[Julia]

Evaluation is like a lipstick because it’s smooth, shiny, and shows that someone has put that little bit of extra effort into ensuring the external is just as good looking as the internal.

[Liz]

I think a big part of it is cognitive dissonance. People are aware racism exists at a structural level but they choose to ignore it rather than protest it. People prefer to believe that Ontario being multicultural is enough. I think it’s difficult for people to challenge authority so if those in positions of power are not leading change at an organizational level these necessary changes will never happen. It’s important for everyone to work towards changing this culture where we are “comfortable” with how things are and challenge the status quo but people are afraid of seeming difficult.

[Thia]

What we’re doing right now, creating a platform for educational reform, and bringing awareness to anti-Black racism. All my years being a student, we were never spoke about anti-Black racism or any kind of racism and that’s just extremely disturbing to look back onto now. Luckily, I was brought up in a very diverse community so without even realizing I became an ally to many of my black friends, especially when racism was present in my own South Asian home. I learned so much from my friends and became hyper aware of their reality which many people in less diverse areas might not have had the same opportunity to learn. Which is why I think bringing awareness to all education systems throughout Canada will begin the domino effect of dismantling racism. What I learned from my friends, I was able to teach my parents and with time they too changed their perspective.

I enjoyed and learned so much just by going through each module and I hope we continue in this direction. Thank you so much for everyone who played a part in creating this certificate.

[Rosananthi]

Anti-Black racism in Ontario continues because of implicit biases, and a lack of representation. We need better education and rules to make things more fair and equal.

[Oksana]

Anti-Black racism persists in Ontario due to historical legacies and systemic discrimination, institutional biases, cultural stereotypes, and inadequate representation. In few posts, it was mentioned, that it is usually associated with US, rather Ontario (Canada), and treated as this issue does not exists here.

Addressing this issue requires many efforts, including community engagement, and challenging stereotypes, promoting dialog, and increasing awareness.

[Oksana]

Anti-Black racism persists in Ontario due to historical legacies and systemic discrimination, institutional biases, cultural stereotypes, and inadequate representation. In few posts, it was mentioned, that it is usually associated with US, rather Ontario (Canada); hence, it is treated as this issue does not exists here.

Addressing this issue requires many efforts, including community engagement, and challenging stereotypes, promoting dialog, and increasing awareness.

[Alexandra]

One thing I took away from listening to the lectures and readings in module 2 is that it is really critical that we actually take the time to listen properly to black youth when they express their issues and problem or ask for help or assistance etc… Listen without bias and listen with care. Not only that, but then confronting your own implicit and possibly explicit biases and placing those aside and choosing to believe them. Listen to what they are actually saying and extend the respect to actually believe what they say and act accordingly. Take everything else out of the equation. It sounds so simple, but I can imagine just being heard and believed would go a long way to improving trust, morale, confidence and renewed inspiration in learning and the education system.

[Paulette]

Taken from the Ontario Human Rights Website:

“The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) recognizes the struggles stemming from systemic anti-Black racism in education, which impedes and stifles progress for many Black communities across Ontario for generations.

The recent rise and increased visibility of anti-Black racism in Ontario has sparked and renewed persistent calls to combat these issues.

Systemic anti-Black racism in Ontario’s publicly-funded education system is a crisis.

Thirty-plus years of reports, studies and grassroots work has proved that anti-Black racism exists in education. The OHRC has studied, investigated, and litigated matters involving systemic anti-Black racism in education for decades, and recent studies show the problems still exist. It is deeply embedded in our institutions, policies, and practices, including in the education system.

The OHRC is heartened by the rise in community activism and engagement concerning anti-Black racism in the public education system. As it looks ahead at future possibilities, it is important to collaborate with communities, schools, educators, and duty-holders to bring about the change needed for Black students. Community voices and voices of Black professionals in the education system must be heard to address anti-Black racism in education and to identify and develop solutions focused on Black students’ well-being, achievement, and belonging.”

The problem of anti-Black racism is far reaching, and multiple studies have been done at all levels of Government; Federal, Provincial and Municipal. Therefore, the institutions must make changes to policies and practices to ensure basic Human Rights are upheld and until those changes are made; the practice of anti-Black racism will continue to be an issue.

[Marc]

This is a very complex and multi-level question. It is still a problem due to the majority of folks in power that are predominantly white, where the distribution of power is skewed and granted (in some cases) based on nepotism and in many cases through generational wealth. These folks (whether by complexion or/and generational wealth) are surprisingly oblivious to the privileges they inherit and so if you have these same folks that are incumbents of powerful positions, making decisions that influence and impact a large population of people, it only serves as a feedback loop that perpetuates racism and disenfranchisement.

Now, think about this happening for decades, or centuries, it becomes ingrained into society’s consciousness, nurtured and reinforced at every angle and medium, cascading throughout generations. It becomes not so difficult to see now why racism still exists. The important thing is that we all should recognise our privileges and accept objectively that this is an unequivocal problem that still exists and that we need to work together to progress forward.

