Confronting Anti-Asian Racism: Reflection. Restoration. Action

“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

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.

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.

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