Newsletter Archives — March 2017

What’s New for March 2017

 

“Building capacity is an essential precondition, a sine qua non, for our collective efforts towards reconciliation.”

The President and Provost have jointly responded to the final report of the U of T Truth and Reconciliation Commission Steering Committee. The full response, Humility, Responsibility, Opportunity: In Response to the Report of the University of Toronto’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Steering Committee (PDAD&C #62) can be accessed at the following URL: http://memos.provost.utoronto.ca/humility-responsibility-opportunity-in-response-to-the-report-of-the-university-of-torontos-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-steering-committee-pdadc-62/.

SAVE THE DATE: University of Toronto 2017 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) Campaign

The University of Toronto 2017 IDERD Campaign will be held over two days (March 20–21, 2017). The theme for this year’s IDERD Campaign is “What’s Anti-Racism Good for Now?”.

The two days will consist of a one day thought provoking Conference that will convene on March 20th followed by the Ceremony on March 21st. Both events will be held at the University of Toronto St. George campus.

These events will provide a dynamic space for engagement, learning and networking. All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend.

Further details and registration information for both the IDERD Conference and the IDERD Ceremony will be available on the ARCDO website soon at the following URL: http://www.antiracism.utoronto.ca/index.html.

Stand Up Canadian Blackness: Past. Present. Future.

This multi-partner collaborative at the University of Toronto is seeking to engage students, staff, faculty and the broader community in dialogue and action planning with respect to the historical and present experiences of blackness in the Canadian context, with a particular focus on experiences in the post-secondary environments. The goal of the event is to enhance knowledge of these histories, to reflect on these and current experiences, and to consider how to shape systemic change now and for the future.

 

 

 

March 6th
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Hart House, Reading Room, 7 Hart House Circle

Opening remarks by Professor Kelly Hannah-Moffat, Vice-President Human Resources and Equity. Keynote speaker: George Elliott Clarke, Parliamentary Poet Laureate and E.J. Pratt Professor of Canadian Literature at U of T. Moderated conversation to follow with George Elliot Clarke and Dr. Onye Nnorom facilitated by Nana Frimpong. Registration required.

Further information can be found at the following URL: http://harthouse.ca/events/stand-up/.

Anti-Islamophobia Motion Passed in the Ontario Legislature

On February 23, 2017, the Ontario legislature unanimously passed an anti-Islamophobia motion. The motion was introduced by MPP, Ottawa-Vanier, Nathalie Des Rosiers this past December 1, 2016. The motion reads in part that “…the Legislative Assembly of Ontario should stand against all forms of hatred, hostility, prejudice, racism and intolerance; rebuke the notable growing tide of anti-Muslim rhetoric and sentiments; denounce hate-attacks, threats of violence and hate crimes against people of the Muslim faith…” Read more at the following URL: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/motions.do?locale=en&DomainCode=PRIV. (Note: In the “Filter” box type “37”, to see motion 37).

Connections and Conversations

Connections and Conversations is an affinity group for racialized staff at the University of Toronto and their supporters. The staff-driven initiative offers discussions and a support network for racialized staff to flourish at U of T. The focus is to create an open and empowering environment for racialized staff to celebrate their accomplishments and contribute their unique ideas and talents to the University through networking, mentoring and other activities. Local chapters were created on all three campuses – earlier this year.

LOCAL CHAPTER MEETING(S):

Mississauga Campus:

The next local chapter meeting will take place on March 3rd from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at UTM, 3359 Mississauga Road, DH 3055.

Please also mark your calendars for March 17th from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at UTM, 3359 Mississauga Road, DH 3055 when representatives from Human Resources will talk about Diversity and Recruitment strategies at U of T.

BYOL (Bring your own lunch), a desire to discuss and as many colleagues as you like. All are welcome!

Race, Religion, and Conversation: A Genealogical Approach

Part of a colloquium series with keynote speaker: Robert Bernasconi, Sparks Professor of Philosophy & African American Studies, Pennsylvania State University.

March 24th
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Emmanuel College, EM 001, 75 Queen’s Park Crescent

Registration required. The Department of Anthropology Colloquium Series is co-sponsored by the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office, Emmanuel College, Centre for Jewish Studies, Multi-Faith Centre for Spiritual Study and Practice, Department of Philosophy, Department of Religion, Victoria College (Literacy and Critical Theory Program), Wycliff College.

More Events

(If you wish to request that your event be included in our monthly newsletter, please submit requests to antiracism@utoronto.ca at least one week prior to the beginning of the new month.)

From now until March 4, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, University of Toronto Art Centre, 15 King’s College Circle: Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience. A project by Kent Monkman. Journey through Canada’s history beginning 150 years before confederation. This exhibition narrates a story of Canada through the lens of First Nations’ resilience. This touring exhibition is produced by the Art Museum at the University of Toronto in partnership with the Confederation Centre Art Gallery, Charlottetown and has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

From now until April 1, UTSC, 1265 Military Trail, Doris McCarthy Gallery: Heather Hart, Northern Oracle. Northern Oracle is a large-scale rooftop installation – a series of mixed media drawings – exploring issues of home, stability and shelter, and the ways in which these rights have been denied to the Black community, historically and to the present. The work is an act of reclaiming space, providing a site for conversation and community building.

