We remember after George Floyd died the outpouring of support from everyone. The personal messages from friends and colleagues asking us how they can help. The Blackout Tuesday and online statements of solidarity in support of Black lives. The protests, the marches, the woke culture. Watching a similar reaction take place towards the Asian community […]
How are you addressing anti-asian racism in Canada? Read More »
“What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.” Carter G. Woodson. Learning about Black history is bigger than the month of February. Why? Because Black history is our collective history and should be treated as such.
How Do I Extend Black History Beyond February? Read More »
Dear Educator Colleagues: Have you ever heard the following? “It’s okay to discuss race, as long as you don’t bring it up first.” “Sure, you can talk about the protests, just don’t have an opinion.” “A parent has called to speak with me about the article you used that connected the recent insurrection in the
Can you talk about racism in the classroom (without getting in trouble?) Read More »
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 »
To Our Community, It has been a while since we connected with you and we appreciate your patience as we sort out our next steps. We wanted to reach out and let you know what we have been doing and what we are planning for the coming months. At the end of 2019, Parents for Diversity
Help us ensure every child’s right to an education free from discrimination 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 »
