PROMOTING THE EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF BLACK CANADIANS

Virtual Workshop 2: PROMOTING THE EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF BLACK CANADIANS
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Topic 1: Accent and Opportunity: Leveraging Language to combat racism in Canada

Speaker: Irine Asanji (Coach LIA)
During the session, Irine Asanji (a certified transformation coach) contributed meaningfully to the discussion by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing the diverse accents within our communities. She highlighted that accents are a reflection of cultural identity and should not be a basis for discrimination or exclusion. Irine encouraged participants to move beyond bias and be intentional about creating inclusive spaces where individuals are valued for their qualifications, not how they sound. She echoed the call to challenge accent-based discrimination and promote linguistic diversity as a strength rather than a barrier. Her remarks reinforced the message that language should be a tool for connection and empowerment.
Interlude segments: A Poem titled “Bullying – I have been there”
Emotions ran high as 10-year-old BJ Nyambi bravely read his heartfelt piece titled “Bullying – I’ve Been There.” In it, the fifth grader shared his personal experiences of bullying and racism at school, leaving many participants visibly moved and struggling to hold back tears.
Topic 2: Promoting the effective participation of Black Canadians in social and economic life
Speaker: Dr Rose Joshua
Dr. Rose Joshua (a senior financial broker) on her part, delivered a powerful message on promoting the effective participation of Black Canadians in social and economic life. She identified internalized racism, rooted in deeper issues like classism and tribalism, as a major barrier to progress within the Black community. Dr. Joshua emphasized that this internalized racism often manifests as a victim mentality, poverty mentality, and destructive individualism, which hinders collective advancement. She stressed that the greatest obstacle is not always external, but the lack of unity and mutual support within the community itself. To overcome systemic racism, Dr. Joshua called for collective action—urging Black Canadians to support each other’s businesses, invest in education, and build strength in finance, economics, and leadership. She joined her voice with Tania Hossain – a Senior Financial Broker to highlight the importance of building wealth, reducing liabilities, protecting assets through insurance, and preparing the next generation for leadership roles. Dr. Joshua concluded with a compelling call to either actively participate in shaping a stronger future or stop complaining—reminding everyone that racism will not end without deliberate, unified action from within the community.