Navi
The staff at the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity office join in the expression of sadness, frustration and intense anger at the most recent events of racialized violence against Black lives. We know these conversations, protests and movements are not new in the centuries fight to end all forms of racism and it is critical we remain steadfast in upholding these discussions months and years after the media stops highlighting these most recent events.
We must sustain and nurture ourselves as a community. As such, ARCDO will be holding a series of initiatives over the next few days to engage in restoration, reflection and critical dialogue to nourish the mind, body and spirit for the ongoing journey to combat anti-Black racism and to ensure these critical conversations and action planning do not end with the change of the news cycle.
A full listing of initiatives over the next few days, are available on ARCDO’s website. Initiatives include spaces for Black community, racialized community and allies. The first community gathering will be held this Thursday, June 4, 2020, 1:00pm – 2:30pm. We will be joined by Black community leaders in Toronto to support dialogue and reflection on these most recent tragic events and hold a moment of silence for the Black lives lost to racial violence. This space is open to Black and racialized community and allies. The virtual location for these initiatives are available on our website.
On a personal note, I want to thank all of you who have connected with myself and the ARCDO team in support and solidarity. Please know that the show of support that we need the most is your ongoing commitment to actions that work towards eliminating racism in all its forms – speak up and speak out.
ARCDO stands with you.
Jodie Glean-Mitchell, M.A.
Director, Antiracism and Cultural Diversity Office
Human Resources and Equity, University of Toronto
Nikki Samuel
Program Coordinator, Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office
Human Resources and Equity, University of Toronto
Saimah Baig
Program Coordinator, Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office
Human Resources and Equity, University of Toronto