Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing your perspective! I definitely agree that within Canada, there is this comparison with other countries, like the U.S., that is used to undermine the real impacts of systemic racism in our society. This tactic often results in the silencing and erasure of Black voices who challenge that system, because racism is…

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The term “democratic racism” was not something I was familiar with but it resonated with me in the sense that describes the Canadian “style” of racism that is prevalent today. We have established a netting of false myths related to our progress in tackling issues related to race and discrimination while ignoring the facts and trends that…

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In Ontario, despite the decades of research and evidence, we are still lacking a structured response involving different levels of government with clear governance and coordination. Racism is pervasive and felt in many different settings especially within employment, education, health, housing, child welfare and immigration. I think we need…

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I also agree. It’s not so much that it doesn’t happen it is however, the emphasis on the covert nature of racism within our society. We witness and experience it all the time, yet, because it isn’t shouted from the rooftops, we feel as though we need to be silent about it. The systemic oppression is maybe even more dangerous than that of…

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I definitely agree and I think the term institutionalized racism is very accurate. Canada has a history of systemic racist oppression and denial of opportunities developed by political leaders of any given time. I’ve read accounts of persecuted blacks seeking refuge in Canada only to find harsher economic living standards and higher degrees… Read more

I think what was covered in the lectures is the case: our country is founded on institutionalized racism but because of our history with the Underground Railroad, our focus on multiculturalism, and our tendency to compare ourselves with our neighbours to the south, many Canadians don’t think of themselves as racist. Denying it exists, or…

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Agree, Khyonna! Yes, anti-Black racism remains too commonplace in
Ontario, because many people excuse the realities of deeply ingrained racism. Our report “Doing Right Together for Black Youth” found that the
#1 issue for Black youth was the persistent racism they and their families experienced across different systems. Check out the… Read more

In my opinion, anti-Black racism remains a troubling reality in Ontario, especially during these heightened events, because many Ontarians hold the belief that there is no race based differences and ignores the realities of deeply impeded racism. Also known as colour-blindness.

A question for the panel…what do you think of the Orange Shirt Movement? Does it benefit Indigenous communities? Is it too settler focused?