Know Nonsense Anti Racism Podcast

As the final episode of the season we're talking all things allyship and solidarity! After listening and learning from 23 episodes this season, we wanted to end by thinking about how you can take this knowledge and put it into ACTION! Joining the conversation is a friend and fellow podcaster - Rosie Yeung. Our work on anti-racism is different and tackles this issue from different perspectives, experiences, and approaches but we both recognize that this work cannot achieve long term success if we don't work together and support each other across communities.Connect with Rosie on LinkedIn and Instagram. Client testimonials available at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/services.Check out these great resources!1) Where do I begin? Reading plan2) Rachel Cargle - The Great Unlearn3) Guide to Allyship4) Tema Okun - White Supremacy CultureFollow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

How much do you know about the people who put food on our tables? There are the farmers yes, but I'm talking about the people who pick and package our food. Canada's agriculture system depends on temporary migrant labour to keep our stores and shelves full with fresh fruit and vegetables, but despite being integral to our food supply chain they are not treated that way.  We look into the history, policies and barriers to equitable rights and access for temporary migrant workers in Canada.Migrant rights organizations you should learn more about and support!Migrant Rights NetworkUFCW: Agricultural Workers AllianceMigrant Resource Centre CanadaJustice for Migrant WorkersFollow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

There has been a lot of conversations around defunding the police in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and calls for police reform. There is a bit of confusion though about what this means in a tangible way - are we decreasing some funding or most of it? Are we getting rid of the police force altogether? If yes, does this create a void where crime will increase? Today we look at these questions and more, breaking down what it means to "defund the police" in Canada. Follow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

The criminal justice system has a big problem....systemic racism. How often do you think about Canada's criminal justice system? Chances are you don't think about it often, or at least not the full system that includes the police, the courts and prisons. In Canada, Black and Indigenous people are disproportionately ending up in our criminal justice system and from a young age. The statistics on this are numerous and alarming. Read the Ontario Human Rights Commission report on Black experiences with police.Listen to Jorgina Sunn and Devin Napope's stories.Follow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

TW: This episode discusses mental health issues including suicide so listener discretion is advised. Mental health is becoming something more of us can talk about openly, and we really need to talk about it! Our mental health affects how we take care of ourselves, how we interact with family and friends, as well as how we go about our daily lives. We all likely have had times our mental health was suffering, or know someone affected by mental health issues, but if you are someone from a visible minority  or marginalized group (sexual orientation, religion, etc.) than you are facing even more challenges to your mental health and to accessing services to get better.To access services for mental health, check out Crises Services Canada for some fantastic resources.Follow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

The Know Nonsense Podcast sat down with Daniele-Jocelyne Otou (she/her), Communications Director at Apathy is Boring, to talk all things elections, engaging young people in civic engagement, diversity within organizations, and what is currently keeping her excited and inspired! For those of you working with young people and looking to create systemic change, you'll enjoy listening to Daniele's wisdom and experience.Learn more about Apathy is Boring and follow them on Instagram and TwitterFollow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

It's almost that time, Canada's federal elections are almost here! Are you ready to vote? Have you been watching the debates or reading up on what each federal party is promising to do if they win? The Know Nonsense team is excited about the elections and have been studying each party's platforms intensely to see what they are offering in terms of anti-racism. Some parties get A's, others are failing students (we're talking F's).  Learn about the full platforms of each federal party.Check out a great data visualization about diversity amongst Canada's federal and provincial representatives.Follow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

Have you heard about afro-futurism? Even if you've never heard about it, I can guarantee you have seen it in movies and artwork or you have heard it as music. Afro-futurism is the unique intersection of arts, science, and technology and African and/or Black pride. Afro-futurism looks like books by Octavia Butler, music by Janelle Monae and movies like Black Panther. Beyond being incredibly cool though, afro-futurism is an important way for Black people to imagine their greatness without the confines of discrimination,  systemic racism, or the legacies of slavery and colonization.Follow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

