Celebrating Black History and Futures Month


“Once we recognize what it is we are feeling, once we recognize we can feel deeply, love deeply, can feel joy,
then we will demand that all parts of our lives produce that kind of joy”

— Audre Lorde

About Black History and Futures Month

February is Black History and Futures Month and this year’s powerful theme – Black Joy as Resistance!’ – emphasizes the joy found in the strength, fellowship, and resilience of the Black community. It calls on us to envision a promising future that uplifts Black individuals and communities and fosters a sense of hope and optimism.

Throughout Black History and Futures Month (BHFM), our Office of Equity and the BHFM Working Group have organized several events, initiatives and resources to celebrate Black Joy. From the joy of art, to music to food and fellowship, the month is an ode to cultivating, protecting and sustaining Black Joy and sharing these important resources.

While we celebrate the milestones and achievements that have shaped Black history, it’s also crucial to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done in dismantling anti-Black racism and oppression. At Women’s, we remain committed to addressing systemic issues and fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

Our Black History and Futures Month web hub will be updated regularly – keep up with all our programming by visiting often.


T-Shirts for Sale!

The limited-edition ‘Black Joy T-Shirt’ will be available at our atrium booth events for $20 (cash only, while quantities last). Proceeds will be donated to the African Centre for Refugees in Ontario.

To purchase a t-shirt anytime, please email equity@wchospital.ca.


T-Shirts for Sale!

The limited-edition ‘Black Joy T-Shirt’ will be available at our atrium booth events for $20 (cash only, while quantities last). Proceeds will be donated to the African Centre for Refugees in Ontario.

To purchase a t-shirt anytime, please email equity@wchospital.ca.


Come back in 2025 for our next events!

At Women’s, we are committed to dismantling anti-Black racism (ABR) and creating a safe, welcoming space for our Black staff, physicians, volunteers, patients and community members. We are working to enhance the voices of Black community members and equity-deserving groups through initiatives like our Community Voices Survey, so that we can continue to build programs and services that respond to the specific needs of the Black community. This will allow us to build upon the already incredible work taking place, such as the Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening for Black Women, Best Health for Black Women, and Take Action, Take Control; an upcoming genetic cancer testing initiative for Black women.

Taking Action – Our Journey to Dismantle Anti-Black Racism

Women’s College Hospital is committed to dismantling systemic racism and oppression. Last year, we shared a report with an update on our journey to dismantle anti-Black racism (ABR).

The goals of our ABR corporate commitments include:

  • Improved experience for Black staff, physicians and volunteers
  • Increased opportunity for engagement in decision making
  • Evolved partnerships with Black communities and the organizations that serve them
  • Measuring and working to increase diversity and representation across the organization
  • Measuring What Matters

See the full update: www.womenscollegehospital.ca/antiblackracismreport


African, Black and Caribbean Employee Resource Group (ABC ERG)

In fulfillment of our Anti-Black Racism (ABR) Corporate Commitment to creating psychologically safe spaces through the establishment of engagement processes, the first Employee Resource Group was created through the Corporate Equity Committee in November 2022.

Established for persons who identify as African, Black and Caribbean, the group is intentionally designed to:

  1. Build psychological safety and sense of belonging.
  2. Empower employees and support staff retention
  3. Act as a resource, which can be leveraged by leadership in strategic decision-making

More specially, the ABC ERG Conceptual working group has agreed on a mandate to serve as:

  1. A safe, welcoming and surveillance-free space for all Black staff at WCH
  2. An accountability framework, for our WCH ABR Corporate Commitments, which monitors and addresses concerns of:
    • How Blackness is perceived and welcomed at the hospital
    • Persistent systemic issues that exist for Black staff, which impact their tenure at WCH
    • How our recruitment and promotion policies support members of the Black community
    • How WCH relationships with our community partners support Black health equity (and it’s intersections)
  3. A forum for education around issues of Black culture and Black Health Equity, including the planning of special events

