The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office in collaboration with the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre invites the University of Toronto community to join us in a series of collective healing spaces to denounce anti-Asian racism, misogyny and all forms of racial and gender-based violence. Let us centre love, restoration and action as we navigate these challenging times together.
Note: The events below have passed.
“If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you recognize
that your liberation and mine are bound up together, we can walk together”
– Lilla Watson
March 31, 2021 • 10:00am – 11:30am EST
Shared Unity, Shared Action: Dismantling Anti-Asian Racism
The Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office joins the University of Toronto in condemning anti-Asian racism, misogyny, and all forms of racial violence. There is no denying the pain, sadness, and anger that many are feeling given recent events of racial and gender-based violence in Atlanta, Georgia. As we navigate and action-plan during these difficult times, the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office invites the community to collectively gather to confront, resist and denounce racism, anti-Asian racism, and White supremacy. Join us as we ignite love, compassion, support and restoration while building community during these challenging times.
This space will center a presentation and Q &A with May Lui, Educator and Consultant, on the topic, “Confronting Anti-Asian Racism: What you Need to Know”. This conversation will explore the complexities of anti-Asian racism, its impact and the principles that must be centered as we move forward to meaningful change.
- Format: Presentation and Q & A, followed by a closure activity.
- Platform: Virtual- Zoom.
- Audience: Racialized voices will be prioritized. Allies are welcome to attend. Open to students, staff, faculty, librarians, chaplains, and external community.
Please note that Jia Yao and Bristy Chakrabarty from the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre, will be available for support during this event.
Event Program:
- Opening Remarks: Karima Hashmani, Executive Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion | Office of Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
- Remarks and Moment of Silence: Dr. Joseph Wong, Vice President, International | University of Toronto
- Keynote Presentation: May Lui, Educator and Consultant
- Closing Activity: Co-Facilitated by Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre
May Lui
Educator and Consultant
Read May’s Bio
Dr. Joseph Wong
Vice President, International
University of Toronto
Karima Hashmani
Executive Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Office of Vice-President Human Resources & Equity
March 31, 2021 • 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST
Purposeful Resilience: Restoration through Dialogue and Meditation
The Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office joins the University of Toronto in condemning anti-Asian racism, misogyny, and all forms of racial violence. We invite members of the Asian community to a curated space of healing that supports the reprioritization of self-care and compassion. This space will include a community dialogue facilitated by Jia Yao from the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre, followed by a restorative movement and meditation practice led by Anne Chan.
Recommended materials for movement and meditation:
- Comfortable clothing that will allow you to move and stretch.
- A clear space with a wall or chair nearby.
- Yoga props or household items (i.e. pillow, blanket, towels in different sizes) to support.
Participants are invited to play light music while practicing movement. A Spotify playlist will be shared.
- Format: Community dialogue followed by movement and meditation.
- Platform: Virtual- Zoom.
- Audience: Open to students, staff, faculty, librarians, chaplains, and external community members who identify as Asian.
Anne Chan
Yoga & Meditation Teacher
Read Anne’s Bio
Jia Yao
Sexual Violence Support & Response Coordinator,
Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Centre at the University of Toronto
Read Jia’s Bio
April 6, 2021
Addressing Racial Trauma through Art
Racism impacts our mental health, and sometimes it’s hard to talk about it. The goal of this art therapy workshop is to create a safe space to process the feelings that might have come up in wake of the rise in Anti-Asian violence in the news in art. With a Body Mapping exercise, participants are invited to look inward- to focus on our thoughts, our feelings, and to remind ourselves of our strengths.
Bring some paper and 5 colours (pencil crayons, markers, and/or paints). No art experience is necessary, just come as you are.
Facilitator: Phuong Nguyen
Phuong Nguyen (she/her) is a person of diaspora. She is an artist, Certified Art Therapist, and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Her Vietnamese-Canadian heritage informs her personal goals in contributing to Toronto’s diverse communities – and as a POC herself, Nguyen is especially invested in working with POCs in her private practice and community organizations.
Only 20 spaces are available for each session:
- Session 1 Tuesday, April 6, 10:00am – 11:30am
This space is open for folks who identify as members of the Asian community - Session 2 Tuesday, April 6, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
This is an open session