Today we are talking about something you've likely done a million times before without knowing there's a term for it. We're talking about code-switching which is when you change your language or appearance to fit in and adapt to the dominant environment around you. There are many times and ways people code-switch but we focus today's discussion (like all discussions) on what this means in the context of systemic racism. There are so many funny and satirical examples of code-switching in pop culture! Watch these great clips that'll brighten up your day:Buzzfeed video on code-switching with BenjaminBig Mouth clip and catchy song about code-switching Key and Peele President Obama Meet and GreetFollow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

We spoke to Dr. Akwatu Khenti about his work in public health and with the City of Toronto's Black Scientist Task Force on Vaccine Equity. This community-developed initiative is aimed at decreasing the disparity on vaccine infection and hesitancy within Toronto's Black community. His knowledge and experience on this subject are extensive and really sparked my thinking on the wider public health needs of communities of colour, especially Black folks. Dr. Akwatu Khenti is Special Advisor to the City of Toronto's COVID 19 equity initiative and Chair of the Black Scientists' Task Force on Vaccine Equity. He is an affiliate scientist with the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and an assistant Professor within the Dalla Lana School of Health.  Akwatu is formerly the Assistant Deputy Minister for Ontario's Anti-Racism Directorate (2017-2020) as well as CAMH's Director of Transformative Global Health. Dr. Khenti has inspired many local efforts to improve Black mental health across Latin American and Caribbean communities through intensive substance abuse training and management competencies for mental health.   (1997-2017).  He has a PhD in health policy and equity from York University.  His doctoral research chronicled the effects of social determinants of racialized gun violence in Toronto's 140 neighborhoods from 2004-2014. Learn more about the Black Scientist Task Force at read their report on Townhalls in Toronto.Follow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

The COVID-19 vaccines have become a thorny subject for a lot of Canadians. Despite their widespread availability now across the country, there are still around 6 million Canadians who have not received a jab, and many don't plan to. When looking at the data we see that many who are saying they don't want to vaccinate are Black and Indigenous. Why are these communities in particular avoiding getting vaccinated? The answer...historical and systemic racism in Canada's healthcare system.Follow and join the conversation on social media:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

Today we're chatting with a friend and listener of the podcast, a facilitator named Andre Brown. Like myself, Andre was empowered to take action against systemic racism at the height of the protests last year for the murder of George Floyd, starting his organization Racial Just Us. André M. Brown is an expert facilitator, well-versed in creating an atmosphere of respectful conversations around challenging topics, including race. For nearly thirty years, André has assisted a diverse population improve their lives, most recently, as a clinical training specialist for the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. André created Racial Just Us, a division of Jump Street Coaching, as a way to create actionable meaningful racial change, combining his experience as a trainer and International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified coach. André currently lives in Miami, FL, where he's grateful for the tropical beauty.To participate in his Anti-racism Coaching for Community Anti-Racism Series, you can register for upcoming sessions at: https://www.racialjustus.com/programs.  Check out the Racial Just Us website:  https://www.racialjustus.com/.Make sure to join the conversation with the Know Nonsense team on social media: Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

You've likely heard about the recent spike in hate crimes against Muslims in Canada - I'm certain you remember the violent attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario in last month - and today's episode is questioning where and when Islamophobia in Canada started picking up traction. The ways in which Islamophobia affect Muslim Canadians goes deeper than physical attacks in public, affecting us in our schools, workplaces, and political institutions. We're thrilled to have Mohammed Hashim join us for the conversation! Mohammed is the Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. Read more about him HERE.**TW: This episode discusses the recent violent attacks and deaths of Muslim Canadians in acts of domestic terrorism so listener discretion is advised.Make sure to join the conversation on social media: Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

On July 14th, the City of Toronto announced that City Council passed a motion to change one of it's major street names, Dundas street, because of it's namesake's contribution to anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.  The conversation this sparked has been interesting to listen to, although it isn't necessarily new. At the same time, statues are being taken down across Canada and the world because they commemorate historical figures who have done a lot of harm to people of colour.  Today we explore this topic and the arguments for and against changing city streets and monuments.Make sure to join the conversation on social media: Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