Name Designation & Department
Janelle Noel Service Coordinator, Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre; Coordinator, Infant CPR Program
Allan Smart Addiction Outreach Worker, Substance Use Services / Addictions Medicine
Sandra Tahal Medical Secretary, Surgical Clinics
Judy Redhead Environmental Services Partner, Environmental Services
Leonie Wizzard Administrative Patient Flow Supervisor, Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI)/Crossroads Refugee Clinic
Angella Lakhan Surgical Services Secretary

 

 

To help introduce members of the African, Black and Caribbean Employee Resource Group (ABC ERG), we asked them why they chose to participate. Here’s what they had to say:

Allan Smart, Addiction Outreach Worker, Substance Use Services/Addictions Medicine

First, let me quickly introduce myself for those who do not know me. My name is Allan Smart and I have worked at WCH in the Substance Use Department for over four years- working and helping people with mental health and addictions is something I have a very strong passion for.  I really love and enjoy my job. This is the same passion that I have for safety, equity and inclusion for all, regardless of colour, social status in the organization, sexual orientation, culture, political or religious beliefs.

That is why I joined the CEC (Corporate Equity Committee) and, when given the opportunity to be a part of the African, Black and Caribbean Employee Resource Group (ABC ERG), I jumped at it. This was, in my mind, an extension of a platform that is aimed to create safe spaces. I joined also because this was fully endorsed by upper Management, which I think is serious in their efforts to achieve parity here at Women’s. I know this statement might be met with some cynicism, and maybe rightly so. I do strongly believe though, that the ERG could be a platform to help address or alleviate some of this cynicism. This I think, can be done through information sharing, gathering and actions taken. I make this statement because as a CEC member, I am privy to relevant updates through our meetings, that I believe are communicated to all staff through various mediums, but might need innovative ways to bring more awareness to staff that might not have access.

This idea to create an ERG, specific to Black Employees, here at Women’s, was from the innovative mind of our Director of Anti Racism, Equity and Social Accountability, Suzanne Charles Watson.

The idea was to create a safe space for Black Employees to come together, get to know each other, bring ideas and innovation, bring forth and discuss issues or concerns they might be facing in their respective departments where they otherwise do not feel like they have a platform to share and get support safely. In my assessment it was not meant to be a space for negative conversation/actions or plotting or even bad talking peers, supervisors or managers or to put down the organization. This also encouraged and strengthened my immediate interest in becoming a member.

This is a new initiative for this organization and I am fully aware that this could be met with some skepticism and resistance. I have come to learn that you don’t “tear down walls and build bridges out of fear.” My hope is that the creation of the ERG will be a part of an effort to eradicate fears, eliminate barriers, address biases and build bridges through communication, education, collaboration and allyship.

Sandra Tahal, Medical Secretary, Surgical Clinics

I am truly honored for the opportunity to become a member of the first ever African, Black and Caribbean Employee Resource Group (ABC ERG) at Women’s College Hospital. This is amazing!

I joined this group because, as a person of color, it is somewhat difficult to navigate through the healthcare system as an employee or as a patient. The organization has provided us with the opportunity to push forward in making impactful changes to facilitate an even more diverse place to work. I am looking forward to making positive change here at WCH as a member of the ABC ERG!

Angella Lakhan, Surgical Services Secretary

I was asked to join the ABC ERG to help support my peers who identify as Black. However I can with whatever resources we have available here at WCH, we are all excited by this opportunity and I think it will be rewarding for all of us that are involved. I’m looking forward to this exciting new chapter at WCH!

Leonie Wizzard, Administrative Patient Flow Supervisor, Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI)/Crossroads Refugee Clinic

I joined the African Black Caribbean Employee Resource Group (ABC ERG) to support, create, and implement cultural change within the organization. As a member of the inaugural ABC ERG at Women’s College Hospital it is significant for me to be one of the voices for those individuals who identify as Black and who consider themselves to be unheard – I want to give them the opportunity to be heard. This platform provides an opportunity for black individuals throughout the organization to feel free and open to discuss any challenges, barriers, suggestions, or recommendations they might face or have on an ongoing basis. Having the knowledge, awareness, and lens to visibly identify with the ABC ERG enables empowerment and transparency for Black employees to connect confidently while securing and building indelible relationships.

