Recording-2025-03-04T15:00:58.371Z

Event Introduction

• Title and Theme: "The Personal is Political" for the 46th annual International Women's Week event.

• Organized by: Bene College's Women's and Gender Studies major.

Land Acknowledgment

• Acknowledge the traditional unceded lands of the Ganagaga/Mohawk peoples, part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

• Recognizes historic presence of the Anishinaabe peoples in Greater Montreal.

• Montreal as a gathering place for many Indigenous peoples.

• Commitment to consider the impact of actions on Indigenous communities and work for future generations.

Event Guidelines

• No food/drink allowed in the auditorium except water.

• Permitted to record video/audio without the consent of the speaker.

• Audience members are asked to mute phones and refrain from chatting during presentations.

Guest Introduction

• Speaker: Allison Saunders, Chair of the Lester B. Pearson School Board.

• Focus: Advocacy for equality in education and anti-racism work in Quebec's English public school sector.

• Affiliations: Board member of Overture with the Arts and former board member of the Black Academic Scholarship Fund.

• Discussion on the need for diversity and inclusion in the community.

Personal Introduction by Allison Saunders

• Concept of introducing oneself by place, name, and intention:

  • Place: Born in Montreal, lived in Murdochville.

  • Name: "Allison" inspired by Mia Farrow’s character; middle name "Georgina" feminizes "George" from ancestral lineage; last name "Saunders" is borrowed & original African name is unknown.

• Intentions:

  • Committed to unlearning white supremacy and colonial habits.

  • Support for Indigenous sovereignty through decolonization efforts.

  • Sharing personal knowledge to empower others.

Influences and Experiences

• Inspirational Figures:

  • Amanda Gorman: Quote about being a source of light if one cannot find it.

  • Maya Angelou: Importance of courage in implementing change.

• Early Experiences with Racism:

  • Encountered racism at home discussing trying out for a school play. (e.g., Snow White casting)

  • Reflected on how children can use imagination and be included in varying roles.

Reflections on Racism and Identity

• Adverse experiences around identifying as a Black person:

  • Forbidden by mother to wear a shirt stating "Black by Nature, Proud by Choice" to suppress racial identity in fear of judgment.

• Personal battles with understanding identity as a child amid systemic racism.

• Influences of family beliefs on identity representation.

Involvement in Education and Activism

• Had early signs of activism in school, organizing and advocating for Black History Month at Bishop's University.

• History of personal identity shaping through education: struggles over hair presentation during formal photographs exemplifying systemic racism in academic settings.

• Sharing experiences as a mother striving against similar barriers for her sons.

The Role of Community and Change

• The impact of George Floyd's death in 2020 as pivotal in sparking conversations on race and equity within her community.

• Organizing protests such as the "West Island Take a Knee" to mobilize community conversation about systemic racism.

• Emphasized the significance of local activism to influence larger structural changes.

Education System Challenges and Activism

• Acknowledgment of systemic barriers within Quebec's Education Act affecting marginalized communities.

• Steps taken by the Lester B. Pearson School Board to foster discussions about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

• Creation of a task force to address current affairs and recommend actionable measures for change.

School Governance and Community Representation

• Importance of participating in governance structures for making effective changes in schools.

• Role as a co-opted commissioner leading to formal election, enhancing the representation of marginalized groups within local education governance.

• Discussions about the need for diverse representations to guide policy-making.

Advancing Equity in Education

• Presentation of EDI's principles in a policy to embed equitable practices into school operations.

• Emphasis on definitions and understanding various forms of discrimination (racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia).

• Commitment from the directors and school board to integrate EDI principles into everyday practices.

Conclusion and Call to Action

• Each individual has inherent power and influence to advocate for change.

• Importance of recognizing personal superpowers to contribute positively to community, rather than perpetuating inequality.

• Encouragement for questions and discussions to explore the subject further.