Event: Dialogues of the Diaspora #3: Systemic racism, inclusion: from words to actions
On December 7, 2024, the 3rd and final event of the Diaspora Dialogues took place. Some fifty participants from the African diaspora, but not only, joined us to learn how to identify systemic racism and find ways to deconstruct it! It was also an opportunity to discuss the role of allies in the journey towards a more inclusive society!
Event objectives:
- Identify systemic racism and understand its mechanisms to better deconstruct it and promote concrete solutions.
- Explore the role of allies in the fight for inclusion and learn how to effectively support marginalized communities.
- Foster authentic dialogue and exchange of experiences between different communities to enrich collective understanding of inclusion issues in Canada.
We thus offered the public in attendance:
1.A visual arts exhibition:
In collaboration with Never Was Average, it featured artists Awa and Faith Paré, blending visual arts and poetry. Awa, who was present at the event, explained the artistic approach behind the project:
- Struggles driving societal change;
- How the allies took part.
We came up with the concept of an immersive exhibition in which people could sit comfortably, as if in their own living room, enjoying the works and consulting the books at their disposal.
2.A workshop and a conversation:
In groups of 25, guests were able to:
- Participate in a workshop led by Meliza Alili on the role and place of allies in minority struggles in Canadian society.
- Take part in a conversation moderated by Samantha Lopez Uri on strategies and perspectives for healing in situations of systemic racism.
They were able to share their experiences, learn from each other and exchange ideas in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere!
Resources:
The Un livre à soi bookstore also offered a selection of books on the subject for sale, so that attendees could deepen their knowledge even after the event!