I am elated, humbled, and honored to be a part of this wonderful journey, removing barriers, and fostering the importance of valuable and essential connectedness, collaboration, partnership, trust, fulfillment, and a sense of immediate purpose ensuring there is a place and a space for all Black employees to articulate freely, respectfully and without feeling judged or dismissed.

This direction has been a long-time awaited and is welcome as a clear indicator that the organization is fully onboard to support ongoing growth, allyship and advancement for the ABC ERG and Black individuals within the organization going forward presently and futuristically.

Janelle Noel, Service Coordinator, Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre (SA/DVCC), Coordinator, Infant CPR Program

I joined the ERG because I realized that the Black employees at WCH need a voice. After 25 years at WCH, I see the changes happening for Black employees and Black healthcare provision.  I wanted to be the liaison for the employees that have something to say but do not know where to start.

We are Women’s: Black History and Futures Edition Spotlights

For Black History and Futures Month, we are spotlighting and celebrating our Black team and community members from across the organization as part of our We are Women’s series. Stay tuned for updates to this section throughout the month of February!

BHFM: Meet Pricilla!

Priscilla Adu-Poku is a Rotating Charge Registered Nurse in the Peri-Anesthesia Unit who shares how through the Ghanian traditions instilled by her parents, she has learned an enriched perspective on life and health practices and why representation matters in healthcare. For Priscilla, Black History & Futures Month offers an opportunity to celebrate how Black individuals have prevailed through unimaginable treatments and suffering to not only survive but also thrive.

Read More


BHFM: Meet Anderson

Anderson Bemian is a Registered Practical Nurse and has been on the WCH team for seven years! Anderson shares why Black History and Futures Month is significant to him, and how he feels engaged to share this significance with future generations.

Read More


BHFM: Meet Stacey

Stacey Callendar is a Facilities and Operations Specialist and has been on the WCH team for over five years! Stacey shares why she feels historical representation is important – read more about what this month means to her and what type of role models she looks for throughout her life.

Read more

Featured Artists & Speakers

Suzette Vidale – Steelpan Artist

With roots from St. Lucia and Trinidad, the home of the steelpan, Suzette has incorporated the rich and vibrant cultures of Toronto into her diverse repertoire. As an ambassador of steelpan, she has introduced this instrument, its history, and its unique sound to local schools, corporations, and attendees of countless diverse events. Her love of working with the community has allowed her to merge her craft with education and teach with a focus on cooperation and team building through the use of the steelpan. 

“Aside from seeing the steel pan being incorporated into educational institutions at all levels, my most favourite shift is the inclusion of the instrument as a wellness tool. I have had some of the greatest moments connecting with our city’s most vulnerable citizens. I am always learning from others while doing steel pan workshops for the homeless, at-risk youth as well as marginalized women who have experienced trauma.” — Suzette Vidale


Babarinde Williams – Drummer

Babarinde Williams, an award winning, ethnomusicologist, multi-instrumentalist, master drummer, Griot (storyteller) and motivational speaker has traveled throughout his native West Africa studying traditional percussion, dance and storytelling techniques. He has also been featured on TEDtalks (university of Windsor) and other academic forums. He was born in Nigeria and had been playing drums as soon as he could walk. His most unforgettable experience was playing for Nelson Mandela when he paid a visit to the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Babarinde Williams has a BA (Honors) in English and an Education Diploma from George Brown College.


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Fanny Ngantcheu – Kwesiya

Kwesiya is a Toronto based lifestyle brand renowned for its original use of prints and colors. The company’s product portfolio includes high-quality Clothing, versatile Accessories as well as Home Décor items. They specialize in the use of block print textiles, vibrant fabrics characteristic of West Africa, fusing them with textiles from different part of the world, to create pieces that would appeal to consumers globally. When Kwesiya was founded in 2013, its unparalleled mix of textures, patterns and styles gave it a strong and unique identity.

