Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Blog: Racism

  • Blog: Recognizing the Past, Preventing the Future: April 1st is Genocide Remembrance Day

    By Susanne Urbina

    April 1st is known for many as April Fool’s Day but in Canada, it’s also the day that marks Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month when we reflect upon the victims of genocide, honor survivors and give thought to how to prevent brutal acts from occurring in the future.

    “Genocide is defined in international law as certain prohibited acts or omissions committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a protected group of people” (Lafontaine, 2021).

    The House of Commons unanimously passed a motion in 2015, declaring the month of April as the time to commemorate the genocides that Canada recognizes (Ukrainian Canadian Congress, 2020) with lives lost: The Holocaust with up to 17 million people exterminated; the Ukrainian Holodomor with an estimated 7.5 million death count; the death of up to 1 million Tutsis Rwandans; the 1915 Armenian Genocide with up to 1.5 million killed (Jones, 2019); the approximate 100,000 killed in The Bosnian Genocide (Montreal Holocaust Museum, n.d.)  and the ongoing atrocities of the Yezidi people of Syria and Iraq where more than 3,000 were unlawfully killed (Amnesty International, 2024).

    We are witnessing more hate in our world today. Racism and discrimination can ultimately lead to loss of life when violence erupts, and it starts with targeting and dehumanizing groups of people (Government of Canada, 2022). We can look back on our own history to see the genocide against our Indigenous Peoples. This colonial genocide is slow-moving as it has evolved over decades and continues still today with the search for unmarked graves at former residential schools as well as, the search for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The disproportionate rates of poverty, unemployment, lack of housing, incarceration and addiction continue to plague our Indigenous population (Barker, 2025).

    While genocide falls under mass atrocities which are large-scale, systematic violent acts against civilian populations, it is not considered mass killing which is more often driven by revenge, mental illness or ideology. It is consistent with crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing, which all have the same common denominator-hate (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, n.d.).

    Not all injustices equate to loss of life, but there have been many tragic events where many have suffered throughout history in Canada because of racism. In addition to Indigenous injustice, discrimination was the root for the enslavement of Africans until 1833, for the anti-Asian sentiment from the 1850s to the 1950s, for segregated schools in Nova Scotia and Ontario into the early mid-20th century, and for the anti-Semitism in Montreal in 1914. Post wars, we saw internment camps and hostile sentiments toward Japanese Canadians, Slavic immigrants deemed as revolutionaries, and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and other organizations opposing immigrants and Catholics (Palmer, Driedger, 2011).

    International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination just passed, and you may not have given much thought to hate and its root causes but as we approach April 1st, don’t be the fool who doesn’t recognize that we must do our part to ensure that such unfathomable acts never happen again. We must protect human rights and the dignity of Canadians and people worldwide.

    References

    Lafontaine, F. (2021, June 11). How Canada committed genocide against Indigenous Peoples, explained by the lawyer central to the determination. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/how-canada-committed-genocide-against-indigenous-peoples-explained-by-the-lawyer-central-to-the-determination-162582

    Ukrainian Canadian Congress. (2020). Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month: Amid growing instances of online hate, organizations call on the Government of Canada to take action. https://www.ucc.ca/2020/04/14/april-is-genocide-remembrance-condemnation-prevention-month/

    Jones, J. (2019, April 21). 10 Largest Genocides in the World. https://largest.org/culture/genocides/

    Montreal Holocaust Museum. (n.d.). The Bosnian Genocide. https://museeholocauste.ca/en/resources-training/the-bosnian-genocide/

    Amnesty International. (2024, July 31) Syria: Yezidi survivors of Islamic State atrocities abandoned to indefinite detention in north-ease Syria. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/syria-yezidi-survivors-of-islamic-state-atrocities-abandoned-to-indefinite-detention-in-north-east-syria/

    Canadian Heritage. (2022, April 1).  Statement by Minister Hussen on Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2022/03/statement-by-minister-hussen-on-genocide-remembrance-condemnation-and-prevention-month.html

    Barker, R. (2025, February 14). What was the native genocide in Canada? NCESC.COM                                      https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-faq/what-was-the-native-genocide-in-canada/

    United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). Definitions: Types of Mass Atrocities  https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention/learn-about-genocide-and-other-mass-atrocities/definitions

    Palmer, H., Driedger, L. (2011, February 10). Prejudice and Discrimination in Canada. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prejudice-and-discrimination

  • Blog: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: A Reflection on History and Our Present

    By Kalkidan Tafesse, ESPC Volunteer
    Kalkidan Tafesse is originally from Ethiopia but grew up around the world and now calls Edmonton home. Kalkidan studied sociology with a minor in psychology and works in a non-profit. Most of her writing came from obligatory school papers— which were surprisingly enjoyable! She found her love for writing and believes it sparks change, and is excited to contribute.

