To date, I have the honour of talking with psychologists, social workers, former MLA, lawyers, youth, Minister of cabinet, Vice Provost at a University, documentary film maker, former media broadcaster, and policy makers. Each episode ends with some calls to action so the listener can walk away with ideas they can think about, do, and do more of on their anti-racism journey.
Houyuan shares that at 25 years old, he came to Canada from China. He talks about the international student experience of internalized racism and racism. He notes that his first year in Canada was a major adjustment because he became introverted whereas he was an extrovert in China. He conveys the second year was better after learning the language and making connections. He offers learning from a colleague about confronting racism in that we need to learn the purpose. Is it to make enemies or to build connections?
Mahdi shares how he was born in Calgary, moved to Palestine for 4 years in his teens, and then returned to Edmonton. He believes in having a common ground and purpose; as a supervisor, mentoring the younger generation is paramount. Regarding racism and injustice, he voices the importance of how rage is not enough and that we must take action.
Gesthika shares how she is mixed-ethnic as her dad is Greek and her mom is Japanese. She voices how sometimes she feels not Asian enough and not white enough. She values mental health and walking alongside people and hence chose counselling and psychiatry as specializations. She conveys that openness is key, and courage is important to speak up to navigate uncomfortable conversations about racism.
Ariam shares how she came to Canada at three years old with her family from Eritrea. She notes the word “refugee” can invite pity, and she believes in a strengths-based lens. She conveys how she volunteers with many youth and finds them insightful and has much to offer. She voices that it is okay to hold multiple truths and that it is important to create an anti-racist Calgary through belonging.
Hon shares how he is the Chair of the Edmonton Chinatown Transformation Collaborative. He talks about the importance of finding one’s identity as there is an “othering” in this country. He speaks to the importance of storytelling and having conversations about racism. He voices how complaining is not enough and we need to engage the youth, get educated, and congratulate city leaders who are listening and doing their best to make positive change.