Kwesiya [kwé-see-ya] which means “Mix It” in a Cameroonian dialect, defines the brand and its essence of inclusion. Their primary mission is to captivate audiences from all cultures, while promoting the use of African fabrics. From business attire, fresh and casual outfits to special event wear, they create pieces that can be worn by anybody, anywhere, and for any occasion.

Cameroonian born, raised in Paris (France), Fanny Ngantcheu lived in several international cities which allowed her to witness a great variety of cosmopolitan fashion trends. A global fashion experience is one of the essences of the brand. Fanny works with the most distinct textiles from Cotton, handwoven fabrics, silk, linen, sourced from small artisanal communities around the world; that are then paired with African textiles sources in West Africa. Their Designs are not just a juxtaposition of bold lines, and vibrant colors and textures. It’s a juxtaposition of cultures.


Marieme Seck – Dryanke

Dryanke aims to provide an immersive experience into the West African lifestyle and esthetics. Dryanke sells beautiful and unique handmade baskets, home decor, and handmade accessories from Senegal. Baskets are made from sweet grass and recycled plastics. They can be used for organizations, home decor, and wall hanging.

BLACK HISTORY. BLACK FUTURES. IT’S MORE THAN A MONTH.

Depending on where you are in your journey, how confident you feel to engage with the material, and your current time commitments, the following lists of books, online articles, online lectures, documentaries, films and social media provide you with opportunities to explore the pertinent issues in different ways and at your leisure. Have time? Why not read a book or stream a movie? Less time? How about an online article, an online lecture or a documentary? Want current information? A podcast, maybe? Interested in offering financial support to Black-owned businesses and causes? Donate to any of the many organizations doing good work. Just looking for some inspiration? Visit the Listening corner. And because learning about the history of racism and systemic discrimination faced by Black communities can trigger difficult emotions, consider one of the meditations in Self-care.

These books, many of which focus on our Canadian context, are available from a variety of sellers.  If possible, purchase from a Black-owned book seller:

TITLE AUTHOR
THEME:  CELEBRATING BLACK JOY
1.       A Garden of Black Joy: Global Poetry from the Edges of Liberation and Living Keno Evol
2.       A Year of Black Joy: 52 Black Voices Share Their Life Passions Jamia Wilson

Jade Orlando

3.       Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems and Meditations for Staying Human Cole Arthur Riley
4.       Black Joy Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, et al.
5.       Black Joy: A Healthy Conversation About Race Bedford Palmer

Charlene Mosley

6.       Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration Tracey Lewis-Giggetts
7.       The Black Joy Project Kleaver Cruz
8.       Black Love Letters Cole Brown

Natalie Johnson

9.       To Build a Black Future: The Radical Politics of Joy, Pain, and Care Christopher Paul Harris
10.   The Joy of Thriving While Black Charisse M. Williams

 

TITLE AUTHOR
THEME: UNDERSTANDING ANTI-BLACK RACISM (in CANADA)
1.       A Space for Race: Decoding Racism, Multiculturalism and Post-Colonialism in The Quest for Belonging in Canada and Beyond Kathy Hogarth
2.       Between the World and Me Ta-Nehisi Coates
3.       Blacklife Rinaldo Walcott

Idil Abdillahi

4.       Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head: Poems Warsan Shire
5.       Exalted Subjects: Studies in the Making of Race and Nation in Canada Sunera Thobani
6.       Freedom Is a Constant Struggle Angela Davis
7.       How to Be an Antiracist Ibram X. Kendi
8.       I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You David Chariandy
9.       Killing Rage: Ending Racism bell hooks
10.   Land to Light On Dionne Brand
11.   Membering Austin Clarke
12.   North of the Color Line Sarah-Jane Mathieu
13.   Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present Marcia Johnson, et al.
14.   Racism in Healthcare: Alive and Well: The Greatest Barrier To Reform Marie Edwige Seneque
15.   Sister Outsider Audre Lorde
16.   The Colour of Justice: Policing Race in Canada David Tanovich
17.   The Skin We’re In. A Year of Black Resistance and Power Desmond Cole
18.   Until We Are Free Rodney Diverlus, et al
19.   Where the Waters Divide: Neoliberalism, White Privilege, and Environmental Racism in Canada Michael Mascarenhas
20.   Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race Beverly Daniel Tatum

