CommUnity: The Power of One returns March 19 with focus on challenging racism

“The message from organizers is that it’s important to be proactive in the fight against racism. There needs to be a lot of emphasis on what can we do instead of just not talking about it. We know there is racism, and some survey results shown at the event will back that up, showing why it’s necessary to do something about it,” says Jan Underwood, CARE.

“One of the main goals is for people to leave feeling like they’ve got the tools, knowledge and resources to continue the conversation when they go home or to work. They’ll be able to confront something the right way even if it seems small.”

People don’t want to cause conflict, says Underwood, or be the downer on a conversation.

“This is an opportunity for people to create an action plan in their workplace, and leave with a sense of empowerment. Even though they’re just one person, they should know they are one among many, and they can make a difference by confronting something without being confrontational.”

Underwood says political leaders need to do more than read proclamations and condemn, which is why they’ve asked Mayor Ken Johnston to give a speech, and perhaps, “take a stand.”

Nawaz, Little Mosque’s creator, has since had success across multimedia, including as an author. She suggests the best solution may be to focus on educating young people about racism, and how community can be more united.

“People need to be called out; for example, when we hear politicians say things that are Islamophobic or racist, they need to be held accountable. It’s good we live in an age of increased transparency, where there’s a lot of misinformation on social media, because for people like myself who are story-tellers, there’s never been a more important time to tell stories about our community.”

People only ever learn about Muslims on TV or in similar media, meaning it’s good that events like this, and shows such as hers can give people humanity.

This year’s theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is ‘Youth standing up to racism.’

Nawaz says youth are the future, and she sees them standing up more each day.

“They are supporting their peers who are people of colour, they’re forming clubs in schools and creating alliances. It’s important that youth are doing a lot of the hard work on the ground,” says Nawaz, whose new novel Jameela Green Ruins Everything releases a few days before Power of One.

“Even my kids call me out when I say something like ‘My white friend is coming over,,’ and they tell me, ‘Mom, it’s just your friend. Why are you categorizing them if you don’t want people to categorize you?’ It’s clear to me that my four kids are growing up with a more sophisticated understanding of race and racism, and they’re making huge strides.”

Born in Brampton, Ontario, and now a Saskatchewan resident, Nawaz says above all, society can’t be complacent on racism and discrimination.

“We can’t take it lying down. It’s very serious and very dangerous and can directly result in violence against people of colour. We saw it with the Asian community during this pandemic,” she points out.

“I’m lucky, or maybe privileged, because I no longer face racism on a daily basis. But as a kid in the 1970s, it was a terrible time to be growing up for me. Anti-bullying wasn’t a thing, and I remember being beat up on my way to school. I’d complain to teachers who didn’t think it was a big deal… but it was.”

To secure your spot for CommUnity: The Power of One, visit Eventbrite and register by March 16. Space is limited. In addition to the keynotes, the event will feature nine interactive workshops, and attendees will receive a free bagged lunch.

Partnering organizations for CommUnity: The Power of One include Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, Red Deer Native Friendship Centre, Ubuntu-Mobilizing Central Alberta, The City of Red Deer, Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership, Hate to Hope, Red Deer Polytechnic, Royal Bank of Canada and Red Deer Public Library.

Event program

Workshops: 11 am – 12 pm

1. UBUNTU-Mobilizing Central Alberta: Shaking the Table: Dismantling the non-profit Industrial complex: presented by Dieulita Datus and Sadia Anwar

2. L.I.P. Understanding Racism in Red Deer: Local Survey Results presented by Ezgi Sarioglu

3. The UAVS Peace Camp session: “Peace making” – a circle process for calling in our differences. This session will be youth-focused and presented by Tanya Schur

4. A.G.T.: Best Practices for Diversity and Inclusion: Juan Arias

Workshops 12.45pm -1.45pm

1. Reconciliation and Me: My personal commitment and experiences with regards to Truth and Reconciliation as a First Nations person working with Newcomer/Settler Cultures: Mari Jo Vanidour

2. We are all affected by Racism: A peek to the basics of Critical Race Theory: Darnel Forno

3. Anti – Racism Response Training: Jan Underwood and Nadette Agecoutay

4. We Matter – supporting Indigenous youth: Logan Beauchamp

5. A Decade Later – Hate to Hope founder Chevi Rabbit, and Ceejay Courtright-Currie, co-founder of Walk a Mile in an Indigenous Skirt

PROGRAM

8:30 Doors Open and Registration

9:30 Elder Welcome Brenda St. Germain

9:40 Mayor Ken Johnston

9:50 Keynote Speaker: Zarqa Nawaz

10:50 Boxed drinks and snack distributed – short break

11:00 – 12:00 Four workshops offered at the same time

12:00 – 12:45 Lunch – bagged

12:45 – 1:45 Workshops (5)

Break

2:00 – 2:55 Panel – Mari Jo Vanidour, Dieulita Datus, Logan Beauchamp. They will be discussing challenges in continuing the conversation and creating action plans.

3:00 – 3:45 Keynote Speaker: Renee Vaugeois

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

CommUnity: The Power of One returns March 19 with focus on challenging racism

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