    March 21, 2025 marked the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a day recognized by the United Nations to commemorate the tragic Sharpeville Massacre that took place in South Africa in 1960 during apartheid (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, n.d.). This day serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of racism and discrimination, both historically and in our present world.

    For context, apartheid in South Africa was a legally enforced system of racial segregation that oppressed the country’s Black majority while preserving the economic and political power of the white minority. Under apartheid, Black South Africans, as well as mixed-race (Coloured) and Indian/Asian communities, were all segregated into different living areas, denied basic rights, and restricted in their movements (South African History Online, n.d.). Coloured and Indian/Asian individuals faced segregation and discrimination but did not have the same laws imposed on them. Black South Africans were forced to carry passbooks, which functioned as internal passports, regulating where they could work and live. These restrictions made it difficult to find stable employment and led to systemic exploitation (McRae, 2019).

    Although Black South Africans made up nearly 80% of the population, white authorities controlled the country’s wealth, land, and governance (McRae, 2019). Frustrated by these injustices, on March 21, 1960, thousands of peaceful protesters came down to the local police station in the township of Sharpeville to protest apartheid laws, including passbooks. The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) organized the demonstration to be nonviolent, with music playing in the background designed to increase the crowds. However, tensions escalated when increasing numbers of heavily armed police officers arrived, accompanied by military vehicles and even jets overhead (McRae, 2019).

    Without warning, police opened fire on the unarmed crowd, killing 69 people and injuring 180 more (McRae, 2019). Over 700 bullets were fired, and even the wounded were later arrested in hospitals after being given some time to recover. Following the massacre, leaders such as Nelson Mandela and others within the African National Congress (ANC) responded with the symbolic burning of passbooks, and 30,000 mass protesters took to Cape Town (Hawkins, n.d.). This caught international attention and prompted a response—the United Nations condemned apartheid as a violation of human rights, marking the first time it had been formally addressed at this level. In 1966, the UN officially declared March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, n.d.).

    While apartheid was unique in its legal enforcement, it was heavily influenced by colonial policies in other parts of the world, including Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples. South African officials studied policies such as Canada’s reserve system, which confined Indigenous communities to designated lands while limiting their rights and autonomy (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, n.d.). The passbook system in South Africa was very similar to Canada’s past pass laws, which restricted Indigenous mobility and forced them to obtain government permission to leave their reserves. Additionally, residential schools in Canada, which sought to erase Indigenous identities served as a model for systems of cultural oppression worldwide (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, n.d.).

    These parallels are a sobering reminder that systemic racism has shaped many nations, including Canada. Alberta has its own history of racial discrimination that must be acknowledged. Here in Alberta, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an important day to reflect on our own history of racial discrimination and the progress we continue to make.

    • Indigenous Discrimination: Indigenous peoples were forcibly relocated to reserves and subjected to residential schools, which aimed to erase their cultures and identities. The intergenerational trauma from these policies still impacts Indigenous communities today. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the growing Land Back movement seek to address these injustices (National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, n.d.).
    • Black Immigration Barriers: In the early 1900s, Black settlers from the United States faced racist immigration policies designed to discourage them from coming to Canada. Even those who successfully settled here encountered discrimination in employment and housing (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2022).
    • Discrimination in Employment & Housing: Black railway porters were paid unfair wages and often given the lowest-ranking jobs. Both Black and Chinese Canadian communities faced barriers to homeownership due to racist housing policies (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2022).

    While racism has not been eradicated, Alberta has taken steps toward inclusion and justice:

    • Legal Progress: Alberta made steps toward change with the Alberta Bill of Rights (1946) and the Fair Employment Practices Act (1955), which aimed to prohibit racial discrimination in hiring and housing (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2022).
    • Anti-racism Education and Funding: In 2020, Alberta introduced grants for students from racialized communities facing socioeconomic barriers and invested in anti-racism education initiatives.
    • Violet King’s Legacy: Alberta played a key role in Canada’s civil rights movement through figures like Violet King, who became Canada’s first Black female lawyer and the first Black person to be called to the bar in Alberta (Ruck, 2023).
    • Community Conversations: Edmonton and Calgary mark this day by encouraging discussions on racial inclusion, both locally and globally.

