To date, I have the honour of talking with psychologists, social workers, former MLA, lawyers, youth, Minister of cabinet, Vice Provost at a University, documentary film maker, former media broadcaster, and policy makers. Each episode ends with some calls to action so the listener can walk away with ideas they can think about, do, and do more of on their anti-racism journey.
Clarissa was born in Canada and moved to Hong Kong with her family at three years old. She came back when she was 18. She experienced racism in part due to people perceiving her “accent.” She is raising her children to navigate differences and urges people to be curious, unlearn, self-reflect, find, and create compassionate spaces for community.
Shayla was born in Zimbabwe and came to Canada at the age of 20. She said that the social work profession chose her as she could relate to social justice and decolonization. She shares experiences of racism in school and in her personal life as a mother to three daughters. She indicates that race is a social construct and the need to restory the anti-racism dialogue as language matters.
Kenneth was born in Hong Kong and came to Canada when he was entering grade 7. He has experienced racism when people made fun of his accent and last name. He chose psychiatry due to his curiosity about why people do the things they do. He shares the need for anti-stigma and anti-racism. He voices that there is strength in diversity.
Jay shared that he grew up in the Philippines and chose psychology after exploring the option of attending medical school. He loves helping people and has experience volunteering and working as a teacher, and in penitentiaries. He has experienced microaggressions and racism in the US and Canada. He shares that representation matters and we need safe spaces to connect.
Pavna is a second-generation Canadian, and her parents were born in India. She has experienced racism growing up in a predominantly white community. She talks to her daughters about racism so they can learn together. She said it is important to unlearn and relearn so that healing and liberation are possible.
