I have an issue with Black History Month. I have written about how everything Black happens in February and is forgotten for the rest of the year. I have written about “firsts” and what they say about how far we have (and haven’t) come. And last year I wrote about the lessons we could learn … [Continue reading] Why I Hate Black History Month – part 4
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Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”
Welcome to week 4. Happy Eid to all of our Muslim brothers and sisters! Ramadan ended last night, and today is the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, which means ‘festival to break the fast’. It will continue until Tuesday, June 27th at sundown. And if you’re (also) part of the LGBTQ community in … [Continue reading] Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”
Who is Canadian?
Last week I arrived back in Toronto from a trip to the US. As I made my way through the terminal at Pearson International Airport, I was greeted by this image. As you can see, it’s a large series of photographs that hangs high above the escalators as you go down to customs. It’s meant, I suppose, … [Continue reading] Who is Canadian?
Colour Blindness – a New Racism
This past week I have had the opportunity to reflect (again) on the way we have been taught to not see skin colour – specifically, the way we have been taught to not see non-white skin colour. Somewhere along the line someone decided that this would be a good idea, and would show acceptance. It does … [Continue reading] Colour Blindness – a New Racism
Some thoughts on the US Election
The US election is devastating for so many reasons – not just the results, but the whole campaign. Beyond the US president elect, it has shown us the underbelly of what seems like half of American voters: Racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy... But Trump didn’t … [Continue reading] Some thoughts on the US Election
What’s in a Sign?
This morning I woke up early and was fortunate to catch the sunrise as I walked along the lakeshore. It’s one of my favourite places. As I walked, I came across this sign. It’s not the first time I’ve seen it, but it caught my attention today again, especially since I’ve been thinking a lot about … [Continue reading] What’s in a Sign?
Reconciliation in Canada
Last week I attended the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Conference – Inclusive Canada, 2017 and Beyond. It was a thought-provoking and intense two days with a strong theme of Indigenous inclusion. The opening keynote was by Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Ambassador for Reconciliation Canada. He … [Continue reading] Reconciliation in Canada
Visible Markers of Difference
Recently I spent a weekend in the Crown Height, Brooklyn – a Hasidic neighbourhood. As I walked to and from my friend’s apartment, I was surrounded by men in black suits, white shirts and hats or yarmulkes, and a few women in long skirts. Despite being a person of colour who is used to being … [Continue reading] Visible Markers of Difference
The Power of Words
Today I'm writing about words and choices. In our post-colonization societies, the use of words still reminds us (if we are aware and paying attention) of who is in charge, and who has value – and who doesn’t – in the eyes of the state. Take some of the names of sports teams, for … [Continue reading] The Power of Words
What does a doctor look like? Anti-Black racism in action.
You have probably already heard or read about Dr. Tamika Cross' post on Facebook and her experience of anti-Black racism on a Delta Airlines flight. In case you haven't, here it is in a nutshell: A man needed medical attention. She got up to help and was told to sit down. The flight attendants … [Continue reading] What does a doctor look like? Anti-Black racism in action.