Hello everyone,
This past weekend there were three mass shootings in the US: one in Buffalo, one in Dallas, and one in Orange County. Hearing of targeted mass shootings is demoralizing. It is clear these acts were brought on by racism and hatred. Buffalo is quite literally our neighbour. The people murdered were our neighbours.
We must confront systemic racism and take action to impact change. This Thursday, May 19 Dr. Audrey Hudson will bring together a panel of artists and educators to continue the conversation about anti-Black racism. The talk will be made available for our audience as well as employees and volunteers, and it will also be recorded. More information on the talk is available here: https://ago.ca/events/how-talk-about-anti-black-racism-part-three.
This is the third panel that Audrey has convened in recent years and coincides with the 2nd anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. I am grateful to Audrey and others involved for making space for this important conversation.
I also want to acknowledge the emotions and trauma that some of you are experiencing as a result of continued acts of hate and racism in our world. Please reach out to colleagues, your manager or LT member or access any of the resources provided at the bottom or this email for support.
Thank you,
Stephan
- Mental Health Resources:
- WellNest Therapy offers services with diverse therapists at a sliding scale available by request and need.
- Black mental health resources in Toronto
- Hoog Fook Mental Health Association serving Asian communities in Ontario.
- What’s Up Walk in Clinic offers free virtual mental health counselling for children, youth and young adults.
- Article: Becoming Trustworthy White Allies by Melanie S. Morrison
- AGO Learning: Raising Awareness: Anti-Racism 101 – Moving from Not Racist to Anti-Racism by Letecia Rose, Principal Consultant – Skill Market Watch here – Passcode: AGOd&i2