Whether you're for or against it, cancel culture is here to stay! At least once a day, there's the mention of something or someone being cancelled for saying or doing something seen as socially unacceptable. The response to the transgression varies and, as we discuss on today's episode, redemption also varies based on power and privilege. I'm thrilled to have the Know Nonsense Anti-Racism team joining the discussion. Beverly Osazuwa (she/her) is an avid learner and passionate researcher of identity politics and African mobilization. A recent Master's of Arts graduate from Queens University's Political & Legal Thought program, Beverly joined the Know Nonsense team excited to educate people through innovative and engaging mediums. Jade Sullivan (she/her) is a Black feminist geographer and intersectional activist currently learning, loving and living on unceded and unsurrendered Mohawk territory, also known as Montreal (Tiohtià:ke). Jade recently completed her Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Geography and Women's Studies at the University of Ottawa, and is pursuing her Master's of Arts at Queen's University in Gender Studies. She currently works as the Social Media Manager for Know Nonsense podcast. Contact us for collaborations and to be featured on the podcast:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseTwitter - @nonsense_knowLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

Did you notice that many people weren't up for celebrating Canada Day this year? It came and went with little fanfare and this was largely because many of us weren't feeling particularly proud of our country. More and more unmarked graves of Indigenous children are being discovered at former residential schools across the country and instead of celebrating, we're in mourning. That's what we talk about in today's episode - the history behind Canada Day, what it means for Indigenous folks, and how to use the day for reflection.Contact us for collaborations and to be featured on the podcast:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast Read the Truth and Reconciliation Committee's 94 Calls to Action:http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdfRead the full TRC Report titled "The Survivors Speak":http://www.trc.ca/assets/pdf/Survivors_Speak_2015_05_30_web_o.pdf

Since the 1960s, workplaces have initiated anti-racism and anti-oppression workshops and trainings, but we're  curious...are they working? Some organizations undertake DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) as one-off events, some are checklist items during workplace orientation, and others do it to avoid legal action. But after 50 years of evolved DEI from race, to gender, physical and mental ability, and sexual orientation, the research is showing that workplaces are not more diverse. We dive into the reasons why, but also the ways in which sustainable change is possible. We are joined in the conversation by Danait Mehreteab (she/her), an equity, diversity and anti-Black racism consultant and facilitator. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter and email at danaitmehreteab@gmail.com. Contact us for collaborations and to be featured on the podcast:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.com Instagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast Read more on diversity, equity and inclusion research and findings;"Does Diversity Training Work the Way It's Supposed To?" Harvard Business "Does Diversity Training Work? Time for an Evidence-Based Answer" Science for Work"What Research Tells Us About Diversity Training" All TogetherCorporate Diversity Training; 1964 to presentAn Exercise in Prejudice - The Oprah Winfrey ShowEye of the Storm - Jane Elliot Documentary

Today's episode is all about three incredible Indigenous activists from Canada and the work they do combatting systemic racism in child welfare, environmental justice, and equity in the workplace. I'll admit I'm biased; they're all women I'm huge fans of! They are Cindy Blackstock, Autumn Peltier, and Larissa Crawford. I'm pretty sure you'll be fans of theirs too when you hear about their stories, activism and  commitment to justice. Make sure to learn more and support their work!Cindy Blackstock's Twitter Autumn Peltier's InstagramLarissa Crawford's InstagramFuture Ancestors ServicesWatch this great video about Josephine Mindamin's water walks!Read about Jordan's PrincipleContact us for collaborations and to be featured on the podcast:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.comInstagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

Just a few weeks ago the Federal government launched the MMIWG National Action Plan, two years after the release of the inquiry's final report. Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ+ folks are disproportionately at risk of being killed or going missing compared to non-Indigenous folks in Canada. How did we get here and what's being done to redress this issue? We're joined by Elisha Corbett. Elisha is a PhD candidate at Queen's University in Political Studies and was a Senior Researcher with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Elisha is of Cherokee and Irish decent and currently lives in Gatineau, QC with her partner and two cats. Her research compares how mainstream news media frame MMIWG to how Indigenous peoples and organizations use media to tell these stories.  Read the report Reclaiming power and place : executive summary of the final report / National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.Read the Native Women's Association of Canada's Fact Sheet on MMIWG.Read Elisha Corbett's op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen.Learn more about Amnesty International's campaign titled "No More Stolen Sisters"Contact us for collaborations and to be featured on the podcast:Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.comInstagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

