Ensuing conversations, dialogues, and discussions; Exploring topics at the Racial Justice in Education Summit

BY PAUL JUNOR

On Thursday July 20^th, 2023, there were over 50 individuals that gathered in the auditorium at Toronto Metropolitan University for the Racial Justice in Education (RJE) Summit. The event was a collaboration of the following four partner organizations: Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR), Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators (ONABSE), Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) and the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action (TCCCA). They represent a cross-section of ages, races, religions, races, ethnicities, disabilities, sexual orientations and diversities. There were several panel discussions, keynote speeches and presentations on topics that explore ways to confront: anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian racism and other forms of racism and Xenophobia.

There were three panel discussions during the RJE Summit. The first one was titled “Anti-Racism Leadership in Education,” and featured three panelists: Janelle Brady (community-based researcher), Vidya Shah (academic scholar and educational activist), and Rizwana Kaderdina. They discussed how leaders play a driving and crucial role in anti-Racism education that is sustainable and fosters systemic change in educational institutions. The questions for group discussion were:

• Main question: How can leaders effectively foster sustainable and systemic change in educational institutions through their leadership in anti-racism education?

• What role can disaggregate data collection play in addressing racial inequities in education?

• What role can reflective curriculum play in addressing racial inequities in education?

The second panel discussion was titled “Parent Engagement in Anti-Racism Education.” It focuses on strategies that parents can use to amplify anti-racism initiatives through advocacy and partnerships with educators and administrators. The two panelists were Charline Grant (co-founder of the Parents of Black Children) and Nazerah Shaikh (parent volunteer with the TDSB). Charline shared her experiences working on behalf of the PoBC as an advocate for parents fighting anti-Black racism. Nazerah shared her views as a social justice agent fighting for racial justice in Toronto. The questions for group discussions:

• Main question: How can the education system effectively partner/collaborate with parents/community to amplify anti-racism initiatives and engage in meaningful conversations about race, systemic racism, and privilege within the system?
• How community organizations and stakeholders use our voice/power/resources to support the advocacy work by parents/community?

The third panel discussion was titled, “Youth Involvement and Student Leadership.” It featured two panelists: Jaclyn Wong (public school educator), and Stephen Mensah, (Executive Director of Toronto Youth Cabinet). Jaclyn shared her work on behalf of marginalized and at-risk youths challenging the status quo. Stephen shared his work on behalf of youth as he advocates for their rights, issues and having voices heard. The questions for group discussion were:

• Main question: How can the education system and decision-makers support student leadership that aims to address racial inequities?
• How can community organizations and stakeholders use our voice/power/ resources to support the advocacy work for students?

There were questions that were posed in case no attendees asked questions:

• How can we confront racial disparities within the education system and bring them to the forefront?
• How can parents/guardians advocate for their children when they feel?

The following questions were posed as being helpful in engage meaningful conversations and interactive interaction:

• How can students be at the forefront of anti-racism work within their school?
• How can students deal with the pushback from staff and administrators?
• How can students deal with a lack of interest from the student body?

Overall, the eight panelists who presented and the ensuing conversations, dialogues, and discussions contributed to meaningful memories and informative interactions. It laid the foundation for future work and action that will foster an understanding of the complexities of issues involved in this space.