HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-08Clarftwn
Clarington Anti -Black Racism Subcommittee
Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 6:00 PM
Microsoft Teams
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Present:
Councillor Ron Hooper
Jasmyne Julien
Meera McDonald
Lauren Reyes -Grange
Rochelle Thomas
Angela Todd -Anderson
Also Present:
Erica Mittag - Municipality of Clarington
Melissa Redden - Clarington Public Library
Regrets:
Hawa Mire
Rachel Traore
1. Land Acknowledgement
Meera shared Clarington's Land Acknowledgement Statement.
2. Review of Agenda - Declarations of Interest
Members were asked if they would like to declare any items of interest. No concerns
were shared.
3. Black History Month Plans
Members of the Black History Month provided an update on planned activities:
• Virtual screening of Ice Breakers movie with a discussion / question and answer
with Zechariah Thomas: Melissa to provide possible dates to Angela who will
follow up with Zechariah's family.
• Reading lists, based on ages: Melissa shared that the Library is assembling
reading lists based on ages. Angela suggested Melissa could reach out to
Sergeant Moulton (Durham Regional Police) who coordinates a region -wide
book club for opportunities for the future.
• Reading Challenge: Using Beanstack app, the Library will develop a reading
challenge.
• Highlight Black -owned businesses in Clarington: Clarington Tourism will develop
a social media plan to recognize Black -owned businesses in Clarington
throughout the month.
• Statement and Proclamation: Mayor Foster to share a statement regarding
Black History Month. February to be declared as Black History Month in
Clarington by Council.
• Training / workshop opportunities: Clarington Diversity and Inclusion Staff Team
looking into training or workshop opportunities for staff (municipal and library);
Clarington Public Library could host through Zoom.
4. Update on Symbols of Hate
Erica provided an update on the status of Symbols of Hate to date. In addition to the
items that have been accomplished in the Council Resolution, a Municipal Anti -Hate
Symposium is being held Friday, December 10. Clarington has been an active member
of the planning committee for this event. Follow up to this event includes sessions with
the Crown to determine how municipalities can move forward with lessons learned at
the symposium.
Timing for the joint statement was discussed. The statement will coincide with the
approval of the anti -racism policy. It was suggested timing be considered following
Black History Month (February) as Black History should be recognized throughout the
year, as well the anti -racism / anti -hate statement is not specific to the Black
community, but rather touches on many identities.
There was discussion about other messages of hate being displayed in Bowmanville
against federal political leaders. Working with Durham Regional Policse to determine
how to best address.
Rochelle offered to develop a template to track action items of the Committee and
Subcommittee. Erica and Rochelle to connect offline.
5. Update on Region of Durham's Anti -Racism Task Force
Allison Hector -Alexander, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Region of
Durham will join us at the Diversity Advisory Committee meeting being held Thursday,
December 16 at 7:00 p.m. She will provide an update on the selection of the task force
members, discuss the Clarington connection to ensure our priorities are addressed as
well as share about the inaugural meeting of the new task force.
Meeting agenda and link to be shared with Subcommittee members.
6. Other Business
Erica shared that the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District
School Board is addressing incidents of racism. She will reach out to see if the
Subcommittee could participate in a focus group.
Members would also like to hear from the Human Trafficking Unit at Durham Regional
Police. Erica is working on inviting representatives to the January 12 meeting.
Next meeting: January 12, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Virtually — Microsoft Teams