I’m in Cuba with my family this week – well, actually an island off the coast of Cuba. And while we are at an all inclusive, in a location with little else around (sadly), there is still enough going on here to be aware of race politics. Cuba has a mixture of people of colour – the … [Continue reading] Racism – the legacy of colonization globally
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Black History Month – further Colonization?
Two weeks ago, I wrote about why we don’t talk about Black present or future, and mused about whether we are helping all people to learn from Black History when we talk and teach about it. A few things have happened since then that I need to share: Musings on Black History from 4- and … [Continue reading] Black History Month – further Colonization?
Black History Month. So…?
I am not a fan of Black History Month. For one, it becomes a month crammed with everything Black/African/Caribbean and then we don’t see much of it the rest of the year. You can read other musings here. But this year, I have another angle that adds to my disdain. I recently had a conversation … [Continue reading] Black History Month. So…?
What Happens When Black Lives Matter
This past Tuesday, at the Pride Toronto AGM, members voted to uphold the demands of Black Lives Matter made last summer at the Pride parade. One of those demands was the removal of police floats from the Parade. Police spokesperson Mark Pugash expressed disappointment, and is quoted in the … [Continue reading] What Happens When Black Lives Matter
Canadian Dolls
It’s fitting, on the heels of last week’s blog, that I have been introduced to The Maplelea Girls – a group of Canadian dolls. Conversations about race can be difficult. Yes, we are making progress, but there are still issues to raise and improvements to make – and unless we talk about these, … [Continue reading] Canadian Dolls
The Dangers of Being Colour Blind
Race can be a difficult topic to discuss. (Ha! Did you think this was going to be about your retinas?) And somewhere along the line some of us were taught that being colour blind was the answer; that not seeing the colour of someone’s skin is a good and respectful thing. To be more precise, being … [Continue reading] The Dangers of Being Colour Blind
Anti-Racism Directorate in Ontario
The Ontario Government has created an Anti-Racism Directorate. Here is what the website http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/en/news/35889 says: “The Directorate will work with key partners such as business, community organizations, educational institutions and the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The … [Continue reading] Anti-Racism Directorate in Ontario
I am NOT Black…video comments
New Canadian Federal cabinet aside (more on that later) I have to comment on Prince Ea's video (I am NOT Black, you are not White) that is making the rounds on social media. It's a lovely sentiment. I hate labels too. And if you are White, chances are you love this video. We have been taught that … [Continue reading] I am NOT Black…video comments
Kanye who?
It’s easy to jump to conclusions. Last night when I heard that our mayor John Tory didn't realize Kanye West wasn't Canadian the first thought I had was: "It's because he is Black". And then I checked myself. Because I mixed up Kanye West with K'naan (also Black but born in Somalia and raised in … [Continue reading] Kanye who?
Protection from Discrimination? Really?!
I was shown this Huffington Post article on the weekend and had such a visceral reaction to it, I couldn’t finish it: I taught my black kids that their elite upbringing would protect them from discrimination. I was wrong. My first reaction was to shake my head in disbelief. “Really?! How could … [Continue reading] Protection from Discrimination? Really?!