This video gives you an overview of Parents for Diversity and our work. We will introduce you to our NEW Parent Advocate, Bernadeth Betchi, and to the resources used in advocacy, our newly redesigned website, Diversity Library, Parent Toolkit, and more.
Advocating Each and Every Day with Parents for Diversity 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
You may recall our blog post from a few weeks ago discussing how colouring worksheets can uphold bias, reinforce stereotypes, and erase racialized children from the curriculum. Here’s an update on what happened after speaking up about that worksheet. My child’s teacher responded to my email: “Sometimes we get caught up in the hoopla of
When Speaking Up Works!A Success Story (And How You Can Speak Up Too) Read More »
We are fortunate to live in a city where our school board offers French and English language instruction beginning in kindergarten. There are so many advantages to being multilingual, and I’m grateful that my daughter has access to this kind of education. When she brought home this pair of colouring sheets from her kindergarten class