    The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is not just about remembering history, it’s about continuing to work toward racial justice in our communities. The courage shown by those who fought against apartheid, as well as those who challenged racism in Alberta and Canada, should inspire us to lead with unity and action. There is still work to be done, but by recognizing past injustices and committing to meaningful change, we move closer to a future free from racial discrimination.

    References

    McRae, M. (2019, March 19). The Sharpeville massacre. Canadian Museum for Human Rights. https://humanrights.ca/story/sharpeville-massacre

    “South African history and heritage are extensively documented on the South African History Online website (https://www.sahistory.org.za/).”

    Hawkins, S. (n.d.). [Review of the book Sharpeville: An apartheid massacre and its consequences, by T. Lodge]. Focus, 65, 85–87.

    https://hsf.org.za/publications/focus/focus-65/14.%20S_Hawkins%20-%20Sharpeville%20Re view.pdf

    Ruck, L. (2023, October 18). Violet King. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 21, 2025, from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/violet-king

    “The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation provides access to various reports on Indigenous history and reconciliation efforts (https://nctr.ca/records/reports/).”

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2022). Racism and discrimination in the context of migrant workers in Canada: A review of the literature (Section 2). Government of Canada.

    https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/reports-statistics/researc h/racism-discrimination-migrant-workers-canada-evidence-literature.html#s2

    Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (n.d.). 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. United Nations.

    https://www.ohchr.org/en/treaty-bodies/cerd/60th-anniversary-international-convention-elimin ation-all-forms-racial-discrimination

  • Blog post: Black History Month – Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

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    Written by Susanne Urbina

    Each February, Canadians celebrate Black History Month in recognition of the achievements, contributions and struggles of Black people in Canada and their communities.

    This year’s theme is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations”. Throughout this month, we acknowledge the diversity of Black Canadians, Black leadership importance and the legacy being established for future Black generations. For over 400 years, Black Canadians have a been a part of our nation’s narrative.

    In 1604, Mathieu Da Costa was the first person of African heritage to arrive with French explorers to what is now Canada. He spoke 5 languages and was instrumental in communicating with the Mik’maq people encountered by the Europeans.

    During the mid-to-late 1700’s, most Africans brought to Canada’s east coast were enslaved by English or American settlers, although there were some free Black persons living in the area.

    Throughout the 1800’s, many Black communities were established across Canada because of war. Approximately 30,000Black people entered Canada by means of the Underground Railroad. This secret network of routes and hidden shelters allowed enslaved Africans to escape. Nova Scotia’s Black communities were also reinvigorated during and after the War of 1812.

    Slavery was abolished in most British colonies and Canada, in 1833 through the “Act on the Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire.”

    In 1879, many Black farming communities in the American mid-west who were experiencing inequality and fearing the rise in Ku Klux Klan lynchings, migrated to Alberta.

    After Confederation and moving into the 1900’s, more Black communities were founded as immigration policies were reformed. Our civil rights movement was initiated after Viola Desmond, a Halifax businesswoman, reacted to racism, like Rosa Parks’ story. Viola refused to move from her seat in a Roseland theatre, in a “whites-only” section.

    Further into the mid-century, the color barrier was broken in the National Hockey League (NHL) when Willie O’Ree from New Brunswick, was drafted to the Boston Bruins, the first Black player to play in the NHL. Our federal government saw the first Black Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, Lincoln Alexander, who was elected in 1968.

    Within the last couple of decades, we have seen Black activism and more intersectional identities emerge for racial justice and celebrations of Black history, Black resilience and Black presence in Canada. Serving as the Governor General of Canada from 2005 to 2010, Michaelle Jean’s appointment was historic, as the first Black person to hold this position in Canada. Honorable Greg Fergus was elected as the 38th speaker of the House of Commons, in 2023. These 21st century events are proof of the movement to acknowledge, preserve, and celebrate the diverse contributions of Black Canadians.

    The following article retells the Rosa Parks story. As we celebrate Black History Month, one can become more aware and understanding of this rich heritage through stories and events.

