Resources – Black Voice

The Canadian Black Scientists Network

The Canadian Black Scientists Network By: Priscilla Wiredu An infinitude of Afrocentric establishments is assembled to empower Black people to follow their academic interests and pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These coalitions aim to elevate, visualize, celebrate, and connect like-minded Black individuals to transform the standard of science across Canada and the world. These establishments provide an avenue of success that allow Black people to put forth their ideas and share them with a community that is accepting and ready to make technological advancements in various industries. The Canadian Black Scientists Network is one of these recognized establishments. What Is the Canadian Black Scientists Network? (CBSN) The Canadian Black Scientists Network is a national federation of Black people who possess or are interested in pursuing higher education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine/Health (STEMM). CBSN’s senior leaders and allies have demonstrated devotion to the call to action for further Black inclusion among these industries. The demand for new insight and ideas among people of colour require a level of acceptance to critically assess different experiences useful for innovation. In July 2020, the CBSN emerged on behalf of the inaugural President and the University of Toronto’s Black Research Network member Madyianne Andrade. The network has over 500 members who support the idea to provide robust opportunities for Black academics, graduates, volunteers, research administrators, and practitioners in STEM. These graduates are able to put forth their academic experience in a rigorous setting that prepares them for complex work in the real world. Beyond the scope of lectures, the network provides new opportunities that allow Black people to engage in conferences, policy development, and panels. CBSN emerged to include the intersectional identities of Black Canadians, Black people who reside in Canada, and Black Canadians living abroad. The network aims to create a safe space and connectivity amongst its members, along with contributing programs and strategic directions they value. The Canadian Black Scientists Network caters to those who identify as Black and descendants of Black Africans. They also partner with other organizations that aim to dismantle discriminatory challenges and barriers in STEM that others have faced. They fight to address the harsh realities of racism and discriminatory practices to create a more equitable society for all Canadians. Events CBSN holds regional nodes, which are networking and recruiting opportunities across Canada. Depending on one’s location, they offer resources such as regional programs and other advanced opportunities for people. Both nodes are supported by the network’s national office. Every year, the Canadian Black Scientists Network hosts a Canadian Black Scientists Network Youth regional science fair in partnership with Dalhousie University and Imhotep’s Legacy Academy. This ensures that there is participation among the youth by partnering with educational institutions. The convenience of these science fairs allows the youth to be prepared and seek new ventures. A rundown of their qualifications helps interested students present their work and they have the opportunity to be judged in final competitions during a five-month period. Those who did not win the finals can receive a cash prize or mentorship opportunity. It is a tremendous opportunity for Black youth to engage in STEM and to network with other like-minded students. CBSN also has many partners and sponsors for their events. They range from STEM seminars about available scholarships and guest speakers at their 2024 Annual Black Excellence in STEM Conference. They consist of panels, career and science fairs, networking and keynote opportunities, and an awards show as its closing ceremony. Their events calendar provides up-to-date information about upcoming events. BE-STEMM Beyond Borders The BE-STEM Beyond Borders is an initiative directed by the University of Calgary’s professor Jennifer Adams that cultivates cross-border collaborations and sharing practices that address racial equity in STEM. Funded by public diplomacy from the United States Embassy and Consulates in Canada, working group members facilitate dialogues about ways to ensure racial equity in Leadership, Policy, Post-Secondary Education, and K-University Pathways. BE-STEM Beyond Borders’ mission is to effectively compare and contrast policy environments in North America, as well as: Conduct an investigative literature review of their area of expertise and theme Oversee the data and information required for their projects, unavailable in Canada Integrate promising practices and policy recommendations Keep track of a timeline of achieved equity Memberships To become a member of CBSN, an individual will have access to an online membership form that should be filled out along with an additional form to nominate an ally to join the network. CBSN also offers a Membership Program in which members can connect to mentors, mentees, and peers who seek guidance from Black-identifying individuals who are involved or interested in pursuing STEM careers, living in Canada or abroad. The program hopes to foster growth and supportive relationships of Black STEM professionals in Canada. CBSN is currently offering opportunities to work with external partners that can connect undergraduate and high school students with space and pilot programs. They also have directories for CBSN members, the steering committee, and elected allies. Contact The Canadian Black Scientists Network has a number of programs that align with its mission and core values. They are always seeking intellectual Black people regardless of their age, gender, or sexuality to help their organization grow with the support of interested Canadians. They offer a contact form for those wishing to inquire about any opportunities, events, or information about the organization. Their social media is listed below: CBSN Instagram CBSN Twitter CBSN Facebook The CBSN fights to change the face of science in Canada. Their overall goal is to increase the flow of Black youth into STEM career paths and learning opportunities.

Mental Health Resources for Black Communities in Canada

By: Lavanya Kathirgamanathan Films provide an escape from reality among its viewers. Films exemplify life issues and include topics that everyone can relate to whether that is relationships, family, work, trauma, and health. Spike Lee is a renowned filmmaker who uses his platform to explore thought-provoking themes throughout his films. A common plot Lee likes to explore are issues pertaining to Black people such as racism, colourism, stigmas surrounding interracial relationships, and injustices within the system. Malcolm X, Crooklynn, She’s Gotta Have It and Jungle Fever are some of the most popular Spike Lee films. School Daze is another outstanding film directed and written by Lee. Based on his experiences growing up as a student attending Morehouse College, the 1988 film touches on colourism, texturism, activism, and hazing while students navigate through their life at Mission College, a fictional-historical Black college. Featured in this film are well-known actors and actresses including: Laurence Fishbourne, Giancarlo Esposito, Tish Cambell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jasmine Guy and Lee. 35 years later, and the themes the film navigates are still relevant over social media. Outlined are some of the most prevalent issues School Daze touches on: Activism Activism is a form of collective action that aims to resist social injustices targeted towards racialized communities that experience racism, sexual harassment, and arbitrary violence. Movements such as the Civil Rights Movement and Feminism Movement are examples of movements that have a shared interest to fight against oppression. Dap, the film’s protagonist, is a Morehouse student and young activist who wants to fight for equal treatment on behalf of everyone within the Black diaspora. The character is introduced when his boycott of apartheid in South Africa is interrupted. His main goal is to mobilize students and faculty to participate in a movement against the Apartheid. Although most students are reluctant to participate due to being expelled, Dap manages to mobilize support and stand up for their freedom. Just like every collective action movement, there are struggles and challenges that occur along the way. However, once people recognize the end-goal, it can help others realize what cause people are fighting for. Hazing Sororities and fraternities are supposed to bring people together and provide a sense of belonging for students as they navigate their journey through post-secondary school. Joining a sorority or a fraternity can sometimes come with downsides. Some pledges are forced to go through hazing rituals that can be humiliating or dangerous. There have been many hazing incidents that have led to serious injuries or death. Half-Pint, who is illustrated as Dap’s cousin, wants to join the Gamma Phi Gamma fraternity. He objects to his cousin’s views who believes those who join one are sellouts. Half-Pint and the other pledges are forced to fish out rotting bananas from a toilet with their hands, to imitate dogs. Half-Pint was also challenged to sleep with the leader’s girlfriend. Fraternities and sororities can have many positive outcomes. However, joining one should not put one’s health, reputation, or life at risk. The movie may have aired 35 years ago, but the issues the film addresses are still relevant in today’s society. People continue to be exploited for making colourist and/or texturist comments. Injustices are still rampant and pledges at post-secondary schools are still being subjected to hazing rituals. However, the film’s message is still powerful and shows viewers that there is hope to break free from conforming to damaging school traditions.