 

TITLE AUTHOR
THEME: ANTI-BLACK RACISM and HEALTH CARE
1.       Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine Damon Tweedy
2.       Body and Soul: The Black Panther Party and the Fight against Medical Discrimination Alondra Nelson
3.       Colour Coded Health Care: The Impact of Race and Racism on Canadians’ Health  Sheryl Nestel
4.       Fighting for a Hand to Hold Samir Shaheen-Hussain
5.       Flatlining: Race, Work, and Health Care in the New Economy Adia Harvey Wingfield
6.        Health Inequities in Canada: Intersectional Frameworks and Practices Sarah de Leeuw

Margo Greenwood

7.       Just Medicine: A Cure for Racial Inequality in American Health Care Dayna Matthew
8.       Race and Well-Being.  The Lives, Hopes and Activism of African Canadians Akua Benjamin, et al
9.       Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit Mary-Frances Winters
10.   Speaking Race in Healthcare: A Manual for the Dialogue Milagros Phillips

Online Reading – Celebrating Black Joy

  1. Black Joy in Pursuit of Racial Justice
  2. Celebrating Black Joy as an Alternative Form of Resistance and Reclaiming of Humanity
  3. Embracing the Fullness of Black Humanity: Centering Black Joy in Social Studies
  4. Finding Black Joy in a World Where We Are Not Safe
  5. For Black Mothers, Joy is a weapon
  6. Prioritizing Black joy is central to Black wellness
  7. The Case for Black Joy
  8. The Fight for Black Joy Is A Battle For Black Liberation
  9. The Restorative Power Of Black Joy And Community
  10. What is Black joy? See it through the eyes of these groundbreaking artists

Online Reading – Understanding Anti-Black Racism in Health Care

  1. Afrocentric approaches to disrupting anti-Black racism in health care and promoting Black health in Canada
  2. Anti-Black racism and behavioral medicine: confronting the past to envision the future 
  3. Black Health Education Collaborative: the important role of Critical Race Theory in disrupting anti-Black racism in medical practice and education
  4. Canadian medical journal acknowledges its role in perpetuating anti-Black racism in health care
  5. See Change: Overcoming Anti-Black Racism in Health Systems
  6. Taking Life into their own hands: the story of black birth workers and moms
  7. Time to dismantle systemic anti-Black racism in medicine in Canada
  8. Afrocentric approaches to disrupting anti-Black racism in health care and promoting Black health in Canada
  9. A focus on the health of Black people and anti-Black racism in health care in Canada
  10. Surviving Being Black and a Clinician During a Dual Pandemic:Personal and Professional Challenges in a Disease and Racial Crisis

Online Reading – Becoming Anti-racist. Standing in Solidarity

  1. Compassion as a tool for allyship and anti-racism
  2. First, Listen. Then, Learn: Anti-Racism Resources
  3. Re-imagining anti-racism as a core organisational value
  4. Solidarity: The Role of Non-Black People of Color in Promoting Racial Equity
  5. The Black Physicians of Canada’s guide For Allies

Online Lectures

Title Length
Being Black in Canada | CBC Special presentation (2021) 60 minutes
Being Black in Canada | Top Stories | CBC 45 minutes
Fighting anti‑Black racism in Canada: A conversation with the Black North Initiative 135 minutes
Black Birthing Joy: Black Maternal Health Roundtable 53 minutes
Real Talk about anti-Black racism 56 minutes
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | INBOUND 2018 Keynote 46 minutes

Enjoy any one of these Canadian titles or visit the CBC Media Centre or the Toronto Black Film Festival for additional selections:

Title Synopsis Length
1.       The Skin We’re In

 