     

    Reference

    Government of Canada, (2025-01-31).
    https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html

    Rosa Parks: The Spark That Ignited a Movement

    Written by Shahina Hanif, ESPC volunteer

    What can a single woman do to change history? While there are few instances of revolutions being credited to women of color, Rosa Parks stands out as a pivotal figure. Her courageous act of refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man in segregated Montgomery, Alabama, in the mid-1950s, became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement, paving the way for the African American community (Badertscher, 2005).

    Her name resonates with the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom. On December 1st, 1955, Rosa Parks, refused to give her seat in the “colored” section of a city bus, at a white man’s command, when the seats in the “white only” section was filled up at (Badertscher, 2005). The bus driver had Parks arrested for “disorderly conduct” (Badertscher, 2005), which sent the African American community into a state of indignation.

    This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a fundamental event that lasted over a year and led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional (Badertscher, 2005). Rosa Parks’ bravery and the subsequent boycott galvanized the civil rights movement, inspiring countless individuals to stand up against racial injustice.

    Rosa Parks’ legacy is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of systemic oppression. Her story reminds us that one person’s courage can ignite a movement and bring about profound change. Today, her name continues to inspire those who fight for equality and justice, proving that the actions of a single person, regardless of their background, can indeed change the course of history.

    Upon reflection on Rosa Parks’ legacy, one is reminded of the power of individual courage, and the impact one person can have on the world. Her story inspires us to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. At a time when segregation laws were strictly enforced and racial discrimination was rampant, Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat was not just an act of defiance but a bold statement against an unjust system.

    Rosa Parks once said, “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free, so other people would be also free” (Marie Claire, n.d.). Her words continue to resonate with those who fight for justice and equality. As we honor Rosa Parks’ legacy, let us also commit to standing up against injustice in our own communities.

    Rosa Park’s Day is celebrated in several states on February 4th, her birthday. Other states celebrate her on December 1st, which is the day she was arrested for her activism. Her story sets the tone for the month of February as we recognize “Black History” month.

    Rosa Parks’ legacy can inspire people in our city, Edmonton, to address and combat various forms of inequality. Here are some specific ways her story can resonate and motivate action within our community:

    • Rosa Parks’ defiance can inspire Edmontonians to address income inequality by advocating for fair wages, supporting marginalized businesses, and pushing for equitable economic policies (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
    • Her courage reminds us to stand up for Indigenous rights by promoting culture, advocating for better access to services, and addressing systemic issues like over-policing (CBC News, 2021).
    • Parks’ legacy highlights the need to challenge racial discrimination through anti-racism training, supporting inclusive policies, and speaking out against microaggressions (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).
    • Inspired by Parks, Edmontonians can volunteer, join advocacy groups, and engage with local government to address inequality (CBC News, 2021).
    • Her story encourages education on inequality, reading works by Black and Indigenous authors, and promoting awareness through community events (Edmonton Social Planning Council, 2020).

     

    By drawing inspiration from Rosa Parks’ bravery and commitment to justice, individuals in Edmonton can take meaningful actions to address and reduce inequality in their own community. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of courage can lead to significant change.

    Rosa Parks, seated on the bus where her act of defiance became a symbol of resistance and change. Image from, “Rosa Parks” by Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks

    Rosa Parks, seated on the bus where her act of defiance became a symbol of resistance and change. Image from, “Rosa Parks” by Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks

    References

    Badertscher, E. (2005). Rosa Parks. Great Neck Publishing.

    Britannica. (n.d.). Rosa Parks. In Britannica. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from
    https://www.britannica.com/event/Montgomery-bus-boycott

    CBC News. (2021, April 7). Edmonton city council votes to reallocate police funding to community safety programs. CBC News. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from
    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/city-council-policing-1.5971499

    Edmonton Social Planning Council. (2020, June 5). Statement on the impact of systemic racism on income inequality and low-income households in Edmonton. Edmonton Social Planning Council. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from
    https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/2020/06/05/statement-on-the-impact-of-systemic-racism-on-income-inequality-and-low-income-households-in-edmonton/

    Marie Claire. (n.d.). Remembering Rosa Parks: 8 Of Her Most Inspiring Quotes. Marie Claire. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/remembering-rosa-parks-her-most-inspiring-quotes-29143

     

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    1. Blog: Roe v. Wade and the disproportionate implications for Black women in the United States

      [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

      By Jenna Robinson 

       

      The recent overruling of Roe v. Wade by the United States Supreme Court presents serious challenges for folks in need of abortions and for reproductive rights in general. It is critical that conversations and discussions remain inclusive as this decision not only affects women, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community may experience extensive harm as a result of this ruling.  

