontario resulting from the long entrenched attitudes and values that are developed as early as childhood. These attitudes and values form the basis of our prejudices and biases (both implicit and explicit) which then become further exacerbated by skewed public policy, sociocultural “norms”, and system racism perpetuated in institutional settings such as education and law enforcement.

Early on in the course, the discussion of democratic racism was so well-articulated in delineating the differences between Canada and US. The existence of racism (and more specifically, anti-Black racism) is extremely overt in the US. As such, upon comparison, many Canadians don’t ascribe to the idea that racism exists in Canada because of the diversity in its population. However, as mentioned above, the existence of long entrenched implicit biases “hides” or eludes the nature of racism in Canada and as a result, the issue of racism is not addressed. Further, when the issue anti-Black racism is not addressed, it indirectly communicates the message to may individuals that “it is okay” and/or acceptable to hold those beliefs—and in some cases, act on them. Thus, the cycle of anti-Black racism is reinforced and continues on.

[Shelly]

It is still rampant because it begins with leaders. If we have the chance to lead, we have a responsibility. I find that educators have implicit biases similar to systemic biases and often Black youth are implicitly treated unfairly from early childhood. I really think we, as educators, need to critically evaluate our own approach and pedagogical practices so that we can lead change. I also think educating ourselves as educators, so everyone is comfortable about talking about ABR is important. I find too many educators are in fear and that needs to stop or nothing will get done. Change in schooling and pedagogy is my goal!

[Raven]

Great goal Shelly 👍🏾

We can not be shy, quite or afraid of making others uncomfortable when it comes to anti black racism anymore. We need to be open to have these uncomfortable discussions, especially our educators.

[Cale]

I think the answer to this question is a layered one. Firstly, as stated in the lectures, and by many of the members on this platform, Canada was founded on racist principles, and this racism continues to permeate all aspects of our culture, systems, institutions, and in effect, our minds. While the history of Black people in Canada has been omitted from our academia and Canadian literature, the false justifications that allowed enslavement to take place in Canada continue to implicitly poison the minds of many Canadians in various ways. For instance, the racist claims that Black people were “soiled, deadly, sinister” and “subhuman” have contributed to their profiling and over-surveillance in the criminal justice system. This has of course resulted in extreme rates of Black incarceration, and for people who fail to look beyond the surface of this statistic, the interpretation is that Black people are somehow inherently more prone to criminality. Of course, this is just one of many examples that highlights the brutality towards Black people, but the point is that without the context of Black history in Canada, people (predominately white people) remain ignorant to the depth of this issue, allowing racist ideologies and behaviours to go unchecked, which in effect, perpetuates violence against and towards Black people. As we have learned, white supremacy thrives on invisibility, so this omission of Black history in Canada, is a strategic attempt to maintain racial hierarchies, as it keeps people uninformed and unaware of the true, racist principles that exist in today’s society. I want to be clear however, that this omission of Black history from our educational curriculum cannot be used as a valid excuse to remaining ignorant, as we live in a technological era where knowledge is at our fingertips.

I would also agree that Canada’s multiculturalism is a facade that conceals the racism and discrimination that pervades this country. In my experience, Canada’s multiculturalism is often used to divert and deflect attention away from issues of race and white supremacy, underestimating the pervasiveness of its impact. As a result, we often hear people (predominately white people) say, “Oh, Canada’s not that bad!” “At least we aren’t as bad as the States!” “Well, at least things have gotten better.” I would actually argue that Canada’s issue of systemic racism is worse than the states because it strategically and creatively conceals so much of its violence, that people (predominately white people) resist that it even exists, which in effect hinders the movement for racial equality and change. For example, it is very hard to fight for racial justice, when people are still in denial that racial injustice even exits.

[Maha]

I think a major issue with anti-black racism persists in Ontario because many Ontarians do not want to believe or admit their own participation in such a broken and damaging system. The inaction, lack of awareness, and sometimes intentional silence creates a negative ripple effect to embolden the unfair and systematic discrimination faced by Black youth in particular. There also also amplifications that have occurred through online platforms, where racist vitriol finds its echo chamber to manifest through anonymized hatred. The latter especially is concerning as it creates a very deep mental divide in which racist ideologies can take root with an unfettered speed without stoppage. While technology is wonderful for learning and enlightening communication (as these brilliant modules and forums are), unfortunately it has been harnessed for the exact opposite as well…

[Megan]

This was beautifully said.. a good place to start is recognizing and taking ownership that our behaviors whether intentionally or non intentionally are the major factors behind our damaged and broken system. .. Something I definitely need to be more aware of.. we all need to start somewhere.

[Raven]

Really like your point on there being “amplifications that have occurred through online platforms, where racist vitriol finds its echo chamber to manifest through anonymized hatred”.

[Will]

It is still a problem because the perception of Black lives has not been deconstructed and reappraised in a positive way in our media and political culture. This will take years of work as it took YEARS work to essentialize the black body as unimportant, dangerous and ungodly.

[Raven]

YES! There needs to be a drastic change in the ways in which black individuals are portrayed in our media. Media platforms are now held to such importance in the lives of young black people. What they witness in various media platforms is how they construct their behaviour and opinions of themselves and the world around them.

