Something Is Wrong-An Anti-Racism Initiative

This report makes an effort to pay tribute to what we heard, and to strengthen our collective voice. The things we were told were not new. For decades in Canada people from the

Caribbean have been saying the same things- from the George Pullman Porters to Sir George Williams University Students- as they fought racism and discrimination.

And although listening to it took an emotional toll, what we heard affirmed for us that as racialized persons living in Canada,we are often perceived as the  “other” or of

“not belonging.” We discussed some of Canada’s history of past policies of keeping people of colour out of Canada, and of workplace structures and practices that present systemic

barriers to  education, employment and social standing in our society..........

There was hopefulness about making our community what we aspire it to be. The feeling of positivity was inspiring. It is in this spirit of optimism we presented the report, Something Is Wrong as part of CWN’s continuing “action” on the struggle to end racism.   Some things said: ItListening Moments Participant

"It is an important exercise to listen to the experiences of people, to provide opportunity to discuss aloud, to express themselves freely and respond to each other” is“It is an important exercise to listen to the experiences of people, to provide opportunity to discuss aloud, to express themselves freely and respond to each other” Listening Moments Participant

“ They just don’t see us. I can’t tell you the number of times I have approached a make-up counter, bakery, or food cashier, and the person at the counter would pretend she didn’t see me, and say “Next!” Most often the person behind me would have to say “She was here before me.” Listening Moments participant

“racism goes on and on and on like a generational curse.”  Participant