Over the past few months, emerging data has confirmed the effects of anti-Black systemic racism on disproportionately poorer COVID-19 health outcomes for Black individuals and communities. As well, there has been a growing global awareness of anti-Black racism as a result of the killing of George Floyd in the United States, in addition to the deaths of a number of Black individuals in Canada, including Regis Korchinski-Paquet and D’Andre Campbell.

In response to this growing awareness of anti-Black racism, Humber College has been engaging with staff and students in important conversations in order to develop strategies to address anti-Black racism. Humber has also prioritized engaging the larger community in important conversations about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), specifically around the work that Humber is doing to create a more inclusive environment.

Adam Benn (Manager, Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Diversity) and Christina Alcena (Manager, Equity and Student Life) are featured in an article published by thestar.com. Adam and Christina share how Humber is creating an inclusive environment through equity, diversity and inclusion programming in order to foster a sense of belonging in all members, even as we transition to an online study and work environment. The article emphasizes the importance of an intersectional approach to EDI work and highlights the programming and resources offered by the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity, Indigenous Education and Engagement, the LGBTQ+ Resource Centre and the Black Academic Success and Engagement (BASE) program.

To learn more about Humber’s ongoing work towards advancing equity, diversity and inclusion, please visit here.