[Shauna]

As long as people of the privileged demographic continue to remain silent and in denial, anti- black racism will continue to thrive and stay alive. With regards to racism, white silence is equivalent to consent. The people who benefit from having all the privileges or the power often will not speak up when put to the test to invoke change. Often times, not all but after some witness deliberate acts of direct or indirect racism towards black people they will not be the ones to stand up for what is right for fear of standing out. No one wants to admit the errors in what they see or acknowledge the fact that anti-black racism is real. Anti-black racism as we know it is by no means “invisible”. I believe people in Canada go along with that narrative because it is easier to avoid or dismiss the topic. “Out of sight, out of mind” right?? – If anti-black racism isn’t seen or is invisible, it takes the onus away from the people causing the oppression to take accountability for their actions. Its no secret that anti-black racism has been prevalent in society for many generations. The unfortunate truth is that it is often times, more comfortable for the privileged and powered to turn a blind eye, ignore and dismiss a foreign reality to them. One they will never have to come to terms with or live with; because they will never have to live to experience systemic oppression in employment, education, housing, healthcare etc. No one wants to take accountability because they don’t feel they need to. The truth is, active racism is acceptable because the ones who are active participants 1) have company and 2) for that reason feel comfortable to openly display racism towards black people.

The irony in all of this is that many of the people who are openly racist are some of the same people who tend to put up a façade and pose to be the “spokesperson” for fighting against anti-black racism. Are often the ones who are “supposedly” making a conscious effort to dismantle systemic oppression within frontline youth work related environments. Newsflash: If Black youth and adolescents are facing anti-black racism, Black educators are facing those same challenges too. No one speaks on it though. The way how I see things, it all comes down to saving face, to avoid the label of being called a racist. The irony is, in these youth work related environments there tends to be an excessive amount of posters and signs plastered all over the walls and hallways of schools that are designed to create a so-called anti- black racism milieu. When in fact this isn’t the case. Often times the words on those posters are just that- words; without any action to support them. Its almost like a disclaimer, which in my personal opinion is a message being relayed to youth and adolescents under false pretenses. Those signs on the walls of classrooms, and hallways are often a way to “appear” as if ones intent is to genuinely dismantle and combat anti black racism; when in fact its just a means to cover grounds and appear to be supportive of the cause, it’s a all a façade…Don’t get me wrong, there are many non-black people who are not racist. Many are fighting the good fight, standing their ground and many who are pushing for more inclusivity and equitable practices to be implemented…

The irony is that many youth work related environments convey these messages (or writings on the wall) to black youth and adolescents as a means to create the illusion of security. While at the same time diminish the struggles of those same challenges of black educators which are parallel experiences to those faced by youth and adolescents alike. All fighting the same barriers of systemic racism, and systemic oppression without the acknowledgement of what black people as a whole must face and endure on a daily basis. Systemic oppression with regards to education and being railroaded to dead end academic streamlines, employment bias, employment application discrimination, etc. and not being afforded the same opportunities as white counterparts. Anti-black racism exists due to the strongholds of structural racism and people in high ranking positions who abuse their power and control to manipulate the system to fulfill their biased agendas throughout institutions. To begin to dismantle anti-black racism, these strongholds must be broken down from the root and annihilated to begin to see positive changes.

[Cyril]

Love this part: “…many youth work related environments convey these messages (or writings
on the wall) to black youth and adolescents as a means to create the
illusion of security. While at the same time diminish the struggles of
those same challenges of black educators which are parallel experiences
to those faced by youth and adolescents alike.”

Real talks… thanks for sharing.

[Deanna]

There are many reasons but realistically it goes back to the beginning. the foundation of what this country is built on…that one is more superior than the other. This is a notion that is deeply rooted. We have seen some small changes which is great but I guess its important to have hope.

[Raven]

Very true, yet very sad. The fact of our country being built of who is more superior than another definitely ties right into the reasons why this is a problem. For decades black people seem to have been at the bottom of every list in this country.

[Sam]

Despite the history we have with racist systemic oppression, Canada fails to see the impact is doing on younger generation. The system is operated in a way we can not speak on what is happening. We are tuned to see that racist systemic oppression does not exist in Canada.

[Phillip]

I agree with you!

As Raelyn has said we only see how other countries are racist but not our own. There is not much education that shows our own country’s systemic racism and oppression, which allows us to believe there isn’t any in Canada because they are hidden or vaguely explained. This does impacted the younger generation because as you said, “the system is operated in a way we cannot speak on what is happening.”

[Raelyn]

I completely agree with you Sam!
Often the racism that we are taught about in Canada is about how other countries are racist. We are not taught to look inwardly and evaluate our own systems. Anti-Racist education should be taught in our schools, and we as a country need to be taught to be accountable for the racism that has happened in our history, and is still happening today.

[Zoe]

Hi all,

I echo a lot of what’s been said here already! I think that the way anti-Black racism operates in Ontario, and in Canada more generally, is as a whole significantly more covert and invisible than in the States. Because of this, I think it’s easy for those of us who are not Black to live in ignorance of the magnitude of the problem. This definitely ties into the idea of systemic racism, and the importance of looking at how anti-Black racism is so deeply entrenched in our society and in our systems. I’m glad to have an opportunity such as this to become more aware of the experiences of anti-Black racism that exist across the province and across the country, and to learn about what role I can play as a non-Black service provider.