To be called the n-word is an unfortunate yet inevitable rite of passage for Black children. Most of us can remember the first time it was called to us. I also remember the first time my child was called the n-word. A classmate approached them and asked them to finish this sentence, “I like salt […]
Does the n-word belong in the classroom? Read More »
The four Ottawa-area public school boards are in the process of transitioning students back to learning both in-person and virtually, and as an organization committed to achieving inclusive and non-discriminatory learning environments that allow children to fulfill their true potential in this world, we have serious concerns about the ways in which COVID-19 is exacerbating
What does it look like to centre anti-racism in education amidst a viral pandemic? Read More »
Parents for Diversity is an Ottawa-based group of parents, caregivers, and allies with varied lived experiences working to support parents and caregivers as they advocate for their children in educational spaces using an intersectional, anti-oppression lens. We recognize the pervasiveness of anti-Black racism in Ontario schools and the adverse effects of anti-Black racism on Black
In Solidarity With Parents of Black Children and Allied Organizations Read More »
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 haven’t seen since the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. At the same
A Message from a White Mom to Other White Parents Read More »
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” relevant in how we parent our children and our accountability to anti-racism efforts? Race stories include
If you’re tired of talking about race, consider how Black communities feel… Read More »
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 you in your role as leaders of this city responsible for ensuring the
Mayor Watson and Chief Sloly: Enforcement of COVID-19 measures must respect human rights Read More »
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 annual Black Mental Health Day, recognized by communities across Ontario. This important day not only
Did you know yesterday was a historic FIRST day in Ottawa? Read More »
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 me that to do otherwise would be wrong.” For King, “those judging creative excellence should
Why We Should Celebrate Black Authors During Black History Month Read More »
Welcome to Black History Month! Black History Month was first formally recognized in Canada in 1995 when the Honourable Jean Augustine, first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, introduced a motion that recognized February as Black History Month (BHM). It was passed unanimously in the House of Commons. BHM celebrates the rich and varied contributions
Is Your School Ready for Black History Month? Read More »
We are delighted to celebrate the recent formation of Black educators networks at the two English language school district boards in Ottawa (OCDSB and OCSB). There are many other Black educators networks in Ontario including Ontario Alliance of Black Educators, the Durham Black Educators Network, the African Heritage Educators’ Network, the Peel Association of African
Why are Black Educators Networks Necessary and Important? Read More »