      There are important distinctions in abortion and healthcare access among women and marginalized groups. Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous (Native American) Peoples will be disproportionately affected by this overruling which was decided predominantly by white people. This blog post will analyze the devastating effect it will have on Black women in the United States.  

      When exploring issues such as this, it is important to amplify and prioritize Black voices. The writer of this blog post is a white settler residing in Amiskwaciy Waskahikan (Edmonton) and references primarily Black voices. When researching this topic on your own, we encourage you to center marginalized voices. 

      This blog post is the third installment of a series that discusses what the overruling of Roe v. Wade means, who will be disproportionately impacted, and what abortion and reproductive access is like in Alberta. To read the first two blog posts, click here.  

      Poverty and Healthcare Access among Black Women  

      Experiences of poverty originate from and are reinforced by experiences of racism, sexism, and other systemic inequalities. Black women are disproportionately affected by poverty in the United States (National Partnership for Women and Families, 2018). In 2013, 25.7% of Black women over the age of 18 reported living below the poverty line, causing this population to have the second highest poverty rate among racial and ethnic groups in the country (Status of Women in the States, n.d.). Indigenous (Native American) women were ranked highest, with 28.1% of women over the age of 18 living below the poverty line. Black women on average make 63 cents for every dollar a white man makes in the United States (National Partnership for Women and Families, 2018). The correlation between wage and experiences of poverty among Black women (in addition to many other barriers) affects the money and resources they can dedicate to childcare, food, and healthcare (National Partnership for Women and Families, 2018). 

      Black women and other marginalized populations generally receive a lower quality of care from healthcare institutions due to systemic and institutionalized racism. This directly impacts their health and morbidity rates. “Black women are three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women” (National Partnership for Women and Families, 2018). Health conditions such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, abruptio placentae, placenta previa, and postpartum hemorrhage account for 26% of pregnancy related mortality in the United States (Tucker, Berg, Callaghan & Hsai, 2007). While white women experience similar rates of pregnancy related health conditions, Black women are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from them. There is a clear discrepancy in access to, and treatment within, healthcare systems for Black women. 

      Due to the systemic and institutionalized barriers, abortion rates for Black women have been and will continue to be affected.  Roughly 40% of women who access abortions in the United States are Black and they account for the highest percentage of people who access safe abortions (Lenzen, 2022). As a result, they will be among the most affected by the overturning of Roe v. Wade.  

      Implications of Roe v. Wade for Black Women 

      The overturning of Roe v. Wade will exacerbate the systemic barriers that influence healthcare access, particularly the access to safe abortion. Maya Richard-Craven (2022) states that the “[lack] of access to a safe abortion is another means of control in a long list of ways that Black women have been suppressed.”  

      Since individual states now have the authority to ban abortion, and many have already started, people will have to travel out of state to areas where abortion is still legal and safe, assuming they have the means to do so. However, the higher and disproportionate rates of poverty among Black women will reinforce systemic barriers and create an even greater lack of access due to having less financial and emotional support that can be used towards travel for a safe abortion. This does not mean abortions will stop in states who ban abortion, it means safe abortions will stop.  Those in need of an abortion, who cannot afford to travel, may turn to dangerous, life-threatening alternatives. Legalizing abortion and making it accessible allows those seeking to terminate a pregnancy, an option that promotes their safety and wellbeing.  

      Many of those who support the overturning of Roe v. Wade argue that they value all human life and that they do not want anyone dying. A common response made by pro-choice advocates is that this ruling is simply another tool used to control bodies. Intersectional scholars and critics are expanding on this conversation to better encapsulate what is actually occurring; Dr. Melina Abdullah, the cofounder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, argues that this overruling is “a pro-poverty agenda, a racist agenda, a sexist, patriarchal and misogynistic agenda, a control agenda – an agenda that feeds the criminal system of injustice” (Richard-Craven, 2022). This decision has implications beyond abortion and causes threats to other Supreme Court rulings that impact marginalized communities. Rulings such as Griswold v. Connecticut, Lawrence v. Texas, and Obergefell v. Hodges, legalized same-sex marriage and relationships, as well as contraception. In short, analyzing Roe v. Wade through an intersectional lens helps identify the devastating impacts and unique experiences it has on many marginalized communities in society.  

