On , 91亚色 released Addressing Anti-Black Racism: A Framework on Black Inclusion 补苍诲听迟丑别听补肠肠辞尘辫补苍测颈苍驳听Draft听Action Plan on Black Inclusion 鈥 For Further Consultation, two documents that will guide the University鈥檚 approach to combatting anti-Black racism, both on and off our campuses. The following Q-and-A offers reflections from Kairi Williams, associate director, Alumni Events, Division of Advancement and a member of the President's Advisory Council on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). 91亚色 community members are invited to provide听feedback听on these documents and attend the听听on Thursday, March 18.
Kairi Williams
Q:听Last year, the deeply troubling police murders of unarmed Black people, including George Floyd, sparked mass protests and calls for strong actions to address anti-Black racism. Everyone processed this differently. How are you feeling today?
A:听I feel a sense of clarity. Before last year鈥檚 events my engagement with anti-Black racism was almost exclusively with my family and friends who are Black. After George Floyd鈥檚 death I engaged in uncomfortable, challenging anti-Black racism work with friends and colleagues who don鈥檛 identify as Black. That clarity is a source of strength and focus.
I feel concern about the inevitable backlash to the initiatives in response to the strong calls to action against anti-Black racism. There are people who have been committed to this work for a lifetime, those who are just beginning and those who fear and oppose the work. We know from history much danger fear can provoke.
I feel continued and absolute empathy for the family and friends of those killed.
Q:听Why do you think 91亚色 needs an Anti-Black Racism Framework and Action Plan?
A:听Because anti-Black racism exists at 91亚色 and ending it is our responsibility. In addition, the Framework and Action Plan are required in order to achieve the goals in the university academic plan and will allow us to demonstrate to other institutions how addressing anti-Black racism is done.
Q:听How have you and other faculty members/students/staff members been able to help shape the Anti-Black Racism Framework and Action Plan during 91亚色鈥檚 consultation with Black community members?
A:听I was so honoured to be offered the opportunity to be the divisional appointee for Advancement to the President鈥檚 EDI Council. Since joining, I鈥檝e learned so much about this work, the institution and contributed input on how alumni and donors could align and support the objectives of the plan.听
Q:听91亚色 has made a series of action-oriented commitments to address anti-Black Racism in its ABR Framework and Action Plan. Which of these commitments speak to you the most? Why?
A:听All of the commitments are solid and those that speak most to me are the ones I can see myself and my division contributing to. Specifically, there are opportunities to involve the 91亚色 U Alumni Board and recently formed 91亚色 U Black Alumni Network to drive the plan鈥檚 objectives on representation, community engagement and decision making and accountability. In addition, the Advancement Division could contribute to the knowledge creation commitment in the form of events and scholarships.
Q:听There have been a lot of commitments made to address anti-Black racism across the world, nation, locally and here at 91亚色. Are you optimistic that this time is different?
A: Yes, I鈥檓 optimistic because 鈥渢he toothpaste is out of the tube鈥 鈥 a witless expression but one of the best phrases I have heard to describe the change that has happened from within so many of us. In my case, for example, there is no going back to only talking to Black and racialized friends and family about racist experiences. I鈥檓 influencing my community and everyone has influence on the people around them. That influence along with organizations like ours that are redeveloping policies and plans all point towards progress. So, I鈥檓 optimistic and realistic because change takes a lifetime.
Q: Do you think 91亚色鈥檚 Anti-Black Racism Framework and Action Plan addresses the issues at 91亚色?
A:听Yes.
Q:听What do you think is missing from the Anti-Black Racism Framework and Action Plan that would help make it more effective?
A:听A single, big, bold vision like 鈥 we are going to eliminate anti-Black racism at 91亚色 forever. Despite how unattainable that vision is, it could contribute to our ability to think big and overcome barriers.
Q:听Reflecting on your experience in helping to shape the Anti-Black Racism Framework and Action Plan, what, from a personal viewpoint, has resonated the most for you?
A:听The framework鈥檚 list of seven understandings has resonated with me. Specifically, 鈥淲hite supremacy is the root of anti-Black racism鈥 and 鈥淏lack liberation and Indigenous resurgence are different but inextricably linked.鈥 I don鈥檛 recall seeing anti-racist/anti-oppression content articulated quite like this in any workplace in my career. From my perspective, it鈥檚 the clear, concise call-out about what this work is.