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.
Amanda shares that she was born in a small community in Ontario and was the only Asian in her school. She said her family moved to Calgary, and it was more diverse. She voices the moments of experiencing racism, such as when a teacher told her not to bring fried rice to school because of sesame oil. She chose to be in the social work program and work in EDI because she wants to affect systemic change. She conveys that in anti-racism, actions matter!
John shares that he was born in a predominantly white community in Stockton, California. He said that his parents separated when he was six years old, and he took up skateboarding as a way to cope in his teens. He discloses a moment of covert and dangerous racism where some people threw a large rock at him. He voices the importance of standing up, joining community, and speaking out when it is the right thing to do.
Mikaela shares how she grew up in a predominantly white community in B.C. and experienced racism, such as people making fun of her lunch. She voices how stories can be healing. She notes that belonging is a space where she feels permission to land and rest.
Kaitlyn shares that she is biracial with Chinese and Portuguese parents. She voices moments of experiencing microaggressions, such as when people make assumptions about her ethnocultural identity and try to place her in racial categories. She states the importance of defining spaces for inclusivity and representation.
Krista shares how she was raised in the US and experienced racism and microaggression. She disclosed at 8 years old, someone asked her why her skin was dirty, and she coped by pretending she did not understand. She loves her work with African, Black, and Caribbean youth. She states that collective liberation is key to dismantling racism.
