Revolutionaries & Resistance Movements (BHM)

Black History is a time to celebrate the achievements of civil rights movements, innovative trailblazers, and beauty in our diverse cultural expressions. The history of Black Canadians is an particularly diverse one – from the story of Black Canadians in Africville, to the wave of African & Caribbean migrants that arrived in Canada over the course of the 60s and 80s, and now at present day – the history of revolution and resistance is a recurring theme that is prevalent amongst Black communities. This Black History Month not only are we taking a moment to explore our past, but we are also taking the time to celebrate the work of contemporary Black scholars, activists, and leaders from our local communities.

Dilaye Desta will be moderating this discussion & will go through a series of questions that highlight our panelists & views and the passion behind their work. We will hear about the historical context of resistance movements in Canada and how their work ties into community activism and revolution in contemporary society. We will discuss what barriers are faced whether it be within our communities or due to the lack of support given to our communities and initiatives. Then the conversation will transition into highlighting the work of current local Anti-Black racism initiatives and ways we can support the community and these initiatives.

There will be a brief Question and Answer period at the end and an opportunity to share educational resources for those who want to learn more, get involved, and challenge everyone to do their part to ensure the change we all want to see.

Meet the panelists:

Sarah George
Sarah George is a first year PhD student and contract instructor in the department of Sociology at Carleton university. Her general areas of research interest are African studies, Black studies and sociology of liberation, gender, and knowledge within the context of Africa and thediaspora. Her thesis explored the Black radical tradition of leadership and resistance in African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) Canadian communities through an examination of ACB leadership in Ottawa.

As well as the systemic nature of anti-Black racism. She instructs a third-year sociology course titled Race, Gender, and Society: Through the Arts that offers 3rd-year undergraduates a unique opportunity to work alongside OCSB high school students. Outside academia Sarah is the Community Engagement Lead at the Umoja Black Community Engagement Program, and the community development facilitator at Somerset West Community Health Centre’s Equity4Us Anti-Racism initiative.

Karine Coen-Sanchez
Karine Coen-Sanchez is a PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa. A highly engaged activist, organizer, and scholar, Coen-Sanchez has worked tirelessly to forge relationships and initiate systemic change among Black and racialized graduate students in Canada. She has steered numerous anti-racism initiatives on her home campus as well as on a national stage, including stakeholder mobilization efforts, the development of institutional diversity and inclusivity statements, and the hosting of community-building events.

Coen-Sanchez is a frequent participant in webinars and panel discussions dealing with race and racism in Canadian higher education and was a recipient of the 2021 Congress Graduate Merit Awards. She has directed a Mitacs Acceleration Grant focused on inclusivity within the Canadian education system, and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s (SSHRC) Advisory Committee to Address Anti-Black Racism. A powerful voice both on the ground and in print.

This BHM event is brought to you by Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network in partnership with The Somali Centre for Family Services

Click here to register!