Anti-Black Racism Town Hall

Share your experience

• Question about the initiatives

  by Sara Mehraban, over 5 years ago

  I have a question for Chief Paul Martin. You mentioned the various initiatives the DRPS is rolling out. What is the collection of race=based information going to lead to? There are already many sources for this information with the statistics publicly published. What will happen with the information and over the course of how long?

  I have a question for Chief Paul Martin. You mentioned the various initiatives the DRPS is rolling out. What is the collection of race=based information going to lead to? There are already many sources for this information with the statistics publicly published. What will happen with the information and over the course of how long?

• My Son Didn't Learn How to Read Until Grade 4

  by Enraham, over 5 years ago

  My youngest who has ADHD was consistently removed from kindergarten because the teacher couldn't manage him as he was always busy, on the move, and would become frustrated and angry because he was not being heard and spent 10% of that year in the class, and the remainder at the principle office. The Administration wouldn't step in, no one would help and I'm a parent of 3 and very connected into how to manage in a very complex red tape environment. It was only through my consistent advocacy that my son has a right to education and its his Canadian... Continue reading

  My youngest who has ADHD was consistently removed from kindergarten because the teacher couldn't manage him as he was always busy, on the move, and would become frustrated and angry because he was not being heard and spent 10% of that year in the class, and the remainder at the principle office. The Administration wouldn't step in, no one would help and I'm a parent of 3 and very connected into how to manage in a very complex red tape environment. It was only through my consistent advocacy that my son has a right to education and its his Canadian right to an education and I will support in any way both the administration and my son to ensure we can have a win-win situation.

  If it wasn't for a change in administration with a more compassionate, caring and genuinely sincere principle Martine Robinson, my son likely would not have even been able to read by grade 4. She took over Eagle Ridge P.S. in the early 2000's and took an interest in my son, made changes, provided a safe place for him when the class was too overwhelming, supported him with a tricycle and helmet when he needed to release energy he could do so safely in the yard with supervision. She told me that my son is considered a "pillow child" which means, the child that she goes to bed at night thinking of how to support.

  I"m blessed that we had an opportunity come across Martine Robinson and until this day my son still has fond memories of her support.

• Response to: BLM - Both sides of the story

  by Karl R. , over 5 years ago

  Hi Concerned Mom,

  Firstly, I'm a 45 year old black man, born and raised in the GTA.

  I think something you, as well as others are confusing (or using as a crutch, or poor counterpoint) is the difference between the "Black Lives Matter" organization vs. the overall movement and statement that BLACK LIVES MATTER. I sure that the vast majority of people who march, wear shirts, chant BLACK LIVES MATTER don't actually belong to the "Black Lives Matter" organization, or necessarily support EVERYTHING that the organization stands for (I've for one have even never visited their website). My point is... Continue reading

  Hi Concerned Mom,

  Firstly, I'm a 45 year old black man, born and raised in the GTA.

  I think something you, as well as others are confusing (or using as a crutch, or poor counterpoint) is the difference between the "Black Lives Matter" organization vs. the overall movement and statement that BLACK LIVES MATTER. I sure that the vast majority of people who march, wear shirts, chant BLACK LIVES MATTER don't actually belong to the "Black Lives Matter" organization, or necessarily support EVERYTHING that the organization stands for (I've for one have even never visited their website). My point is, you should separate the point that people are making that BLACK LIVES MATTER from the organization. I could write a lot more, but I'll end with this:

  I'm assuming that you do not identify as black, if that is accurate, ask yourself if you truly believe that black people are treated equally in society, or if you would like yourself and/or your children to be treated in society that same as black people are...

  
  

  Karl

• The comments!?

  by A, over 5 years ago

  When this Anti Black forum was introduced...the comments on FB were disturbing! So many hateful racists comments condemning this forum. People claiming that racism doesn't exist here? It is hurtful and frightening.

  When this Anti Black forum was introduced...the comments on FB were disturbing! So many hateful racists comments condemning this forum. People claiming that racism doesn't exist here? It is hurtful and frightening.

• Unconscious bias towards black people continues and prevalent in the educational system

  by Enraham, over 5 years ago

  My son was an A+ student from grade school right through to high school and I'm an advocate for education and one of two rules I've raised my children to be respectful to all people, environment and property and obtain an education. In grade 5 my son was accused of swearing at a white girl on the school bus, which he didn't do. My babysitter who was watching my daughter at the time immediately believed my son did this including her son without any investigation but listening to a white girl accusing my son of such an incident.

  The father... Continue reading

  My son was an A+ student from grade school right through to high school and I'm an advocate for education and one of two rules I've raised my children to be respectful to all people, environment and property and obtain an education. In grade 5 my son was accused of swearing at a white girl on the school bus, which he didn't do. My babysitter who was watching my daughter at the time immediately believed my son did this including her son without any investigation but listening to a white girl accusing my son of such an incident.

  The father of the little girl accused my son of always getting into trouble and always at the office. I advised him that all black boys do not look alike and the boy he is referring to is not my son. I walked the neighbourhood for an hour to speak to kids that were on the bus to find out what happened. Three of the children along with my son accompanied me to this little girls house as I knew I couldn't let this go because being a single mother and my son injustice accused of something he didn't do, he would have been suspended from the bus and I wouldn't have been able to work.

  The father was angry and asked his daughter to confirm that my son is who swore at her and she nodded yes. Then he asked his son who was younger if my son swore at his sister and I'm so happy to say the little boy said the truth and said no that my son never swore at his sister but that his sister swore at my son and called him very inappropriate names.

  My point here is that this happened 20 years ago and we continue to see this level of behaviour in our community.

