The Anti-Racism Summit and bi-monthly events are vital in continuing the work that was started in 2020. The GBHS is helping to build the resources to empower our community to connect to our Black history, present & future.
Denise Francis
The #ChangeStartsNow initiative is an anti-racism project and aimed at preventing and responding to racism in Guelph and Wellington County by developing community resources and capacity to educate the community about racism, local Black history, and methods that members of the public can enact themselves to prevent racism and hate crime.
The Anti-Racism multi-day summit and bi-monthly activities will bring together speakers to address racism, with the goal to engage and educate the community as well as empower them to take action to dismantle racism and all its forms in our community and beyond.
The GBHS recognizes that although racism is frequently denied in Canada, it is evident in our institutions, structures, and lived experience. The partners in this project also recognize that systemic racism exists in organizations that work with marginalized communities, including policing, social service, and health agencies.
These partners stand in solidarity with the GBHS in condemning violence against racialized communities, both through hate crime and through the treatment of these communities by government agencies, including examples of the use of excessive force by police.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region
Congress of Black Women – Waterloo Region
University of Guelph
DiverseWorks
Guelph Museums
Wellington County Museum & Archives
The Kween Company
MONTHLY EVENTS
De-Escalation Techniques for Allies
Film Screenings and Talk-back Sessions
Leslie McCurdy’s “Spirit of Harriet Tubman"
Caribbean Christmas Dinner / Dance
How to respond to a hate-motivated incident
Dream Makers Youth Activities
Motown Tribute Concert
Author Talks for both Youth and Adults
BIPOC Mental Health Workshop
Mentorship programs with community leaders
National Indigenous History Month