Member Danish
MemberForum Replies Created
-
<div>For me, I think one thing I can do to center Black youth wellbeing in my work is to listen and be culturally responsive. It is so important that I see and hear my students which means I act/re-act in ways that are applicable and appropriate to help my students. </div>
-
I can understand why you feel that way. It can be overwhelming to learn about the history of racism and the many ways it continues to impact Black people today. But it is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Many resources are available to help you learn and grow, and many people are committed to working together to create a more just and equitable society.
It is also important to remember that you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Just one step at a time can lead to significant changes.🙂
-
I believe that Anti-Black Racism is still prevalent in Ontario because most efforts used to dismantle Anti-Black Racism negate addressing the root causes of this issue. For example, students may be taught that marginalized communities are often subjected to mistreatment systemically, such as within the employment sector, and academic sector which is a great start, but without addressing that white supremacy and white privilege are key factors that affect the maltreatment of Black Individuals, it will be hard to effectively make positive changes in mitigating Anti-Black Racism. Therefore, I think to decrease the prevalence of Anti-Black Racism I strongly believe that there needs to be teachings surrounding how white people benefit from Anti-Black Racism and how these narratives surrounding black individuals being labelled as subordinate inadvertently affect white individuals positively. Additionally, I also think there is a lack of resources available to black individuals that would help them navigate society cohesively by acknowledging the issues that are prevalent in Black communities.
-
As we reflect on five years of cannabis legalization (!), I wrote an article for REX Blog that summarizes key takeaways from the two-part community dialogue we co-hosted with community partners on 4/20 (April 20).
Through engaging presentations from youth sector initiatives and interactive breakout group discussions, we created space to collectively reflect on the lessons, emergent questions, concerns, and needs of young people in the five years since legalization – and considered how we might chart a path forward for the next five years.
Check out the seven key takeaways from our conversations at this event, which brought together more than 120 community stakeholders, and share your perspectives on these questions!
-
October 17, 2023, marks the fifth anniversary of cannabis legalization in Canada. What are the lessons from the cannabis and youth initiatives focused on public education, advocacy, capacity building, and youth-led engagement launched following the legalization of cannabis? How can we sustain such work to continue supporting young people?
-
Anti-Black racism is deeply entrenched in the institutions and policies in Canada and Ontario which are meant to reflect and reinforce harmful beliefs, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination of people of African descent. These policies are meant to both maintain Whiteness as a dominant worldview and also continue to further subjugate and marginalize BIPOC communities. Social welfare programs that are rooted in Western ideologies do not adequately address the structural barriers that are produced by racism and White supremacy. These ideologies place the individual person as the cause of their problem rather than viewing it as a symptom of a much larger and societal imbalance. What’s more, individual experiences are embedded within these larger systems that hold individuals responsible for unjust experiences and the root cause of the issue (racism and Whiteness) is left unchecked. Whiteness is seen as the norm but because it is embedded in every kind of institution it will never meet the needs of those who don’t benefit from it. White supremacy and Western Eurocentric worldviews need to be interrupted in order for racial oppression to be ameliorated.
-
I agree with your assessment that anti-Black racism is deeply entrenched in the institutions and policies in Canada and Ontario. It is a systemic issue that has been perpetuated for centuries, and it continues to have a devastating impact on the lives of Black people. The fact that social welfare programs rooted in Western ideologies do not adequately address the structural barriers produced by racism and White supremacy is a testament to the depth of the problem. These programs often place the blame on individuals for their own circumstances, rather than acknowledging the role that systemic racism plays in creating and maintaining those circumstances. When Black people are disproportionately impacted by poverty, unemployment, and incarceration, it is not because they are inherently inferior or lazy. It is because they face systemic barriers to success and over time these systems can take a toll on the individual psyche which impacts their worldview.
Hopefully, we will get this sorted out so as to create a more just and equitable society for all, though it will take a sustained effort from everyone involved.
-
-
Because many people refuse to check their behaviors. If they do, they can easily find blind spots where microaggressions and unconscious biases hide. So they don’t see the need to change. they don’t even know they need to change harmful behaviors.
-
Education is key. When one learns and unlearns about the histories of the different Black peoples (taking into consideration intersectionality), one becomes empowered with knowledge and information that can help them view things from much more empathetic perspectives. They can easily decide to throw away bad habits while incorporating the good habits needed to end racism as a whole. Aslo, unchecked behavior is always a big problem. One everybody needs to check their behaviors, for accountability purposes and in order to take responsibility for their actions.
-
I agree that education is a critical factor in helping to end racism since it can inform policies through research. When we learn and unlearn about the histories of different Black people, we gain a deeper understanding of the systems of oppression they face. This knowledge can help people to develop empathy and become more effective allies in the fight against racism.
It is also essential to check our behaviours and to hold ourselves accountable for our actions. We can all do our part to create a more just and equitable society by being mindful of our biases and speaking out against racism and discrimination.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this critical issue.
-
-
Thank you! found it! great doc!
-
is there a link?
-
Anti-Black racism in Ontario endures because of a legacy of colonialism, slavery, and discrimination that has left lasting imprints on the province’s institutions and society. Systemic biases in education, employment, and criminal justice continue to disadvantage Black communities. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive anti-racism policies and persistent stereotypes contribute to the ongoing problem, necessitating continued efforts to dismantle racism and promote equity.
-
I agree with you that anti-Black racism in Ontario endures because of a legacy of colonialism, slavery, and discrimination. You know, systemic biases in education, employment, and criminal justice continue to disadvantage Black communities. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive anti-racism policies and persistent stereotypes contribute to the ongoing problem.
It is important to remember that anti-Black racism is not just a problem that affects Black people. It is a problem that affects all of us. When Black people are denied opportunities and treated unfairly, it undermines our entire society. In terms of education, this systemic bias can lead to lower graduation rates and limited access to quality schools for Black students. In employment, it has resulted in higher unemployment rates and limited career advancement opportunities for Black individuals. Additionally, within the criminal justice system, we have seen how it leads to disproportionate arrests, harsher sentencing, and a lack of trust between law enforcement and Black communities. These issues highlight the urgent need for comprehensive anti-racism policies that address these systemic biases and work towards creating a more equitable society for all.
-
-
While I do not live in Ontario, and can agree that Anti-Black racism is still an important issue that is being faced across Canada. I can only speak from my own own observations in New-Brunswick, but erasure is one of the main forms of racism I have noticed, specifically as a form of curriculum violence. Throughout all my academic experiences, we have never had a focused lesson on Black culture and history in Canada. If so, it was mainly to speak about slavery in the United States, not in Canada. I find myself embarrassed believing the false stories I was told, such as Canada not having slavery and that the conditions were much better here in Canada compared to the States. I wish I would have questioned and challenged more the way we were taught Black history.
I think this is a also a big reason Anti-Black Racism is still an issue across Canada. Erasure, false claims and a lack of awareness of Black realities and history.
-
I am moved by what you have shared, and I totally agree with your statement. Erasure, false claims, and a lack of awareness of Black realities and history are all major contributors to anti-Black racism in Canada.
It is important to remember that Canada has a long and complex history of slavery and racism. Black people have been here since the beginning, but their contributions have often been ignored or erased. This erasure has a real and lasting impact on Black people and on Canadian society as a whole.
When Black history and culture are not taught in schools, it sends the message that Black people are not important or that their experiences are not valid. This can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and anger. It can also make it difficult for Black people to build a sense of community and identity. I think we are seeing that play out in the Black communities through internalized racism and its many manifestations.
-
-
I wish I could say Ontario has made more progress against anti-Black racism, but the harsh truth is it remains deeply entrenched in our province. And if we’re being really honest with ourselves, we know why.
It’s because racism doesn’t just disappear on its own – it hides in our institutions, our subconscious minds, and our resistance to change. We can’t just will it away with good intentions. Meaningful change requires hard work – at both a systemic and personal level.
We need to speak up when we see racial bias and barriers in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. We need to reflect on our own privilege and unconscious biases. We need to get uncomfortable having the tough conversations about race. And we need to keep advocating for equality and inclusion until they are a reality for all. I am as guilty as the next person for not doing these things when I see racism.
This won’t happen overnight. But if we don’t give up – through all the frustrations and setbacks – we can chip away at systemic racism. Our voices and actions matter, more than we know. But we need to stay consistent, and challenge ourselves to see the humanity in each other.
None of this is easy. But if we want a just society, we must do the work. Our kids are watching, our communities are hurting, and we owe it to them to keep pushing for change.
