This 4-part Critical Conversation Series will take place bi-weekly via Zoom. Please see the discussion topics below. 

Series #1: Dismantling Islamophobia on Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Series #2: Anti Black Racism on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 3:30- 4:45 pm

Series #3: LGBTQ2+ on Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Series #4: Minoritized Parents in Education on Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Series #2: Anti Black Racism

Black Health Alliance describes Anti-Black Racism as policies and practices rooted in Canadian institutions such as education, health care, and justice that mirror and reinforce beliefs, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping, and/or discrimination towards people of Black-African descent. The impact and consequences of our history have created systemic barriers that prevent Black people from fully participating in all parts of society. Black people live a shared present-day experience of anti-Black racism. The Ontario Government has taken steps of responsibility to ensure everyone has equal access to life opportunities. This obligation means taking action now to address the inequitable outcomes Black people face. This conversation is a space to listen to the experiences of three Black Ontarians involved in the education sector and to learn about the actions they have taken and offer their suggestions for creating more equitable spaces. 

Moderated by Dr. Patricia Briscoe, we welcome three panelists: Dr. Kimberley Tavares, Ms. Eleanor McIntosh, and Ms. Jody-Ann Robinson. 

Dr. Kimberley Tavares is a secondary school administrator, currently seconded to the Education Equity Secretariat in the Ontario Ministry of Education. Much of her work as an Education Officer sits at the intersections of developing curricula that affirm Black student identities and identifying and addressing systemic anti-Black racism. Kim also serves as a Course Director in Niagara University’s B.Ed and M.Ed programs teaching courses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as well as Community Interrelationships. 

Ms. Eleanor McIntosh is currently a secondary school Principal with the Durham DSB.  She has been an administrator for 13 years. Eleanor is a graduate of the NU MSED program in 2017 and continues to engage frequently within NU.  

Ms. Jody-Ann Robinson is a storyteller currently serving as a grade 2 teacher in Poplar Hill, First Nations. As a new teacher, she believes her purpose in life is to live with integrity and to make a difference in the lives of students. Jody-Ann is 2019 alumni of the NU BPS Ontario program and is currently completing her MSED.