We got to sit down with a few wonderful folks from Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G) to talk about their work in Indigenous community-building. Gabrielle Fayant, Sam Wong, and Maddy Kelly shared with us the work they're doing at A7G, their thoughts on why focusing on community is so important, what reconciliation means to them, and what grassroots activism they're excited to see. Learn about Assembly of Seven Generations - https://www.a7g.ca/ Read their reports - https://www.a7g.ca/reports Follow them on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/a7gContact us for collaborations or to be featured on the podcast: Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.comInstagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

This has been a difficult week for Indigenous peoples across Canada. A wound has been reopened with the discovery of remains of 215 children in an unmarked grave at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Many of us are shocked and horrified, but this news does not come as a surprise to Indigenous communities.It's National Indigenous History month and although the history of residential schools is not how I hoped to start the month, the country is asking our leaders (and the churches who ran the schools) important questions about accountability and reconciliation. Today's episode contributes to this discussion by going over the history of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settlers and the history of residential schools in Canada.  Read the Truth and Reconciliation Committee's 94 Calls to Action: http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf Read the full TRC Report titled "The Survivors Speak": http://www.trc.ca/assets/pdf/Survivors_Speak_2015_05_30_web_o.pdf Learn about the Missing Children Project: http://www.trc.ca/events-and-projects/missing-children-project.htmlDonate to the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca/donate?utm_source=leadnow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=blast2021-05-31Contact us for collaborations or to be featured on the podcast:  Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.comInstagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

Yes, the idea of a "model minority" is racist! Its very creation is rooted in white supremacy - coined in the 1960s to compare and contrast different racial groups relative to their closeness to 'whiteness' at the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the US.  And despite its name, it's causing real harm to the community it's meant to compliment. Joining us on today's podcast is Cherie Wong, a policy analyst, advocate and the founder of Alliance Canada Hong Kong, a grassroots Hong Kong-Canada community organization that mobilizes civic actions in support of the democratic development of Hong Kong. You can find Cherie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram under @chercywong.  Learn more about Alliance Canada Hong Kong:  Website: http://alliancecanadahk.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/alliancecanhkInstagram: http://instagram.com/alliancecanhkTwitter: https://twitter.com/alliancecanhkTelegram: http://t.me/alliancecanhkContact us for collaborations or to be featured on the podcast:  Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.comInstagram handle - http://instagram.com/racism.is.nonsenseLinktree - https://linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

We are thrilled to be back with more episodes and this time in partnership with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF). In this episode we dive into the creation of the CRRF, which came out of the Japanese Redress Agreement in the 1980s. Many people would be shocked to learn that during World War 2, tens of thousands of Japanese Canadian citizens were forcibly interned in camps throughout the country living in deplorable conditions. Deemed "enemy aliens" despite sometimes living in Canada for generations, they had their homes and businesses confiscated and sold by the government. *There was a glitch with the episode - to fix you can delete and redownload for the right version.Browse the Canadian Race Relations Foundation site where they have many resources on anti-racism - https://www.crrf-fcrr.ca/en/ Contact us for collaborations or to be featured on the podcast  Email - knownonsensepodcast@gmail.comInstagram handle - @racism.is.nonsenseLinktree - linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast 

It's the end of Black History Month (*wipes away tears*). I hope you're ending the month more woke than when it started. We've talked about so many important people, places and events that have shaped our country's history that it's hard to pick a favourite. This episode wraps up the month and hammers home why we need to know our history better, in full colour.Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense. The conversation doesn't stop in March!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Willie O'Ree is a living Canadian icon! As the first Black man to play in the NHL he will be written in history, but his journey wasn't just  hard, it was intensely difficult. He faced extreme racial prejudice and a secret physical disability, yet he continued on to play the sport he loved. Learn more about this incredible man in today's episode. Hockey still has a long way to go in conversations about racism, inclusivity and anti-bullying. This article features the stories of some Black Canadians in this world: https://www.macleans.ca/sports/black-hockey-players-on-loving-a-sport-that-doesnt-love-them-back/#gallery/hockey-in-canada/slide-3Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