-
I agree with you that anti-Black racism in Ontario remains deeply entrenched. It is a complex problem with a long history, and it will not be solved easily. But I am hopeful that we can create a more just and equitable society for all if we work together. Also, it is important to remember that we all have a role to play in dismantling racism. We can all speak up when we see racial bias and barriers, and we can all reflect on our privilege and unconscious biases. We should continue to push to have these uncomfortable, and sometimes tough conversations about race and advocating for equality and inclusion.
I know that it is not always easy to challenge racism. It can be difficult to know what to say or how to respond. But it is important to remember that our voices and actions matter. We can all make a difference.
Thank you for your commitment to anti-racism. I am inspired by your words and your passion.
-
Thank you for your reply, Justin. I agree with your position, especially around the need to engage in tough conversations. There is so much to learn so let’s be respectful with one another as we keep pushing for understanding and action.
-
-
-
Check google for a doc called Performance Measurement to
Evaluation from the Urban Institute. It’s a great read.
“Performance measurement tells what a program did and how well it did it. Evaluation tells the program’s effect on the people, families, or communities it is serving,”
-
Can we go over the difference between performance measurement and evaluation again?
-
The Pathways for Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Justice project (funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada) strives to create a Canada where men and boys are actively engaged in the promotion of gender equality and violence prevention. They are bringing together practitioners and emerging leaders through an online community for the sharing of practical knowledge, tips and tricks, and vital supports in collectively building a movement. You can express your interest in joining through the Pathways website. If you have strategies for engaging in this work, we encourage you to share through this platform, too!
-
The Pathways for Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Justice project (funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada) strives to create a Canada where men and boys are actively engaged in the promotion of gender equality and violence prevention. They are bringing together practitioners and emerging leaders through an online community for the sharing of practical knowledge, tips and tricks, and vital supports in collectively building a movement. You can express your interest in joining through the Pathways website. If you have strategies for engaging in this work, we encourage you to share through this platform, too!
-
The simple thing I would do is find a suitable place where freedom of expression can be shared through youth voices. Organizing any activities where each of them can participate in discussion related to race ethnicity, and what are the steps taken toward this systemic concern of race enlarge. Having these activities together with youth will help me to hear their voices and be respected.
-
I have been engaging with youth in past years on daily bases whether in School or sports centre. Once upon a time, I went to school to support one of the newcomer families with their child who has been registered in public school. However, during the recess one of the associated school counselors refused for the student not to participate in the practices at last to finish his assignment.
To me, that was the eyes below that the school counselors engage in sports practices and refused for the student not to participate. So emotional that the student was very affected physiologically and that is proof of reinforcing white supremacy and dehumanizing Black students. Further, school counselors may also contribute to the ways that the basic and unique needs of Black students are overlooked, leading to the continued systemic of Black students. What is needed is a radical imagination of school counseling, which centers on the home place as the foundation in order to engage in freedom dreaming.
-
Anti-black racism against youth and families is a systemic topic for those who are denied that racism doesn’t exist. The data research will assist to explore in finding what the missing part and what are challenges any black person experiences.
The research will provide evidence in different areas such as employment, healthcare, education in different institutions, criminal justice in particular, and other aspects of challenges many Black communities experience in Canada and broadly. Conducting research will help those Black, African representatives in Government sectors to identify evidently African communities that are being criminalized by law enforcement.
-
What I would do is, organize discussion forums with Black Youth, engage the black youth in creative activities, create a fertile ground where the black youth could discuss the challenges they face and encourage them to be part of a positive change.
-
I love what you’re doing, taking a stance of “not knowing” when working with Black folks and other racialized groups whose experiences you can never truly understand. It’s so important to defer to folks in the communities you’re serving for decision-making and continually reflect on your commitment to anti-racism.
It’s also great that your organization is trying to appoint Black leaders and continue ensuring they engage in anti-racist practices. This is essential for creating a truly inclusive and equitable organization for all newcomers. I love that!
-
Thank you so much for your comment Jane. I agree with many of your points. I also can attest to not being educated on the history of Black Canadians. Unfortunately, Canada tends to dismiss the harm they have caused marginalized groups but yet claims to be taking a radical approach in ensuring that everyone is given an equal opportunity to succeed. I believe its a bit of a paradox to be trying to make changes to current systemic issues but not addressing the history or the rationale for these implementations in the first place.
-
I also feel that same guilt over my lack of knowledge regarding Black history in Canada and what actually happened. I feel that I should know more at this point in my life. I feel there was a deep void in my education in the public school system growing up that must be rectified for the current and future generations.
