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.
Walter shares the history of the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the racism and injustice Chinese people have lived through to survive. He shares how there are laws that work against Asians at that time and for many years.
Djaka talks about the importance of educating oneself and the significance of self-care due to emotional labour when addressing racism. She explains the difference between discomfort and safety when someone hears that their words and actions are considered racist.
Serena shares her experience growing up in a northern community and how she felt not Asian enough. As a mom, she notes the importance of talking to children about racism. As a former journalist, she talks about being the only Asian in the room. Presently, she has a consulting business whereby she can build her own foundation and part of it is anti-racism work.
Karen shares her experience as a documentary filmmaker and her first film titled, “In the Shadows of Gold Mountain.” As a biracial woman, she notes the intersections of her identity and how she has arrived as a socially just filmmaker. She talks about the importance of knowing the history and being involved in present-day activism to dismantle systemic racism and oppression.
Daniel shares that he has had over 10,000 experiences of racism starting when he was a child. He states that he was told he cannot board a flight as the personnel did not believe him to be a Canadian and he carried a Canadian diplomatic passport. People would assume he is hotel staff because of racial profiling. Listen to Daniel’s calls for action and enact more hope by having difficult conversations about racism.
