Resources for / from the Black Community
The UOSU and Recognized Student Governments (RSGs) strongly believe in the dignity of all races, stand in solidarity with the Black Community in its struggle against systemic anti-black systems, and fight against racism and discrimination. We join them in their calls to dismantle racist institutions and in denouncing anti-black racism, while calling for concrete action from all stakeholders in the community. Silence is complicity and we can not stand by and be silent as countless black lives are lost and black souls relive the collective and individual trauma created by a society founded on racist and colonial norms as well as the resulting experiences. In this time of crisis, the need for solidarity is more pressing than ever, which is why we at the UOSU, and as RSGs have decided to create a resource package to help everyone navigate this crisis and join the fight against anti-black racism. We also recognize the tremendous toll and effect of this situation and racial discrimination on the health and wellbeing of many, many young black people seeing horrors like these for the first time, and as such hope to create a complete document in providing ways to demonstrate solidarity and community to, within and with the Black community of the UOSU and RSGs. Information on this page is gathered from Black Lives Matter and various locations (links) provided below in the document.
The UOSU and RSGs are committed to working with uOttawa and all key stakeholders to ensure that black students feel welcome and invited on our campus.
Table of Contents
How to Help
BLACK LIVES MATTER
SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES IN OTTAWA
DONATE TO BLACK LIVES MATTER CANADA
- Demand Justice for Regis Korchinski-Paquet and donate to her family.
- Sign the petition and donate to George Floyd’s family
- Demand Justice for Ahmaud Arbery at Run with Maud
- Call for Justice for Breonna Taylor.
- Share your story and sign the No Racism in Ottawa Education petition:
- Watch this video when you want to donate to BLM when you have no money:
- Turn off any ad blockers and do not skip any ads while playing this video. The video has many ads and 100% of the ad revenue will be donated between several BLM organizations which includes bail-out funds for protesters.
- Donate here to split your donation among 50+ community bail funds, mutual aid funds, and racial justice organizers.
Organizations and Resources
Black Associations
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC)
A national, non-profit organization, driven by Black organizations across the country. The Federation advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent. Mobilize, Empower, Transform.
For more information, visit this link: http://blackhealthalliance.ca/
For more information, visit this link: http://blackhealthalliance.ca/
Black History Ottawa: Provide information on history, culture, traditions and achievements of Canadians of African descent.
For more information, visit this link: https://acaottawa.com/
Law and Advocacy
Visit this link for more information: https://stopracism.ca/
(a non-profit community legal clinic, providing free legal services for low-income Black Ontarians): https://www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca/
(support and improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals and families of African and Caribbean descent) http://www.jakukonbit.com/donate/
For more information, visit this link: https://cfs-fcee.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Anti-Racism-Toolkit-Final-1.pdf
Assist Black women and their families with programs and events about child development, education, health, housing, pension, racism, sexism and human rights. http://cbwc-ontario.com/
Black-Led 2SLGBTQ+ Organizations
Builds power of Black trans and queer people to force systemic divestment from the prison industrial complex and invest in community support. http://snap4freedom.org
Working to end the Black HIV epidemic through policy, advocacy, and high-quality direct HIV services. http://blackaids.org
The world’s first-ever legally recognized trans district, which aims to stabilize and economically empower the trans community. http://transgenderdistrict.com
Posts bail for LGBTQ people held in jail or immigrant detention and raises awareness on LGBTQ overincarceration. http://lgbtqfund.org
Assist Black women and their families with programs and events about child development, education, health, housing, pension, racism, sexism and human rights. http://cbwc-ontario.com/
Mental Health Support
For BIPOC Individuals
Founded by Tricia Hersey to champion Black rest as a form of reparations and resistance against burnout culture and capitalism. During social distancing, she has been using Instagram to talk about the importance of slowing down when you’re a Black person fighting oppression day-in and day-out. https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/
Virtual Black-centered healing and support spaces. Multiple offerings, including “Heart Space” on Tuesdays at 7p EST — a space for Black folks & their feelings with meditation, songs, & individual check ins. https://www.beam.community/events
Help Lines and Crisis Lines
The Local Crisis Team responds quickly to phone calls and within 24 hours to see someone face-to-face. A crisis can include difficulty dealing with stress, overwhelming feelings, symptoms of depression, anxiety or psychosis, suicidal thoughts, or any concerns regarding your mental health or that of your loved ones.
