Happening now @School_GC! 
@DM_PSPC tells us - It's time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. #AntiRacism
Isaac Saney tells us that Canada has a long history of slavery and a struggle for self-determination of people of African descent. This includes large amounts of financial benefit off of people of African descent.
Isaac Saney reminds us that Canada is part of the black diaspora, including the history of slavery, financial oppression, disenfranchisement, marginalization, and a discounting of black movements to rectify this history.
Isaac Saney tells us that the idea of black racism, black oppression, black marginalization is actually a fundamental part of the Canadian identity as a colonial, white supremacist state.
Isaac Saney tells us that the problem of the 21st century is the problem of the colour line. Unless we address this fundamental issue of anti-black racism, the problems of and protests against these injustices will continue. It's only through struggle that we can continue.
Hantz Prosper shares his personal story about being subject to racial slurs and racist questions as a young child and the impact on his mental health and identity.
Hantz Prosper wonders out loud what the impact might be on children's perspectives on race if they were taught more about all of the accomplishments of black people in Canada.
Hantz Prosper talks about what it's like to speak to his children about racism, about police, about what's happening in the world right now. As parents, it's difficult to address these topics when there's no support from authorities.
Patricia Harewood reminds everyone that black people have experienced a pandemic on top of a pandemic. Anti-black racism has been embedded in our institutions for hundreds of years. This is a continual pandemic for black people who live it constantly.
Patricia Harewood also wants to remind us that while in her position she feels comfortable speaking up about racism and other forms of discrimination, that's not true for most public servants who feel afraid to speak openly about racism.
Patricia Harewood tells us that anti-black racism is baked into all of our institutions. It is in our policies and practices and it reinforces beliefs, attitudes, prejudices that discriminate against people of African descent.
Patricia Harewood is not comfortable with the term "ally". She prefers the terms "collaborator" or "co-conspirator". Someone who you can work with to counter white supremacy and anti-black racism.
Richard Sharpe introduces us to @FBEC_CEFN, which was formed in 2017 as a black-led organization. He tells us that we need FBEC because we continue to see chronic inequities, harassment, and discrimination against people because of the colour of their skin.
Richard Sharpe tells us that anti-black racism is embedded into our institutions. It exists at all levels of the public service against black people. @FBEC_CEFN has been called on dramatically to advance conversations about this issue within the federal public service.
Richard Sharpe proposes that the public service of Canada create an anti-black racism strategy that establishes a set of concrete actions that the public service will take to counter racism and discrimination against black people.
Isaac Saney points to numerous recommendations made about actions that need to be taken. He says the time is not to do more research and create new evidence. We don't need another report to tell us racism exists. The evidence is there and the recommendations have been made.
Hantz Prosper points to the tools that exist for the public service to achieve success by taking actions based on recommendations that have been made. We are at the implementation stage.
Patricia Harewood agrees the time for planning and research is over. She points to the join union management taskforce on diversity and inclusion and the recommendations that an anti-racist lens be brought to all management decisions. What's missing is action and commitment.
