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Given the turn of recent global events, particularly, the death of George Floyd, and all the lives tragically lost in the world as it relates to police brutality and systemic racism, it is time for Tjene to share our stance, and engage in respectful discourse within our organization, our industry and the corporate space.
We cannot fix what we refuse to address [1]. Which is why, we have chosen to speak on the matter today. As a company with employees and clients scattered across North America, we recognize this is very much something that touches our working lives. Systemic racism permeates our society's structures, policies, systems and procedures, effectively oppressing People of Colour [2]. We can only imagine the deep and distinct pain that is endured by Black Americans, Black Canadians, and members of the Black Community around the globe.
Ignoring the systemic racism in today's world is something we would be able to do in our place of privilege- which is why we are explicitly addressing the broken system of today's political, economic and procedural world. We are acknowledging the inequalities and oppression around us.
We stand, wholeheartedly, with the members of the black community and are committed to being more than 'not racist'; instead, we are committed to being an ally in the anti-racist movement. As leaders, we have the responsibility to use our voice, and platform to state that we stand for anti-racism, and are committed to doing our part in listening, educating and learning from one another.
Petitions to Sign:
Justice for Regis Korchinski-Paquet
Urgent Resources for COVID-19 in Indigenous Communities
People & Organizations to Follow:
Places to Donate:
CANADA (Ontario)
Black Lives Matter- Toronto: Working along with the black communities across Toronto to dismantle all forms of anti-black racism, liberate blackness, support black healing, affirm black existence, and create freedom to love and self-determine.
Federation of Black Canadians: Organization aims to advance the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Black Canadians.
Black Youth Helpline: Supporting youth in education, health and building community across Canada.
Toronto Black Film Fest: Event that helps share stories and celebrates diversity off and on screen.
Black Business and Professional Association: Serves the Black community’s business, professional and economic development needs.
Films & Shows to Watch:
NETFLIX
13th
American Son
Dear White People
See you Yesterday
When They See Us
Moonlight
Keeping with Selma
Books to Read:
The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole
Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives in Canada by Syrus Marcus Ware, Sandy Hudson, Rodney Diverlus
Eloquent Rage: A black feminist discovers her superpowers by Dr. Brittany Cooper
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
I Know Why They Caged Bird Sings by Austin Channing Brown
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Podcasts:
1619
About Race
Code Switch
The Diversity Gap
Intersectionality Matters!
Momentum: A race podcast
Pod for the Cause
Articles & Online Resources:
Ways to help (via Black Lives Matter)
IG: 10 steps to non-optical allyship (via Mireille Charper)
IG: Transform Allyship into Action: A Toolkit for Non-Black People (via Social Justice in Medicine Coalition at USC)
Twitter Thread: Advice for companies from Sheree Atcheson, Monzo’s Head of Diversity and Inclusion (Via Sheree Atcheson)
Twitter Thread: What To Do If You Can’t Donate Right Now (via @traderjosephina)
Anti-racism resources for white people (via Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein)
75 things white people can do for racial injustice (via Medium)
[1] How to Talk to Your Family About Racism on Thanksgiving
[2] What is Racism?
[3] Template for Holding Your Employer Accountable for Racial Justice
[4] White Have Huge Wealth Edge Over Blacks (but Don’t Know It)
[5] Directory - A List of Recommended Resources for Supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement
