You’ve identified some really great points Jayal!

The metaphors provided already are great!

One thought I had was that evaluations are like adventurous roadmaps. It helps to guide next steps, to take detours or to rewrite the direction as required. All roads taken have value, even if it was to learn that ‘we don’t want to go that way again.’ I added the descriptor ‘adventurous’ to encompass…

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The point about the right to withdraw is so important

Everyone has made some really solid suggestions regarding good practices. I think that transparency about how and who was consulted in developing the evaluation has value as well. Being clear about the purpose, the rationale and what the intention for the data is. Confirm that the data will be available for sharing. All of these should of…

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Rochelle, you are so fortunate to have had so many opportunities for participation and to feel affirmed.

In smaller rural communities, it is not so easy for black parents to encourage youth participation. Also, I’ve observed that the degree of trauma – historical, generational and personal equals Big T trauma which can be paralyzing is a…

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Additionally, stereotypes abound due to social media and these narratives become deeply, embedded, unrecognized and not disrupted — it’s like a closed loop system. Dr. Ayonrinde’s message of ‘listen’ ‘listen’ and ‘listen’ can’t be overemphasized as it provides folks an opportunity to be more open minded, to humanize black people and hopefully…

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Yes, a small change I observed at one school was a poster which read “Black History Month” was altered to remove the word “month!” It seems like a small thing but I believe it is impactful and I notice it everytime I’m in that school – it is in a place of prominence which is where it should be.

LuPapa — great points! Representation cannot be understated. I believe that school boards are examining their hiring practices to be more representative, and more still needs to be done to begin to see healthy and more robust change.

Hi Maxime — being educated about microaggressions is critical and while I consider myself to be an aware person and an ally, I can fall into those subtle microaggressions too if I don’t stay very present.

Sarah, I couldn’t agree more — the very act of providing a space for Black students is Action and hopefully would be perceived by others as a positive and necessary action. For black students to have a space where they can share, be brave (or not) can be so validating. At at least one of our schools, there is a group for Black and…

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So many great points have been made! Reviewing/auditing the books in my office has definitely been eye opening for me. It’s what I don’t see there that stands out. The literature is clear that the things that don’t get said or shared or displayed (having a presence) has a power unto itself. This is a work in progress for me.

So true Stephanie. And I frequently feel the internal tension in moving from awareness to more overt action

Hi Lesley – what keeps coming up for me is ‘the power in what is not taught’

Hi Laura.

I had some knowledge of the information in this program through post secondary education. However, I couldn’t help but recognize that I have no recollection of such education in elementary or secondary school. I feel really grateful to be in this program as part of my journey to consistently engage so that Black voices are centred and heard.

Hi Rochelle

It was refreshing and meaninful to read and hear Black voices in this course. For me, it feels more authentic and real.

I agree with you Anujah. One thing I’d like to add though, is that in some cases Black youth have replied that they do not want to discuss generational trauma or trauma that their parent reports to have experienced. Either way, I agree that it is important to ‘open the door’ so to speak and then Black Youth can determine how far they do or do…

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I am committed to sharing with my colleagues, information or videos etc that highlight Black Youth voices.