A documentary based on the book by journalist and activist Desmond Cole, exploring systemic racism in Canada. 44 minutes
2.       Canada was not a safe haven from slavery – Haven but not Heaven An unflinching CBC Docs | Black Life: Untold Stories examination of slavery in Canada that dispels the myth of Canada as a safe haven for Black people. 44 minutes
3.       Canada’s Forgotten Pioneers: How African Nova Scotians have contributed to the history of Canada  An examination of how African Nova Scotians have contributed to the history of Canada. 30 minutes
4.       Revolution Remix

 

A CBC Docs | Black Life: Untold Stories examination of two era-defining Black empowerment events in 1960s Montreal are explored, including the Sir George Williams Affair. 44 minutes
5.       Ice Breakers

 

 

Ice Breakers reveals the buried history of a pioneering Black hockey league in Atlantic Canada, as Josh Crooks discovers that his unshakable passion is tied to a rich and remarkable heritage. 15 minutes
6.       Invisible City

 

 

 

Invisible City is a moving story of two boys from Regent Park crossing into adulthood – their mothers and mentors rooting for them to succeed; their environment and social pressures tempting them to make poor choices. Turning his camera on the often ignored inner city, Academy-award nominated director Hubert Davis sensitively depicts the disconnection of urban poverty and race from the mainstream. 75 minutes
7.       Northern Beats

 

Pioneers of Canadian hip-hop tell the story of the music, featuring interviews with Maestro Fresh Wes and Michie Mee. 44 minutes
8.       Being Black in Canada

 

 

Host Asha Tomlinson speaks with activists who have been a part of the Black Lives Matter movement for many years about what has changed and what now needs to happen. 59 mins
9.       Mr. Jane and Finch Guyanese-Canadian community activist Winston LaRose has spent decades fighting for the troubled Toronto neighbourhood of Jane and Finch. His dedication to community building has earned him the title “Mr. Jane and Finch” and at 81, he decides to challenge traditional power and run for a seat on city council in 2018.​ 44 mins
10.   Black Soul Martine Chartrand’s animated short dives into the heart of Black culture with an exhilarating trip though history. Watch as a young boy traces his roots through the stories his grandmother shares with him about the events that shaped their cultural heritage. 10 mins

Title Year Producer/Director Length Where to Watch
1.         All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt 2023 Raven Jackson 97 minutes YouTube
2.         Rustin 2023 George C. Wolfe 108 minutes Netflix
3.         Shooting Stars 2023 Chris Robinson 115 minutes Prime Video
4.         Silver Dollar Road 2023 Raoul Peck 100 minutes Prime Video
5.         They Cloned Tyrone 2023 Juel Taylor 122 minutes Netflix
6.         Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 2022 Ryan Coogler 161 minutes Prime Video
7.         Devotion 2022 J. D. Dillard 139 minutes Netflix
8.         The Woman King 2022 Gina Prince-Bythewood 139 minutes YouTube
9.         Till 2022 Chinonye Chukwu 132 minutes Prime Video
10.     Colin in Black and White 2021 Ava DuVernay

Colin Kaepernick

6 episodes Netflix
11.     Passing 2021 Rebecca Hall 98 minutes Netflix
12.     The United States vs. Billie Holiday 2021 Lee Daniels 130 minutes YouTube
13.     One Night in Miami 2020 Regina King 114 minutes Prime Video
14.     The Banker 2020 George Nolfi 120 minutes The Site (https://lorax.site/)
15.     American Son 2019 Kenny Leon 90 minutes Netflix
16.     Harriet 2019 Kasi Lemmons, 125 minutes Amazon Instant Video
17.     Just Mercy 2019 Destin Daniel Cretton 137 minutes Netflix
18.     When They See Us 2019 Ava DuVernay 300 minutes Netflix
19.     If Beale Street Could Talk 2018 Barry Jenkins 119 minutes YouTube
20.     I’m Not Your Negro 2017 Raoul Peck 95 minutes Prime Video

