If you live in Toronto, June is Pride month, and this weekend coming up is Pride weekend. Rainbows abound. It’s nice to see the outwards signs of support. It wasn’t always like this. And it isn’t like this everywhere. In fact you don’t have to drive far to experience that. And we are also … [Continue reading] Happy Pride – this is what inclusion looks like
The Raptors, Basketball, and Black Boys’ Dreams…
I’m writing this on the eve of Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The game has been going on for about 2 hours. I am not watching – I have no TV – but I can hear the energy spilling out from neighbouring windows. My 7-year-old daughter has taken to basketball in the last few weeks, and I’m sure she will be … [Continue reading] The Raptors, Basketball, and Black Boys’ Dreams…
For the People…
First I want to acknowledge that the report from the Inquiry into the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released in Ottawa yesterday. I want to read more about what it says before I write about it. In the meantime, a little something about privilege. The cover of NOW … [Continue reading] For the People…
The Importance of Asking Questions
Last week I had an experience that reminded me how important it is to ask questions so we can see more. I was at Paramount Restaurant for dinner. Paramount is owned by a man who is Muslim and I have seen a prayer room in one location. I would not be surprised if that is standard: another example … [Continue reading] The Importance of Asking Questions
Remember, it’s Ramadan
For many of us, the fact that it’s Ramadan may not even be on our radar. Ramadan is the 9thmonth in the Islamic calendar and is a month where Muslims around the world fast between sunrise and sunset. As the days get longer, consider what I might be like not to eat or drink for about 14.5 … [Continue reading] Remember, it’s Ramadan
Voice of Women for Peace
Last weekend I accompanied my mother to the 2019 Awards Gala for Voice of Women for Peace, held at the 519 Community Centre in Toronto. Voice of Women for Peace (VOW) is a grassroots organization that next year will turn 60. That’s quite something for an NGO. And it is the oldest women’s … [Continue reading] Voice of Women for Peace
Exploring Resistance – Part 3
Over the last two weeks I’ve been exploring resistance – specifically to immigration and to the accommodations we make (and/or are asked to make) for individuals who are new to Canada and who are bringing different beliefs and customs with them. If you missed them, here are Part 1 and Part 2. The … [Continue reading] Exploring Resistance – Part 3
Exploring Resistance – Part 2
Last week I started this series with a common argument: that people who come to Canada should be prepared to become Canadian and “leave their ways at home”. If you missed it, you can read about the irony I highlighted last week here. This week I’m going to explore another phrase I heard recently: … [Continue reading] Exploring Resistance – Part 2
Exploring Resistance – Part 1
You’ve likely heard the argument, or perhaps made it yourself. It goes something like this: "When you come to Canada you should be prepared to be Canadian. Do whatever you want to do from 'your own culture' at home, but otherwise this is how we do things here." Often in this argument someone … [Continue reading] Exploring Resistance – Part 1
The Price of Lack of Representation
Last week I spoke at Allies in Tech. Given their mission, it wasn't surprising that the room was filled mostly women - and there were two men present. Yay! My topic was why inclusion is the key to diversity. As I was looking for images for an activity, I came across a few statistics about CEOs … [Continue reading] The Price of Lack of Representation