[Judith]

I believe the goal should be to create an inclusive and supportive environment that acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black students in higher education. Centering Black youth well-being in my work as an Academic Advisor at a University involves adopting an inclusive and culturally competent approach.

I also believe the University should advocate for increased representation of Black faculty, staff, and administrators within the university and highlight the importance of diverse role models and mentors for Black students.

Also as advisors, we should actively listen to their concerns and provide guidance tailored to their individual needs.

[Eva]

I can relate, Lorrie… Firstly, as a white person (although with my own immigrant experience of prejudice, hardship, and communist persecutions in Eastern European) – what can I really say? I can relate to feeling alien as an immigrant, to not having my language or culture seen as mainstream, to not being hired because of my accent or cultural quirks, or to not knowing my family roots or grandparents (killed in concentration camps in WWII) – but it still won’t add up to the overwhelming, all encompassing experience of black people. I am glad that I had a glimpse into those feelings, to get a different perspective and come out of my own universe, but I don’t feel that I can’t possibly answer the survey as ‘understanding’ or ‘having learned’. This would not give any justice to the experience of racial discrimination.

[Stefanie Lamonaca]

I think anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because it’s a complex issue with deep historical roots. While progress has been made in addressing racism, it persists in various forms and several factors still contribute to the continued existence of anti-Black racism. Historical legacy is one factor. Ontario, like many other regions, has a history of slavery and discrimination against Black individuals. Historical injustices have long-lasting effects on communities and contribute to systemic issues. Another factor is systemic racism. Institutional structures, policies, and practices can perpetuate racial disparities and Black individuals face systemic barriers in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and criminal justice. The lack of representation also plays a big role in why anti-Black racism still exists. The underrepresentation of Black individuals in positions of power and decision-making roles can limit their influence on policies that directly affect their communities. Economic disparities create inequalities that disproportionately impact Black communities. These also include limited access to opportunities and resources, which in turn can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and hinder social mobility. Media influence daily and how they negatively portray Black individuals can contribute to stereotypes and perpetuate harmful biases which influence public perception. The education gaps and disparities in educational opportunities and resources can affect the long-term prospects of Black individuals, limiting access to higher-paying jobs and other opportunities. Efforts to address anti-Black racism in Ontario involve a combination of policy changes, community engagement, education, and fostering inclusive environments. The first step is to recognize the issues and commit to actively combating these systemic issues, which is crucial for creating a more equitable society.

[Jacquie]

Yes, anti-black racism is still a problem in <wt-ignore uuid=”17b5cabb-55d4-4a1a-9be9-5471e231fa7e” source=”wt-feature-dismissed”>Ontario</wt-ignore>. These are ongoing issues, because of historical and systemic discrimination, stereotypes, and biases that continue to perpetuate racial inequalities and contribute to the persistence of <wt-ignore uuid=”46148d2a-5afd-4190-9dab-3c2d1be430b1″ source=”wt-feature-dismissed”>anti-black</wt-ignore> racism. <wt-ignore uuid=”db889c27-5f01-4141-9f6c-963877a29dd4″ source=”wt-feature-result”>In order to create a more inclusive and equitable society, collective action, education, and policy changes must be undertaken.</wt-ignore>

[Alda]

I am sad to say it is still an issue, part of it I think Ontario is a melting pot of so many cultures and immigrants. In many instances I believe there is no tolerance of understanding each other’s cultures and it also gives way of prejudgment of people’s cultural ways and the lack of wanting to understand each other. Unfortunately, the wrong perception then is further propagated by not only people, but the media who equates all bad is equal to race, color, or creed. Therefore, creating a prejudgment by society. This has created a very difficult environment for youth to navigate, creating fears, stigmas and self-doubts by those who inflict this on them. This difficulty has created many emotional scars which have been passed down in families due to their serious experiences with those who discriminate them. Knowledge of what these discriminatory practices are doing to the Youth and services for the Youth to give them coping mechanisms I feel must be available for them.

[Eric]

• Promote education on the history and contributions of Black Canadians in schools and communities.
• Encourage open conversations about racism, privilege, and systemic discrimination.
• Challenge stereotypes and biases through media literacy programs.

[Eric]

The history of colonization and slavery has left a lasting impact on societies, including Canada. Historical injustices and systemic discrimination have created a foundation for the persistence of racism

[Judith]

Addressing anti-Black racism requires a comprehensive and sustained effort at various levels, including legislative, institutional, and societal. It involves promoting education, fostering inclusivity, challenging systemic inequalities, and actively working to dismantle discriminatory practices. Community engagement, allyship, and ongoing dialogue are essential components of creating lasting change.

