BlackNorth Initiative was formed last month. As many of these, it was in response to the killing of George Floyd. But anti-Black racism is (sadly) not a new issue. Their goal? To increase the representation of people who are Black around Canada’s Boardroom tables and among executive suites. They … [Continue reading] BlackNorth Initiative – is your company up for the challenge?
Blog
Effective Allyship
As the weather gets warmer and we step into summer, I've noticed a change in my spirit. A lightness. It also has something to do with lifted COVID restrictions. And, as if on cue with the weather, I have noticed that I'm slipping back into former COVID habits - like not washing my hands right … [Continue reading] Effective Allyship
“Remembering Colonization” Day
If you’re in Canada, today is a holiday. It’s “Canada Day” – the day we celebrate the official creation of our country. It’s a day that many Canadians celebrate for many reasons: from being thankful to have a day off work to being thankful for arriving and living in a country where there is no … [Continue reading] “Remembering Colonization” Day
Systemic (Anti-Black) Racism: New, Not New
(Yes, I also have Beyoncés Sorry, Not Sorry in my head now…) I have had many conversations over the last few weeks about anti-Black racism and systemic racism. The conversations feel different. There is a sense of leaning in, of wanting to know, of awareness (even small), that I have not felt … [Continue reading] Systemic (Anti-Black) Racism: New, Not New
Rethinking Statues, Monuments, and Street Names
Around the world, we are seeing protests (sparked by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police and the ensuing riots in the USA) that include demands to remove monuments, statues, and street names that honour people involved in anti-Black racism - from people who profited from and were … [Continue reading] Rethinking Statues, Monuments, and Street Names
Anti-Black Racism is Real
I’m feeling hopeful this week as our federal political leaders have publicly stated that anti-Black racism is real in Canada. Because it is. Because we need to talk about it. Because allies help in our struggles for justice of all kinds. (You can read about the statements made here and … [Continue reading] Anti-Black Racism is Real
Racism, Pain and Loss
Last week was challenging, to say the least. And sadly, not new... We had two publicly shared incidents of racism. One in Central Park and one in Minneapolis. One involving police and one involving a civilian. One involving men and one involving a woman. Both targeting Black men. You can read … [Continue reading] Racism, Pain and Loss
Masks: what they can tell us about connection
I’ve been thinking about masks this past week. Specifically, wearing them or not wearing them. I have 3 masks that have been made for me. I like the idea of wearing them. But I find I don’t wear them often. Why? It seem like such a simple thing. I had to think about it. I’m not out … [Continue reading] Masks: what they can tell us about connection
Race-based Data and COVID-19
Just in case the need for race*-based stats is a new conversation to you, it’s not just about COVI-19. COVID-19 is just the latest reason to beat the drum. Laurie Townshend (filmmaker, photographer and teacher) has a gripping installation up as part of Toronto’s Scotiabank Contact photography … [Continue reading] Race-based Data and COVID-19
New, Not New
For many of us, the past 6 weeks in quarantine/lock down have been… interesting. Some things have changed, some things maybe not so much. For example: Because I work from home (unless I’m training), being home is not a big difference. Spending all day with my 7 year old and homeschooling is. … [Continue reading] New, Not New