   Ain’t Nobody – Rufus and Chaka Khan             Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire
   As – Stevie Wonder             Love On Top – Beyoncé
   Ascension – Maxwell             Lovely Day – Bill Withers
   Automatic – The Pointer Sisters             Lovey Dovey – Tony Terry
   Back To Life – Soul II Soul             Morning – Al Jarreau
   Because I’m Me – The Avalanches             Motownphilly – Boyz II Men
   Before I Let Go – Frankie Beverly And Maze             Mr. Melody – Natalie Cole
   Car Wash – Rose Royce             My First My Last My Everything – Barry White
   Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson             My Kinda Girl – Babyface
   Don’t Stop the Music – Yarbrough & Peoples             Never Knew Love Like This Before – Stephanie Mills
   Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin             Never Too Much – Luther Vandross
   Emotions – Mariah Carey             One more Rhythm – James Ingram
   Everything Is Everything – Lauryn Hill             People Everyday – Arrested Development ‎
   Family Affair – Mary J. Blige             Raspberry Beret – Prince & The Revolution
   Getting Jiggy with It – Will Smith             Rhythm Of the Night – De Barge
   Give me the Night – George Benson             Rock Steady – Aretha Franklin
   Golden – Jill Scott             Same Ole Love – Anita Baker
   Got To Be Real – Cheryl Lynn             September -Earth Wind and Fire
   Got To Give lt Up – Marvin Gaye             Tell me Something Good – Chaka Khan
   Happy – Pharrell Williams             Tomorrow – Tevin Campbell
   Harmour Love – Syreeta             Unbreakable – Alicia Keys
   I Can – Nas             Video – India.Arie.Arie
   I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross             Worship – Lizzo
   I’m the One – Roberta Flack             You Gotta Be – Des’ree
   Lean On Me – Club Nouveau             You Stop My Heart – Melanie Fiona

Title Host/Creator Availability
Our Body Politic Farai Chideya Apple
Dear Culture The Griot Apple
Truth Be Told Tonya Mosley Apple
I Am Black History (ITBC) – Our Stories, Our Voices Black:Canada and DeeP Visions Media Apple
Black Canadian Content Creators Sherley Joseph Spotify

Influencer                   
       
Vanessa Bowen @mintworhyco @mintworthy @mintworthyco
Shannae Ingleton-Smith @torontoshay @torontoshay @torontoshay
Tyrone Edwards @mr1loveto @mr1loveto @mr1loveto
Kathleen Newman-Bremang @kathleennb N/A @kathleennb
Avery Francis @averyfrancis @averybrookesfrancis @averyfrancis

  1. Afri-Can FoodBasket | Donate: https://africanfoodbasket.ca/
  2. The Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) | https://www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca/about/about-blac/
  1. Black Lives Matter – Toronto | Donate: https://blacklivesmatter.ca/
  2. Canadian Anti-Racism Network | Donate: https://stopracism.ca/
  3. Canadian Race Relations Foundation | Donate: https://www.crrf-fcrr.ca/en/about/join-our-team

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/black-history-month/

https://ago.ca/events/black-history-month-ago

https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada–toronto/black-history/

Learning about the history of racism and systemic discrimination faced by Black communities can trigger difficult emotions. Employees who are not comfortable participating in learning activities with their team should speak with their supervisor. As well, please reach out to our Employee Family Assistance Program, Homewood Health, at 1-800-663-1142 for confidential support

 

Self-Care

  1. 11 Black People Share Big and Small Ways They’re Caring for Themselves
  2. Radical Self Care: 25 Tips for Black People
  3. Kind Minds Family Wellness
  4. Growing Up, I’d Hear ‘Depression Is For White People”: 6 Black Canadian Women On Tackling Mental Health Taboos
  5. #GetLoud About Mental Health for Black Canadians

Meditations – Teachers of Colour

Host/Creator Availability
Lalah Delia Insight Timer
Justine Michael Williams Insight Timer
Dora Kamau Insight Timer
Mooji Insight Timer
Fatima Farmer Insight Timer

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