About the program
The Anti-Racism Project grew out of a collaborative process initiated by Grand Erie’s Safe and Inclusive Schools team. Its intent was to develop materials that would assist in professional development, enhancing educators’ and staff members’ knowledge and understanding by bringing them closer to the personal stories of marginalized learners, fellow staff members, and families.
"These interviews provide a springboard to action, and we hope the conversations they generate will be the first steps on a meaningful learning journey. The conversations are necessary, often uncomfortable and meant to confront our beliefs and understanding. But they are also meant to connect our hearts and minds as we work together to build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging."
JoAnna Roberto
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
GRAND ERIE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
We All Belong
The project acknowledges that the work of anti-racism is the responsibility of all of us. Each video sets the stage for those deeper conversations meant to challenge and dismantle our belief systems, attitudes and practices that are racist. It is only in confronting this reality that we can begin to interrupt the cycles of oppression that make our schools and classrooms unsafe spaces for racialized students.
"It’s our job as educators to make sure that every student in our school feels that this is a place that welcomes them and wants them to be there."
Learn My Name
The responsibility of sharing individual stories and experiences meant collaborating and course-correcting as the project took shape.
"We all find it hard to change, but we’re here for the kids. And the kids deserve to have something better than what I had."
We Want to be Safe
Allyship goes beyond acknowledging the damage racism causes, and asks us to be advocates as well. To be a true ally, we need to do the work.
"The school board needs to know that in order for all students to reach their maximum potential, they need to feel safe."
We Want to be Seen and Heard
Are our learning environments welcoming, inclusive, safe and accepting spaces for all learners?
"I feel like I’ve come up in this system and stood by the rules of this system, and now I’m thinking I might have done some harm."
Learn the Language
The knowledge and lived experiences that students bring to school are central to their learning.
"When you’re not able to speak the language, you feel like, automatically, you are walking through those doors with a deficit, like you are lacking something, like you don’t belong there."
