Creating Safer Spaces Together
Antiracism Campaign-International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 21
The Internationalization Working Group at Grenfell Campus has been working for the past year on an Antiracism Campaign as a result of negative comments that have impacted racialized folks in our campus, particularly our students. After a year of work, we are happy to invite you to the launch of the Antiracism Campaign on March 21 from 10AM to 12PM. On this day, we will be talking about our campaign and the importance of eliminating racial discrimination, not only in our campus, but also in our community. We have invited guest speakers who can help you understand the importance of this day.
To RSVP, please email c93paw@mun.ca.
Date: March 21
Time: 10-12
Location: AS ATRIUM/Hybrid
Microsoft Teams
Need help? https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US
Meeting ID: 252 619 628 248
Passcode: js2Ak2vD
Guest Speaker
Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei
Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei is currently the Interim Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Research); and an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research areas are focused on social justice, anti-black racism, critical race, critical whiteness studies, anti-colonial theory, and African indigeneity. He invites his students to think critically by challenging them to not only think outside the box but also disrupt the box. He is involved in two Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SS5RC) studies in which he investigates the postsecondary transition of African refugee youth in Canadian schools, and the challenges of newcomers' settlement in Atlantic Canada. Dr. Adjei is member of the MUN Advisory Committee on Indigenous Affairs and the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District Provincial Anti-Racism Advisory Committee and is a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP Black Engagement Steering Committee.
Dr. Ajay Parasram
Dr. Parasram is an associate professor at the Department of International Development Studies at Dalhousie University in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). His research focuses on colonialism, postcolonialism, and decolonial studies, racial fragility and structural white supremacy, multiculturalism, and migration, among some other important topics of research. Some of his published books are Pluriversal Sovereignty and The State: Imperial Encounters in Sri Lanka 2023 and Frequently Asked White Questions with Dr. Alex Khasnabish in 2022. At the moment, Dr. Parasram has three areas of study including his book Pluriversal Sovereignty and The State, settler-colonial studies and decolonial options grounded in life as an immigrant to Mi'kma'ki, and the experiences of racialization of Asian international students to Canadian universities.
Laurabel Mba
Laurabel Mba, is a dedicated public speaker who advocates for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (DEI-AR) and provides a voice to racialized and marginalized groups. As the founder of Laurabel Mba Consulting, she offers her experience and expertise to guide organizations through DEI-AR strategies. She is also host of Out of the Fog, a talk show highlighting individuals who are positively impacting Newfoundland and Labrador. Laurabel Mba was recognized as one of Women's Executive Network Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2024, was the Winner of the Women in Communication and Technology 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a nominee of the 2024 YWCA St. John's Circle of Distinction, and nominee for the 2022 NL Human Rights Award.
Angela Gomez
Angela Gomez is the International Student Programming Coordinator here at Grenfell Campus. She holds a Bachelor’s in English and Spanish Education from Universidad Antonio Nariño, a Master’s in Educational Leadership Studies from MUN, and is a Registered International Student Immigration Advisor. In her role, Angela has eyes on almost every aspect of international student affairs at Grenfell from supporting with immigration needs before a student arrives, to ensuring the safe arrival of students at campus, to planning and coordinating programs for students while they study, and everything in between. She is also actively involved in the Internationalization Working Group and oversees the Culture to Community educational outreach program, which aims to provide EDIAR education to K-12 students across the province.
This page is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to stand against racism. Whether you’ve experienced discrimination, witnessed an act of injustice, or are looking to educate yourself, you’ll find tools and resources here to take action, access support, and foster a more inclusive environment.
You Are Not Alone
Experiencing racism can be isolating and deeply hurtful, but support is available. This section offers resources to help you navigate what has happened, access assistance, and protect your well-being. Whether through counseling, advocacy, or filing complaints, these tools are here to support your journey toward healing and justice.
Resources:
- Anti-Racism Coalition Newfoundland and Labrador (ARC-NL): Advocacy and support tailored to combat racism across NL.
- Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador: Report discrimination and seek advice on protecting your rights.
- Mental Health and Addictions Services (NL): Access culturally sensitive counseling and mental health resources.
- Canadian Anti-Hate Network: For resources and guidance to counter hate-based incidents.
Downloadable PDF:
Take Action When You See Racism
Witnessing discrimination can be challenging, but bystanders play a vital role in stopping harm and supporting victims. This section offers guidance on how to intervene safely, report incidents, and make a meaningful difference.
Hyperlinked Resources:
- Ending Violence Canada: Tools for bystander intervention and de-escalation tactics.
- The Memorial University EDI-AR (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism) page provides comprehensive information about the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.
- Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI): Learn how to foster inclusive spaces and respond to discrimination effectively.
Downloadable PDF:
Understanding Is the First Step Toward Change
Education is key to dismantling racism. This section includes links to foundational resources, frameworks, and initiatives aimed at fostering awareness and action in individuals and communities.
Resources:
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action: Learn about actionable steps for reconciliation in Canada.
- First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre: Engage with Indigenous-led programs and cultural education.
- Association for New Canadians (ANC): Resources for fostering multiculturalism and understanding within NL.
- Canadian Anti-Hate Network: Access educational content about addressing systemic hate.
- Anti-racism in the workplace Resource guide
- Youth Anti-Racism Resource Guide
Need Immediate Support?
- For emergencies, contact the NL Crisis Line at 1-888-737-4668 (available 24/7).
- Campus Enformence and Patrol emergency line: 1 (709) 637-2888
Resources developed and collated by Laurabel Mba at Laurabel Mba Consulting.