There are no shortage of amazing Black Canadian athletes, I won't even attempt to condense their unique stories into this short episode. It can't be denied though that to be the FIRST Black athlete in any sport, especially in times of heavy discrimination and racism, is a feat on its own. Combine incredible physical abilities with sheer mental fortitude and you have the athletes featured in today's episode. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

In 1969, on the ninth floor of a Sir George Williams University building a peaceful protest was underway. Six Black students had accused their professor, Perry Anderson, of discrimination and when students felt the university's administration had not done a proper investigation, 200 students staged a sit-in. The event did not end as peacefully as it started.Watch the documentary "Ninth Floor" by Mina Shum on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRNnTMIUe2A&ab_channel=NFB  Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

What do you think about when I mention Toronto's Caribbean Carnival Celebration? You might first ask me if I mean Caribana (the new name hasn't stuck for most of us). Next you'd probably tell me about the beautiful costumes during the Grand Parade and how busy downtown Toronto gets. Those may be the first thoughts that come to mind, but the history behind the event is so rich! Listen to learn more! Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Africville, Nova Scotia was one of Canada's oldest Black communities before it was razed to the ground by the city of Halifax by 1970. Despite living there for generations they couldn't stop the demolition of their community. Residents were victims of systemic and environmental racism, having their community torn down and neighbours displaced across Halifax. Read about Eddie Carvery: https://www.vice.com/en/article/4w5q9n/africville-canadas-secret-racist-history Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Before really understanding Canada's legacy of systemic racism, I assumed that we never had our own period of civil rights advocacy. I learned a lot about the American Civil Rights Movement and the historic events that took place during the 1950s and 60s, but never knew how deeply involved and supportive Canada's Black communities were. Canada did have it's own Civil Rights Movement, it just looked a little different. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

A civil rights advocate, poet, writer and journalist, Carrie Best was a fiery and proud Black Canadian woman. By creating her own media, she championed civil rights for marginalized communities. She held up a mirror to show Canada it's systemic racism, while creating space for marginalized communities to learn to love themselves fully. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

There is no shortage of Black Canadian artists today and throughout history and it was actually really difficult to even feature just two of them for today's episode. I managed to make the tough decision and want to introduce you (or hopefully reintroduce you) to two incredible Black Canadians, Oscar Peterson and Portia White. Both paved the way for other Black Canadians. During a time where the colour of your skin largely determined your success, both persevered because their talents were undeniable! Watch the Heritage Minute video about Oscar Peterson; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cdXEhR9dd4&ab_channel=HistoricaCanada Listen to Oscar play; https://youtu.be/Gxs4KWxcw1w Listen to a clip from the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia's 2017 production of PORTIA, based on Portia White's life; https://youtu.be/EXJaC_TM0eo  Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

How much do you know about Canada's Black pioneers? What about Black cowboys? I knew very little about these communities, assuming that Black folks would never venture that far North. Boy, was I wrong (and ignorant)! Black communities tried to settle wherever they could be free from racial discrimination and aggression and when Canada called for immigrants to settle the prairies, Black settlers answered the call. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Did you know the real McCoy was a real person? You may have heard this phrase used when referring to something as authentic or original. Elijah McCoy was a Black Canadian engineer and inventor creating devices mostly for the railroad industry. Despite facing discrimination in the early parts of his career, his ingenuity couldn't be stopped!Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

This is Part 2 of our conversation on Canada's immigration policies towards the Black community. It wasn't until the 1960s that considerable changes were made to Canada's policies that removed race as a feature of the immigration system. Much of the changes were made through the advocacy of communities of colour, spurred by the Civil Rights Movement. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

As Canadians, we cherish our multiculturalism, but it wasn't so long ago that we strictly limited the number of immigrants...unless you were white of course. These limitations extended to Black people, either from the United States or from around the world, with specific language and policies put in place to restrict "any immigrant belonging to the Negro race". One such policy was called the Immigration Act of 1910. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=enlinktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