Website: crisisline.ca
Within Ottawa 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-722-6914
Outside of Ottawa 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-866-996-0991
Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone is a service partnership between Kids Help Phone and U.S.-based crisis line and technology pioneer Crisis Text Line, providing young people in Canada with the first ever, 24/7, free nationwide texting service.
Website: www.crisistextline.ca
Crisis Text Line: HOME (or PARLER in French) to 686868
Good2Talk is a free 24/7, confidential helpline providing professional counselling, information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario.
Website: good2talk.ca
24/7 Helpline: 1-866-925-5454
Crisis Text Line: GOOD2TALKON (or ALLOJECOUTEON in French) to 686868
Working within the continuum of mental health services, the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region contributes to a healthier and safer community by providing suicide prevention, crisis intervention, psychological stabilization, emotional support, information, referral and education services, without judgement, to individuals in need.
Website: www.dcottawa.on.ca
Tel: 613-238-1089
24/7 Distress Line: 613-238-3311
24/7 Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991
Ils offrent un service d’écoute téléphonique en français aux personnes qui ont besoin d’une oreille, qui nécessitent du soutien ou de références. Les bénévoles de Tel-Aide, qu’ils appellent les écoutants, offrent une écoute attentive, chaleureuse et empathique.
Website: telaideoutaouais.ca
Gatineau Helpline: 819-775-3223
Ottawa Helpline: 613-741-6433
Outside Outaouais Helpline: 1-800-567-9699
Self-Help Resources
A search tool to find mental health support in your area.
Website: www.ementalhealth.ca
An online platform of tools and interactive modules that can help you manage the many stressors that come with university life and can help you bounce back from challenging times. This service is available for free to anyone with a uOttawa email account, whether you’re a student or not. Programs available: Calming Your Worry, Let Go and Be Well, Interpersonal, Relationships and Communication, Leave Your Blues Behind, and Improving your Mood. You can anonymously complete a self-screening assessment that will ask you a few questions about common problems and then provide you with some feedback for the next steps you can take.
Website: sass.uottawa.ca/en/counselling/tao
Self-Screening Assessment: thepath-ca.taoconnect.org/local/screening_instrument/survey.php?university=1
Skin Cancer Awareness & Prevention for People of Color
In this guide you will provide your website visitors with information on:
- Skin Cancer in People of Color – DATA
- What Cancer Looks Like on the Skin of People of Color
- How Fast is Spreads
- How Deadly It Can Be
- How to Perform a Skin Cancer Check
- Skin Cancer Prevention
- Sunscreen Spec’s for People of Color
Sunshine Behavioral Health
“We believe that every person’s addiction story is different, which is why we equip our centers with licensed professionals for every unique treatment available. From holistic therapies to our faith-based counselors, and our 12 step or SMART Recovery programs, Sunshine aims to staff our facilities with the best of the best in all facets of addiction treatment.”
Counseling Resources
Counselling is a confidential service for students who are dealing with temporary life difficulties. The aim of counselling is to facilitate a timely return to normal functioning. You can book your single session in advance and meet with a counsellor either by phone or videoconference.
Website: sass.uottawa.ca/en/personal
Email: couns@uottawa.ca
Tel: 613-562-5200
Online Booking: sassit.uottawa.ca/ventus/counselling/intake-form.php?id=booking
The Walk-In Counselling Clinic provides immediate professional counselling services to individuals, couples, and families for free. They are now offering their services by phone or video-counselling.