      We encourage you to continue the conversation and to engage in materials to help guide these discussions. Please see some of the resources listed below.  

      Resources by Black Authors  

      Roe v. Wade’s Impact on the LGBTQIA2S+ Community  

       

      References 

      Status of Women in the States. (n.d.). “Poverty and Opportunity Full Section”. https://statusofwomendata.org/explore-the-data/poverty-opportunity/poverty-and-opportunity-full-section/#pofig4.4.   

      National Partnership for Women and Families. (2018). “Black Women’s Maternal Health: A Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Persistent and Dire Health Disparities”. https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/reports/black-womens-maternal-health.html.    

      Tucker, M. J. & Berg, C. J. & Callaghan, W. M. & Hsia, J. (2007). The Black-White Disparity in Pregnancy-Related Mortality From 5 Conditions: Differences in Prevalence and Case-Fatality Rates. American Jounral of Public Health, 97:2 (247-251).   

      Lenzen, C. (June, 2022). “Facing higher teen pregnancy and maternal mortality rates, Black women will largely bear the brunt of abortion limits”. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2022/06/30/texas-abortion-black-women/.   

      Craven-Richard, M. (July 2, 2022). “Roe v. Wade Has Higher Stakes for Black Women”. The Magazine fo the Sierra Club.  https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/roe-v-wade-has-higher-stakes-for-black-women  

       

       

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    2. Blog: Celebrating March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

      [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.15″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.15″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.15″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.15″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.15″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.15″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.15″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.15″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.15.0″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

      By Hanna Nash, ESPC Volunteer

       

      Background

      International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is celebrated annually to recognize the prejudices and injustices that arise from racial discrimination. This day commemorates the 69 people who were killed during a peaceful protest in Sharpeville, South Africa, on March 21, 1960, when police opened fire on demonstrators speaking out against apartheid. [1]

      In 1979, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) created a program of activities to be undertaken in the second half of the Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. Guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention is now nearing universal ratification.

      This year’s theme, Voices for Action Against Racism, is inspired by the High Commissioner’s report on racial injustice. The aim of this theme is to highlight the importance of supporting and protecting those individuals and organizations who use their voices and roles to speak up and address racial discrimination. In order to foster new policies and encourage new attitudes to grow, safe spaces must be guaranteed for people and organizations to share their stories and experiences and to gather in peaceful assembly. [2]

      What Can We Do?

      In Canada, this day is an opportunity to reflect on racial discriminations that exists in our own society. This day asks each of us to consider the progress that has been made and what more can be done to open up conversations and combat systemic prejudice that visible minorities feel daily. In the past two years, movements such as Every Child Matters, Black Lives Matter, and Stop Asian Hate have brought awareness and created discussions for all Canadians to learn and participate in ending racial injustices. These movements have been very powerful in reflecting back on our society the pervasive racist and xenophobic attitudes that continue to persist, and changes that are needed to respond to them.

      Canada has slowly made progress in using this day to address racial discrimination since ratifying the Convention on October 14, 1970. [3] Provincial and federal governments acknowledge this date annually and, in previous years, have used it when announcing new strategies to fight racism.  Creating new opportunities for visible minorities and assisting in methods to change attitudes surrounding racial discrimination is now at the forefront of society’s mind. [4]

      The UN encourages all people from all nations and backgrounds to join the fight against racism by expanding and contributing to the conversation globally. Visit https://share.ohchr.org/ to upload your photo using a Stand Up to Human Rights campaign filter and share it on your social media using the hashtags #FightRacism and #StandUp4HumanRights.

      While the world has made progress since 1960 and can celebrate the achievements South Africa has made since ending apartheid, there is still much progress to be made in eliminating racism. This day was created for all people to renew their efforts to reach an end to the many continued forms of racism, hatred, and discrimination to ensure that all people of all nations experience their right to live peacefully and in safety, and have unlimited access to the same opportunities as others.

       

      Hanna Nash is a volunteer with ESPC. She enjoys ballet performances and other live theatre, as well as outdoor sports, and travelling to new countries. Hanna is interested in sharing information and knowledge to Edmonton’s diverse communities.

