Make the Connection: Intention, Impact and Transformation

Thank you to everyone who participated in the conversation for Make the Connection: Intention, Impact and Transformation—the Region’s virtual anti-Black racism town hall. Watch the full event recording below:

On March 18, Regional Chair and CEO John Henry and Durham Region’s Chief Administrative Officer Elaine Baxter-Trahair joined the town hall discussion along with guest facilitator and panelists:

Channon Oyeniran, Vice President - Ontario Black History Society (facilitator)

Channon holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Caribbean Studies from the University of Toronto, a Master’s Degree in Slavery Studies from the University of Hull, a Certificate in Adult Education from George Brown College and is currently undertaking her PhD at Queen’s University.

Allison Hector-Alexander, Durham Region’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Allison is an equity and inclusion specialist with over 15 years of experience creating and leading policy, education and training in anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity.

Keishia Facey, RFWC Consulting

Keishia is the Program Director at RFWC Consulting Services, located in Ajax. She is also the Program Manager for the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies One Vision One Voice project.

Eleanor McIntosh, Durham Black Educators’ Network

Eleanor is one of the founding members of the Durham Black Educators’ Network (DBEN) and the Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators (ONABSE). She currently sits on the Board of Directors for 100 Strong Foundation and was also appointed as a member of the City of Oshawa’s Community Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Nicole Perryman, Ifarada Institute, Kujenga Wellness Project

Nicole is a Social Worker and Psychotherapist practicing in the Durham Region for the past twenty years. She is currently the CEO of a family services community organization focused on supporting Black, Indigenous and People of Colour as well as co-founder of Kujenga Wellness Project.

Dr. Joseph Smith, Operation Black Vote Canada, Generation Chosen

Dr. Joseph Smith is a co-founder of the non-profit organization Generation Chosen; a project coordinator for the Black Experience Project; a facilitator and consultant in the area of Anti-Black Racism and Emotional health at Morneau Shepell; co-creator/co-facilitator of the Rooted and Rising environmental activism program; on the board of Operation Black Vote Canada as the Director of Youth Outreach; and is a founding member of the Foundation for Black Communities.

Your Voice Matters

The town hall was a chance for open dialogue—allowing us to better understand one another and create an anti-racist environment moving forward. No form of racism is acceptable. The town hall included moderated panel discussions on key themes and time for questions to panelists from the public. To submit a question, please email diversity@durham.ca.