  The principle of the school at the time was Lincoln Alexander P.S. treated the black children differently, they were more in trouble, and in grade 8 my son with asthma was put in a portable and I advised the principle that my son's asthma will be impacted if he is in the portable as he was tested for allergies and mold was a big one and we know portables then were covered in mold. He refused to put my on in the class in the school. I fought for weeks and also presented a letter from my doctor when he refused to make adjustments. He already moved 8 white family kids into the school but refused to include my son. After letting him know that I will take my issue up to the Superintendent he changed his tone. My son had a horrible year as the teacher took this out on my son and treated him poorly, she couldn't affect him with grades because he was brilliant. This lasted the full year and she was white and so upset that her class had 35 students. I advised her my son's health is more important and that there was an opportunity for the principle to move students who did not have a health issue to relieve her from such a sizeable class and to not take this out on an incident child.

  I pray that we change policies and hold school administrators accountable for the differences in how they treat black children. We are not asking for special treatment but that we are treated fairly as white people are and that we are included in the "All" in all lives matter.

• Bi-racial POC and have experienced racism all my life.. .

  by ladyatomica, over 5 years ago

  The notion that Canada is better off than our "neighbors" to the South, or that we simply don't have systematic racism is entirely incorrect. Unfortunately, the current racial tensions have opened the floodgates for emboldened racists to let their ideologies and opinions be known. Loud and clear. In fact, I have not experienced as much overt and not-so-overt racism in my life, as I have since June 2. It is getting worse. White family members, bosses, coworkers, random strangers, all feel that they are entitled to racist behaviors and opinions which are shared out-loud.

  
  

  As a bi-racial POC I am... Continue reading

  The notion that Canada is better off than our "neighbors" to the South, or that we simply don't have systematic racism is entirely incorrect. Unfortunately, the current racial tensions have opened the floodgates for emboldened racists to let their ideologies and opinions be known. Loud and clear. In fact, I have not experienced as much overt and not-so-overt racism in my life, as I have since June 2. It is getting worse. White family members, bosses, coworkers, random strangers, all feel that they are entitled to racist behaviors and opinions which are shared out-loud.

  
  

  As a bi-racial POC I am fearful for the safety of not only my family and friends, but also my community members whom I continue to see exposed to police brutality, systematic oppression and daily discrimination.

  
  

  I am an educator and the level of ignorance that I have seen within the school system and it's educators is truly appalling. There is so much to be examined, and a lot needs to change. Let's start with our youngest generations who will carry forward new and acceptable ethics and values.

  
  

  EVERYONE, young and small should have access to proper ethnic sensistivity training and culturally diverse teachings. After all all these years of having European culture shoved down our throats.

  
  

  White people need to start taking accountability for their race as a whole, and stop pawning off the actions of others as that. You have a responsibility to play your part!

  
  

  Ashley Gayle

  
  

  
  

• Moving in

  by A, over 5 years ago

  Our first day moving into our new home, the neighbors asked my husband if we were just the movers. She was visibly disappointed that we are the new neighbors. A couple months later they moved out.

  Being asked "what are you?" "Where are you from? " " you can't be from around here?"

  
  

  
  

  Our first day moving into our new home, the neighbors asked my husband if we were just the movers. She was visibly disappointed that we are the new neighbors. A couple months later they moved out.

  Being asked "what are you?" "Where are you from? " " you can't be from around here?"

  
  

  
  

• School board

  by Cheryl 1978, over 5 years ago

  Please listen parents are at the end of racism and our kids are losing because teachers don't listen and principals just make it up as the teachers are having a bad day. Racism is real and durham school board needs to be put to the same standards as they vision for all the students. It is that they say it but they don't do it. I cry at night when my six year old tells me they don't like me and the teachers don't care. STAND UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING " BLACK LIVES DO MATTER "

  Please listen parents are at the end of racism and our kids are losing because teachers don't listen and principals just make it up as the teachers are having a bad day. Racism is real and durham school board needs to be put to the same standards as they vision for all the students. It is that they say it but they don't do it. I cry at night when my six year old tells me they don't like me and the teachers don't care. STAND UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING " BLACK LIVES DO MATTER "

• Minding my own business

  by Natasha H, over 5 years ago

  I was standing outside of a business in downtown Oshawa and someone drove by shouting all lives matter and gave my friend and I the finger.

  I was standing outside of a business in downtown Oshawa and someone drove by shouting all lives matter and gave my friend and I the finger.

• I saw my privilege

  by SarahB, over 5 years ago

  I was once out in a parking lot with a couple of friends after our sports group ended. One, another white woman like myself, the other a black man. He was showing us his awesome pick up and we sat in the back seat, he in the drivers seat, and we hung out there for a few minutes. As a car pulled in I heard my friend remark that she was going to give us the look. I asked "what look?" And he told me she is going to check to make sure you are not in need of help... Continue reading

  I was once out in a parking lot with a couple of friends after our sports group ended. One, another white woman like myself, the other a black man. He was showing us his awesome pick up and we sat in the back seat, he in the drivers seat, and we hung out there for a few minutes. As a car pulled in I heard my friend remark that she was going to give us the look. I asked "what look?" And he told me she is going to check to make sure you are not in need of help. And when she got out of the car in fact she did. We smiled and nodded we were fine and she walked away.
  
  This COULD be an example of a woman who has been victimized or has a heightened fear of victimization of women; but what told me otherwise is that my friend called it. This means he has experienced it so many times in his life that either a) he has learned to pick up cues or b) he has learned to just expect it. Maybe even both.
  
  It did not surprise me that there is that kind of racism... assumptions like a black man hanging out with a couple of white women means he is up to no good (a problem I recognized, but I was not surprised, I know racism exists)... what really shocked me was that point I made above... he called it, he knew it was coming, and this is just life for him. I was hurt for him. And it isn't fair that he or anyone lives with that