Blog
Calling All OCDSB Families and Community Partners
We received this communication from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) this week: “As you know, earlier this year, the OCDSB undertook a survey of identity based data. All parents of students in JK-6 and students in grades 7-12 were…
A Message from a White Mom to Other White Parents
A message from a white mom to other white parents, Racism is nothing new, but the past week has seen protests in the United States, Canada and elsewhere against anti-Black racism and police brutality on a scale that we probably…
If you’re tired of talking about race, consider how Black communities feel…
Law Professor and mindfulness practitioner Rhonda Magee wrote in her latest book The Inner Work of Racial Justice that “racial justice begins with ourselves.” She shares vulnerable stories of racism and injustice that she defines as “race stories.” Why are “race stories”…
Communication tool to help parents and caregivers advocate for their children’s education
Given the unique times that we are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, we at Parents for Diversity understand that parents and caregivers, who are tasked with supporting their children during school closures, may need extra support. P4D has developed a communication…
Mayor Watson and Chief Sloly: Enforcement of COVID-19 measures must respect human rights
Dear Mayor Watson and Chief Sloly, Parents for Diversity is a non-profit organization of parents, educators and equity allies committed to achieving inclusive and non-discriminatory learning environments that allow children to fulfill their true potential in this world. We are writing to…
Open Letter to Our Community
Dear Community, We love you, we value you and all that matters to you – people, health, safety and support. In this time of pandemic, we are focusing on how we can support our community and families. With the indefinite…
Five picture books to read for International Women’s Day (with kids of ALL genders)
Did you celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8th? Often overlooked in the discourse around IWD is transgender women. Our motto at Parents for Diversity is “Picture Books Can Change The World,” and to that end, we are offering…
Did you know yesterday was a historic FIRST day in Ottawa?
Thanks to the work of the Somerset West Community Health Centre and inspired by similar work in Toronto, Mayor Jim Watson declared yesterday the first ever Black Mental Health Day in the city of Ottawa. “…March 2nd, marks the first…
So. Many. Good. Books. Why. Read. Seuss?
As Black History Month winds down, we are taking a pause to focus on lesser-known books about and by Black Canadians. We are reminded that the Black Canadian community represents a diversity of experiences and origins. It underestimates the depth…
Why We Should Celebrate Black Authors During Black History Month
What do last night’s Academy Awards and Black authors have in common? You may recall a tweet by Stephen King in January in which he claimed, “…I would never consider diversity in matters of art. Only quality. It seems to…