[Mohamedfayaz]

Anti-black racism still exists in Ontario and the rest of Canada because of historical factors and institutional racism. Black communities have faced a lot of discrimination and unequal treatment in various sectors ie. schools, and workplaces.

[Alexandra]

It exists because it is woven into the fabric of our culture and institutions. What a complex question. It’s odd, but the world even one or two hours outside of Major Cities in Canada is a completely different landscape and country in terms of demographics and lived experience. I think in most small towns and Cities across Ontario and in other parts of the country, blackness is still see and felt as ‘otherness’, strange, different, dangerous, and all of the other explicit and implicit biases that media and pop-culture have associated with Black youth and persons. Ignorance is rampant, racism and bigotry hardly veiled… We can call them “Hicks”, but it doesn’t change the fact that by and large, most places in Canada are not very inviting to black people and a lot of other minorities and ethnicities. Until our laws, social justice systems, education curriculum and media reflect the needs and issues of black persons equally and organically, there will always be anti-black racism present. When citizens, voting public, lobbyists, banks and investors let policy makers and law enforcement know that they will not turn a blind eye and tolerate inequality and racist behavior, there is little that can be done to change institutional biases. When it becomes less profitable to continue to marginalize and discriminate against BIPOC, policies and laws will change. I also think that education really is the root of democracy and the more access to education and opportunities BIPOC have, the more access to money and influence will follow. Politics and policies follow money and invested interests. This is my two cents and a small bite of a hugely complex issue. Education = less ignorance = less complicity.

[Charlotte]

I think one of the actions we can take proactively is to build partnerships between schools, community centers and business corporations to create a supportive network when it comes to designing pathways to inclusion in the black youth sector. For example, facilitating networking events or activities can connect black youth with professionals and mentors from various fields to embrace diversity, foster connections and promote dialogue.

[Trinez]

As an individual committed to this cause, one simple step I can take is to actively listen. This involves creating opportunities for Black youth to share their stories, experiences, and concerns in safe and supportive environments. By truly listening and valuing their voices, we can better understand their unique needs and aspirations.

For my organization, one simple yet impactful action would be to involve Black youth in the design and development of programs aimed at supporting their success. This means actively engaging them in the decision-making process, seeking their input, and co-creating initiatives that directly address their challenges and uplift their wellbeing.

Understanding that the experiences and perspectives within the Black community are diverse, this approach allows us to embrace the richness of their cultures while ensuring that our efforts are inclusive and genuinely meet the needs of Black youth. It’s about fostering spaces where their voices are not only heard but actively incorporated into the fabric of our programs and strategies.

[Dennis]

I believe anti-black racism still exists in Ontario because of historical factors like the long-lasting impact of colonialism, which contributes to ongoing issues such as racial profiling, economic disparities, and a lack of representation in positions of influence.

[Yushu]

I think doing community-based research especially the qualitative research is a good way to highlight the impact of anti-black racism on black youth and families and amplify their voices. It is also important to transform the research data into different forms such as videos, infographics, and social media posts to let the public understand them more easily.

[Alison]

Great points here. While quantitative research is important, qualitative research is also of equal importance. With any sort of research as well, it is important to gather information from a wide variety of age groups and genders to ensure a broad scope of research. Having data in different formats is also great so that it is more accessible as well. Having it on social media is even better because its more commonly used.

[Yushu]

One of the reasons that anti-black racism is still a problem in Ontario and the rest of Canada is that institutional racism and history legacy still impacts black community. When talking about racism, people might often think about anti-black racism in the United States. They might not consider it as an issue in Canada. There is limited research data on anti-black racism and it needs to inform the public.

[Yushu]

One simple thing an individual could do to center Black youth wellbeing is to listen to their experiences and amplify their voices through taking actions . A<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>n organization could do to center Black youth wellbeing is to educate employees on Anti-Black racism and impact on Black youth, support organizations that center black community, and to have a designated program for Black youth.

[ashad]

Having bus fare and spare change at the ready for the youth we connect with

[Judith]

Hi there.

I agree with you. I have worked in the education system for a few years now, and I as a new comer (born in Canada, raised in Mexico and now back in Canada), was shocked to find that some sectors were offering only “Applied” courses at certain schools, not giving students(black) the opportunity to even dream of going to University, as they were not taking “Academic” courses in HS. What do you call that? Discrimination, right?

To top it, I worked at a TCDSB school in a black community area, and the teachers were white. I felt students were not represented by any teachers. But how can they be represented if going to university was a challenge to many black students? How else could they become teachers?

[Sanja]

Yes, I agree with this. But even in such a multicultural environment that we live in, to date many communities are still left without a voice.

[Alison]

Yes, without knowing there is the issue or without knowing the extent of the issue, people may not be inclined to educate themselves or do anything about it. One may also feel that they are only one person and can’t change the world. But imagine if nobody had this mindset? When more people believe in the same thing i.e. equality, equity and justice for all, we can move faster towards a world where racism doesn’t exist.