From now until April 9, Ryerson University, 33 Gould Street, Ryerson Image Centre: Power to the People Photography and Video of Repression and Black Protest. The Ryerson Image Centre (RIC) and Black Artist’s Networks Dialogue (BAND) team up to present a season of exhibitions exploring historical and ongoing struggles for justice between people of colour and police forces representing the state.

Q21: A Conversation Café. Q21 is a weekly conversation café (hosted by the SGDO) that takes place on Thursday’s and will give you an opportunity to connect with students and guest facilitators about the topics on your minds. Each week will have a theme and a new guest facilitator. Q21 takes place from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm at 21 Sussex Avenue in Room 421 (lounge) on the following days:

  • March 2nd;
  • March 9th;
  • March 16th;
  • March 23rd; and
  • March 30th.

Brown Girls Yoga. For self-identified Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, who currently or formerly identify as woman/girl. Queer- and trans- positive space. All bodies, sizes and levels welcome. Bring your own yoga mats. No registration required. Presented by the Multi-Faith Centre and endorsed by First Nations House. Brown Girls Yoga takes place from 5:10 pm – 6:00 pm at the Multi-Faith Centre, 569 Spadina Avenue in the Main Activity Hall on the following days:

  • March 2nd;
  • March 9th;
  • March 16th;
  • March 23rd; and
  • March 30th.

March 2, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Centre for Women and Trans People, North Borden Building, 563 Spadina Avenue, Room 100: Resisting Oppression and Reclaiming Spirituality: “The Politics of Boundaries”. ROARS is a student-led peer support group that provides a safe(r) space for self-identified women, trans, two-spirited, and gender non-binary/non-conforming people to examine the impact of oppressive -isms and reclaim your own spirituality. ROARS is a collaborative initiative between the Multi-Faith Centre for Spiritual Study & Practice and the Centre for Women & Trans People at the University of Toronto.

March 3, 9:00 am – 11:00 am, OISE, 252 Bloor Street West, Room 2-214: Understanding the Sociocultural Context of Coping for African American Survivors of Homicide Victims. Tanya Sharpe will discuss factors that influence how African Americans cope with the homicide of a loved one, and present a sociocultural responsive model of coping that has informed the development of psychoeducational interventions designed to support African American survivors of homicide victims in coping with their grief. Registration required.

March 3, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, 21 Sussex Avenue, Room 421 (lounge): Gender Talk. Gender Talk is a monthly discussion group for trans+ members at U of T. All members of U of T who identify as trans, transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, non-binary, or who are questioning their gender identity are welcome to come together to talk about topics that matter to you.

March 3, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Centre for Social Innovation, 192 Spadina Avenue: Heartwork Tour: The Path of Resilience and Healing – Raise Your Voice In Love: Stories of Resilience. An evening of storytelling, poetry, and songs expressing the importance of love and seeking strength in community. Sponsored by the Muslim Chaplaincy at U of T and the MSA. Registration required.

March 4, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, Debates Room: Heartwork Tour: The Path of Resilience and Healing – Heartwork: A Workshop on Spiritual Care, Counseling, and Community-Building. This workshop is geared towards those working within the mental and spiritual health fields. Sponsored by the Muslim Chaplaincy at U of T and the MSA. Registration required.

Spirit Singers: Celebrating Diversity and Our Common Humanity. Intercultural choir committed to songs of peace and justice. Haven’t sung in a while come on out! Spirit Singers takes place from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Centre for International Experience (CIE), 33 St. George St., on the following days:

  • March 6th;
  • March 13th;
  • March 20th and
  • March 27th.

Please register for Spirit Singers at: multi.faith@utoronto.ca.

March 11, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Athletic Centre, Sports Gym, 320 Huron Street: U of T Honouring Our Students Pow Wow and Indigenous Festival. A celebration honouring all students at U of T – a traditional powwow with dancers, drums, and vendors. Celebrate academic journeys and Indigenous culture. Everyone is welcome!

March 17, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm, 21 Sussex Avenue, Room 421 (lounge): Queer & Trans Students of Colour Discussion. Queer & Trans Students of Colour (QTSOC) is a monthly discussion group for Black , Indigenous and other racialized U of T community members who identify as LGBTQ, gender non-conforming, two-spirit, third gender and intersex. The group will discuss how the intersections of race, sexuality and gender affect personal experiences and communities. Students across all three campuses are invited to meet other people and join in discussions that challenge racism, homophobia and transphobia.

March 28, 11:45 am – 2:00 pm, Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, Great Hall: 5 Buck Lunch at Hart House. The $5 lunch for students ($7 for non-students) at Hart House offers a tasty and balanced meal. Experience the flavours and cultures of the world. Whether you like sweet or savoury, comfort fare or spicy dishes, there is something for all taste buds. Everyone that attends a 5-buck lunch will go home with a copy of all of the recipes used for their lunch and directions to recreate the meal at home. All of the recipes will be easy, budget friendly and delicious.

March 28, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, Hart House Catering Kitchen: Community Kitchen. Hungry for social change? Feast on engaging lectures on social justice issues, fruitful discussions, and a wholesome meal. Pool your resources and your culinary skills with others to create a cheap feast for the sense! You will have a hands-on cooking experience with a unique menu and a special guest speaker that will provide a glimpse into a social justice issue. Registration required.

Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain links to non– Anti–Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) websites. These links are provided solely as convenience to you. The ARCDO is not responsible for the content of any non–ARCDO websites and does not endorse the information contained therein.