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.
Charles talks about how it is not uncommon for him to experience racism and shares a racially motivated hate incident in Montreal. He notes the importance of reporting hate crimes. He shares the significance of cultivating understanding and temper the extremes.
His research lies at the intersection between genetics and the environment where he uses DNA to discover, study, and protect biodiversity from small microbes to big endangered animals. He is also the founder of STEMM Diversity at McGill (https://www.stemmdiversity.com/), a student-led initiative to promote greater equity, inclusion, and diversity within the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. He has also recently become heavily involved with anti-Asian racism activism after a hate incident experienced earlier this year
Albert shares his military journey, his experience as a citizenship judge, and the kind of world he would like to see for his children and the next generations. He talks about the importance of moral courage and getting to know our First Nations brothers, sisters, and friends.
Darren talks about the importance of love and kindness. He shares that “truth and reconciliation” is not a one-day event and rather a daily immersion in living truth and reconciliation. He is an artist in Calgary: www.newlove.space. He also mentions his friend’s Amanda’s, my niece’s, artwork: https://beacons.page/apchauart
Maisha shares her experience growing up in Canada as an immigrant from Bangladesh. She talks about her work as a Certified Psychologist in Ontario and the importance of seeing youth as strong and resilient; yet the systems of racism, oppression, and marginalization need to change in order for racialized youth to thrive. She notes how once someone no longer experiences her as a model minority, then they may perceive her as a threat.
Mohammed talks about how incremental change can make greater change. He notes the importance of reaching out to those who will provide support. He envisions his 7-year-old son to be a good person and will bounce back in the face of adversity.