There are no shortage of incredible Black Canadian politicians to feature for the Black History Month episodes and it would be a miss to not feature Jean Augustine, the woman largely responsible for celebrating Black History Month across Canada. In 1995, she sent the proposal in Parliament to have February recognized as Black History Month. She is also an educator, community activator, and advocate. Learn more about this amazing woman!Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!https://www.instagram.com/racism.is.nonsense/?hl=en linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Lincoln Alexander is one for the history books, he was the first Black person and man in Canada to hold several political positions. He dedicated his life to service and we benefit from much of the work he advocated for. Take a listen to the episode to learn more about the 'Linc'. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Despite the systemic and institutional barriers around voting, Black Canadians have always pushed to ensure they could exercise their right. In order to have their voices heard fully though, they knew they needed to see people like them in public office. So, they broke barriers and entered the political arena. Today's episode highlights three Black Canadians who did just that.  Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Our voting rights are something most of us take for granted. Election season can be exciting to political junkies but for most of us, it comes and goes. We forget that it wasn't too long ago when some of our citizens were unable to vote because of the colour of their skin.  Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

What do you know about Black train porters? I didn't know much either but this group has done so much more for multiculturalism in Canada than you probably realize. Their difficult working conditions led them to start the first Black railway union in North America, to fight racial discrimination in all workplaces, and advocated the federal government to change immigration policies! Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

One book (and now television show) I'm crazy about is Lawrence Hill's The Book of Negroes. If it sounds familiar it could be because it's a fantastic book that won tons of awards and prizes, or maybe you remember it being mentioned a few episodes back in our discussion about Canada's Black Loyalists. There are of course many other books, shows and documentaries about slavery and the black experience in North America, so tell me what else are you reading/watching?Watch the show free on CBC Gem; https://gem.cbc.ca/season/the-book-of-negroes/ Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

I don't know where to begin with this amazing woman. She broke so many glass ceilings in her life that a 5 minute podcast episode really doesn't do her justice. She is the first woman (and Black woman) publisher in Canada and North America. Her weekly newspaper the Provincial Freeman reached over 35,000 readers in Canada! Learn more in the episode.Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

The first documented race riot in North America happened in 1748 in a small town in the western part of Nova Scotia called Shelburne. No one died in the chaos, but dozens of Black families were left homeless and traumatized, reminded that no matter where they went they'd always be considered second-class citizens. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Canada has long-been a refuge for black people escaping slavery in the United States and this extended to a group called Black Loyalists who fought for the British Crown with the promise of "freedom and a farm". You can probably guess judging by the title that something went wrong. Instead of the peace and freedom these black people and their families hoped for in Canada, they found that racism and discrimination had no physical boundaries.Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Of course you've heard of Harriet Tubman and her incredible accomplishments as a woman who escaped slavery and helped others escape using the Underground Railroad. But her life's story is so much more than this and now I'm looking to join her fan club! Did you know she was married twice? Did you know she lived with a disability? Have you heard about the  strategies she used to evade capture? Tune in and learn about this amazing woman!Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Everyone has heard of the Underground Railroad right? It's a source of pride for Canadians when contrasted against the dark parts of slavery in the United States.  It was a lifeline for  people escaping from enslavement, despite the United States enacting laws on the side of slave owners to clamp down on it. Learn about this incredible network!Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Marie-Joseph Angelique is not a Canadian many have heard of, but those who have heard of her, know her because of her death more than her life. She was an enslaved Black woman accused, charged, and hanged for a crime we still don't know that she committed. Her story, no matter how tragic, is an important part of our collective Canadian history.**This episode details difficult subject matter so listener discretion is advised.Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

We're setting the record straight, slavery not only existed in Canada, but was widely practiced! Both Black and Indigenous people were enslaved to settlers, traders, and industry and it's an aspect of our history we conveniently leave out of the history text books. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Once upon a time, there were only Indigenous people living on Turtle Island, what you and I now call Canada. European explorers came in the 1500s and in the early 1600s an African man also found his way to these shores...Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast

Today is the first day of Black History Month so we're starting with the basics. Learn about how Black History Month started and why it's so important. Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram @racism.is.nonsense for posts all month long!linktr.ee/KnowNonsensePodcast