       

      References:

      [1] United Nations. (n.d.). International day for the elimination of racial discrimination, 21 March. https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day

      [2] Government of Canada. (n.d.). March 21 – International day for the elimination of racial discrimination. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/federal-anti-racism-secretariat/international-day-elimination-racial-discrimination.html 

      [3] Department of Canadian Heritage. (2009). International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/pch/documents/services/canada-united-nations-system/reports-united-nations-treaties/conv_intnl_elim_discrim-intnl_conv_elim_discrim-eng.pdf

      [4] Prime Minister of Canada. (2021). Statement by the Prime Minister on the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination. Government of Canada.

      https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2021/03/21/statement-prime-minister-international-day-elimination-racial

       

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    3. Blog: Supporting Black Youth in our Communities

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      February marks Black History Month, a time when we acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities throughout history in our province and the country as a whole. It is also a time to reflect on the disproportionately harmful outcomes that many Black communities have faced due to individual and systemic racism built into policies, attitudes, and structures.

      Alberta is home to diverse Black communities, including the second largest Somali Canadian population (incidentally, the largest African community in Edmonton) and a significant Caribbean population (celebrated annually during our local three-day Cariwest festival). In 2016, 4.3% of the overall population was Black; in Edmonton it was 5.9%.

      In spite of strong cultural and community representation, evidence shows that racial or ethnic groups with visible characteristics (i.e., cultural, religious, or physical) face high rates of discrimination and racism in Canada, including rejection of rental or employment applications, dismissal from community programs or services, and unearned profiling by retail staff or police officers. These experiences result in measurable gaps in education, employment, income, housing, health, and mental health outcomes—circumstances directly linked to the social determinants of health. For example, in 2016:

      • 94% of Black youth in Canada (ages 15 to 25) wanted to go into post-secondary education, but only 60% felt that it was a realistic goal. At the time, Black youth were less likely to have attained a post-secondary qualification as non-Black youth.
      • The proportion of young Black men without a high school diploma who were not in employment, education, or training was nearly double that of other young men without a high school diploma (58% and 33%, respectively).
      • The unemployment rate for the Black population in Edmonton was 12.8%, compared to 7.1% among rest of the population.
      • Just over 1 in 5 Black adults (aged 25 to 59) lived in low-income, with 28.2% of Black children in Edmonton (3 in 10) living in low-income. That’s nearly three times higher than the rest of the population (11.3%).
      • Across Canada, nearly 2 in 10 Black parents led lone-parent family households, of which 34% were living in low-income (compared to 26% of the rest of the population). In Edmonton, 20.6% of Black women were lone-parents (compared to only 9.6% of the rest of the population). [1]

      Understanding historical and contemporary experiences of discrimination and inequity is critical to making meaningful change for future generations. In honour of Black History Month, and in recognition of the value in supporting historically underserved youth, we offer a list of some of the resources available in Edmonton that aim to build capacity, empower individuals, and address historically inequitable outcomes for Black youth.

      Mentorship

      Justice

      • The African-Canadian Civic Engagement Council offers youth of African descent who are in vulnerable housing situations (e.g., due to recent incarceration or experiences on the street) a place to stabilize and receive support. https://www.accec.ca/

      Mental Health

      • The Africa Centre offers a mental health program in collaboration with the Alberta Black Therapists Network that ensures culturally safe counselling services. It is the first of its kind in Western Canada, and offers multilingual support as one way to reduce barriers. Though not specifically aimed at youth, leadership strongly encourage youth participation. https://www.africacentre.ca/counselling
      • National Black Youth Helpline offers support to Black youth across the country to promote access to culturally appropriate supports for youth, families, and schools. https://blackyouth.ca/

      More!

      Resources for youth are scarce in general, despite acknowledging the socio-economic benefits to supporting and improving outcomes for younger generations. Programs and services are vital to counter everyday experiences of discrimination and marginalization faced by Black youth—in conjunction with broader policies that specifically address inequity and racism. Supporting Black youth to reach their full potential is one of many essential steps to improving outcomes, such as those tied to the social determinants of health, and to creating lasting, positive change.

       

       

      [1] To date, 2016 statistics remain the most recent data available from Statistics Canada. Unless otherwise indicated, information sourced from: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-657-x/89-657-x2020002-eng.htm

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