Website: walkincounselling.com
Phone Applications
The app uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and take active steps to manage anxiety. Free download and use. https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-cbt/
Created in collaboration with the University of Western England, SAM is designed to help the user understand and manage anxiety. Free download and use. https://sam-app.org.uk/
This app offers four (4) kinds of support: self-care, peer support, therapy and coaching to ultimately help the user track and manage their stress, anxiety and depression. Must add either insurance information or pay a subscription for premium access. Some features are free. https://www.sanvello.com/
An app that helps manage and track anxiety and depression. This app includes many forms of support, as well as a journal option to track your mood. Some features are free, however for full access, a subscription is required. https://mymoodpath.com/en/
This app uses an AI-based chat system to talk things through in moments of high anxiety or stress. 7-day free trial and then yearly subscription required to continue using the self-help tools. https://www.wysa.io/
Entertainment Resources
Movies/TV Shows/Documentaries
- 13th (Ava DuVernay)
- 12 Years A Slave (Steve McQueen)
- American Son (Kenny Leon)
- Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu)
- Dear White People (Justin Simien)
- If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins)
- King In The Wilderness (Peter W. Kunhardt)
- See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol)
- Selma (Ava DuVernay)
- The Book of Negroes (Clement Virgo)
- The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.)
- When They See Us (Ava DuVernay)
Videos and Ted Talks
- Peggy McIntosh: How Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen Compassion
- Abdel-Magied, Yassmin. TedTalk: What does my headscarf mean to you?
- Funchess, Melanie. TedTalk: Implicit Bias – how it affects us and how we push through.
- Graybridge Malkham. Unconscious Bias: Understanding Our Brain’s Processes for Bias Control.
- Keereepart, Thaniya. 3 design principles to help us overcome everyday bias.
- Mahdawi, Arwa. TedTalk: The Surprising Solution to Workplace Diversity.
- Maschka, Kristin. TedTalk: How I Learned to Love Unconscious Bias.
- Melville, Doug. TedTalk: Diversity IQ.
- Powell, Juliette. TedTalk: It’s About Time We Challenge Our Unconscious Biases .
- Pressner, Kristen. TedTalk: Are you biased? I am.
- The Royal Society. Understanding unconscious bias.
- Tolstoi-Miller, Gail. TedTalk: Unconscious bias: Stereotypical hiring practices.
- Turnbull, Helen. TedTalk: Inclusion, Exclusion, Illusion and Collusion.
Podcasts
Websites
- Anti-racism resources for white people compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker, Alyssa Klein in May 2020
- Whites Receiving Feedback on Racism and Responding from the Mainstream Framework by Robin DiAngelo
- Anti-racism Handout by Robin DiAngelo, 2012 :
- Silence Breakers for Whites in Cross-racial discussions, by Anika Nailah & Robin DiAngelo, 2013:
- ”White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Knapsack Peggy McIntosh
- Canadian Women’s Federation: Compilation of Resources for Ending Anti-Black Racism
- Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement (Mentoring a New Generation of Activists
- ”My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant” by Jose Antonio Vargas | NYT Mag (June 22, 2011)
- The 1619 Project (all the articles) | The New York Times Magazine
- The Combahee River Collective Statement
- “The Intersectionality Wars” by Jane Coaston | Vox (May 28, 2019)
- “Where do I donate? Why is the uprising violent? Should I go protest?” by Courtney Martin (June 1, 2020)
Books
- The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power by Desmond Cole
- Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment by Patricia Hill Collins
- How We Fight White Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance by Akiba Solomon and Kenrya Ranken
- Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
- Fatal Intervention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-Create Race in the Twenty-First Century by Dorothy Roberts
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- Race After Technology by Ruha Benjamin
- Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
- Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
- Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
- This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell
- The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale
- The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
- The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
- This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe Moraga
- When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira Katznelson
- White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo*:
- White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son by Tim Wise
- Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together at the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations about Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum
- Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor Hardcover by Layla F. Saad
- How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES COMPILATIONS
- 31 Resources That Will Help You Become a Better White Ally
- 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
- Anti-Racism Project
- Jenna Arnold’s resources (books and people to follow)
- Rachel Ricketts’ anti-racism resources
- Resources for White People to Learn and Talk About Race and Racism
- Responding to Anti-Black Racism: Resources to Support Parents and Students
- Save the Tears: White Woman’s Guide by Tatiana Mac
- Showing Up For Racial Justice’s educational toolkits
- The [White] Shift on Instagram
- “Why is this happening?” — an introduction to police brutality from 100 Year Hoodie
- Zinn Education Project’s teaching materials
- https://www.afrobiz.ca/
SOURCES