Black History Month 2024: Summary of Progress on Confronting Anti-Black Racism

The Black Studies Minor provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the histories and cultures of Black diasporas, ideologies of anti-Black racism, themes of Black resistance to oppression and exploitation, and the range of political strategies and community-based mobilization tactics Black activists and their allies have employed to counter systemic and institutionalized oppressions and fight for social justice.

The Black Studies Guide provides researchers with information (books, databases, journals, archives, statistics, and films/documentaries) on the historical, social, economic, political, and cultural histories and present-day experiences of Black peoples of African descent, more specifically in Canada. This guide also includes materials on Disability and Blackness, Queering Blackness and more!

There is nothing optional about the 'Black Experience': Teaching and Black Queer Joy in the Classroom

This Black History Month, the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) is excited to expand on their commitment to nurturing Black pedagogies, fostering Black studies, and addressing anti-racism, particularly anti-Black racism. "There is nothing optional about the 'Black Experience': Teaching and Black Queer Joy in the Classroom," will feature discussions with Toronto photographer, Jeremiah Mondesir about critical pedagogies of Black queer joy and art within the post-secondary classroom.

TMU’s Black Employee Community Network is made up of faculty and staff who self-identify as Black. Through mentorship and networking, the BECN provides an organized support system that enhances the academic mission and cultural diversity at the university.

TMU has made several efforts to improve the diversity of our cohort of TFA tenure-stream instructors. Per the Report, "Respondents commented on the lack of representation in academic and non-academic spaces. On academic spaces, respondents noted that there is only a small number of Black faculty members, with one respondent stating that supporting Black students tends to fall on these faculty members. [Black Student Advisory Review of Recommendations Report: 14].

To redress this, many programs have ensured that their tenure-stream instructor postings strongly encourage applicants from historically disadvantaged groups. For example, the following statement has been in all ProCom's postings since 20/21:

"Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to our values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as it pertains to service, teaching, and scholarly research or creative activities, including a demonstrated ability to make learning accessible and inclusive for a diverse student population."

Correspondingly, in collaboration with the TFA Executive and Bargaining Team, the institution revised the terms for and composition of Departmental Evaluation and Departmental Hiring Committees by requiring that one member in each committee be elected as Equity Advocate. This role is set out in the  (PDF file) TFA Collective Agreement. Equity Advocates serving on the DEC and DHC receive training workshops specific to the Equity Advocate role. The Equity Advocate articulates, on behalf of their respective committees:

• The equity goals the Committee established and the relevant data/factors supporting such goals. 
• The steps taken to create an inclusive ad and engage in meaningful outreach [beyond the advertising in CAUT, UA and our careers page]. 
• The diversity within the applicant pool, including Applicant Diversity Self ID response rate and representation of the 5 equity groups within the pool, the longlist and the preferred candidate list and whether the candidate being recommended has self-identified as a member of an equity group. 
• Ways in which the screening and assessment of candidates occurred from an EDI lens taking into account systemic barriers, biases inherent in the process and the countermeasures that can be taken. 
• The assessment of the candidate’s EDI competencies and how they will assist in furthering Ryerson’s EDI priorities 
• Any special provisions such as an Acting Assistant appointment, mentorship, etc. that the Committee believes would be of assistance to the candidate’s success. 
• Any disagreements within the Committee relative to EDI considerations and an explanation of the different opinions [and votes if taken] without names of Committee members specified. 

Through the SORT pilot project, members of the Community Safety and Security team collaborate with our community partners to respond to incidents on and around campus that impact TMU and the greater downtown community. The collaborations include engaging in outreach walks, training seminars and safety planning, as well as problem-solving in neighbourhood partnerships, and following up together on security occurrences and concerns.

Black Culture/Popular Culture Youth Media Conference (BCPC) is a community-based initiative that explores the social, cultural, and intersectional factors that inform Black youth, living in the GTA, experiences with digital media and popular culture. The event took place on February 23rd at Toronto Metropolitan University's (TMU) Rogers Communication Centre (RCC) and is in partnership with The Creative School, Children's Media Lab (CML), Institute for Research in Digital Literacies (IRDL), and University of Toronto's Community Partnership and Engagement Department. Professional Communication's own Dr. Kisha McPherson was one of the speakers at the event. 

The Creative School Black Joy Committee enthusiastically invites Black Faculty, Staff, and Students from across TMU to our Black History Month finale celebration: BHM and Beyond. This is an event to bring together the Black community across campus in a moment of joy and friendship. There is no agenda and this is not a panel discussion. Food will be provided by Plan B, and music by @DJshannynhill.

The Black Student Lounge

The Black Student Lounge (BSL) is an identity-affirming space on campus where Black students at Toronto Metropolitan University can study, heal, relax, gain tools and resources, make new friends and build community. The lounge aims to counter the harms of institutional racism and provide intentionally safer spaces where Black students can heal, recharge and feel a sense of belonging at the university. Although this is primarily a student-centered space, Black faculty and staff at TMU are also welcome.

Open Shop Nights – BIPOC Open Night

Looking to create in community with others? Join the DFZ on Wednesday, February 27th for BIPOC Open Shop! Bring projects you're currently working on, ideas of projects you want to start, your friends & your curiosity. ⁠During open shop you'll have access to the shops tools, DFZ staff know-how and small machines as well as any scrap material to help you with your crafting!⁠