On Sunday, February 5, 2023, the “Fit Out” Movement officially launches at the TEDxUofT “Radiance” event. What is the “Fit Out” Movement We have diversity. However, what we need is inclusion. The “Fit Out” movement encourages all individuals to show up as their authentic selves and to actively create an environment of belonging. Building an …
Black History Month is an annual event, but how far should its lessons stretch, and how much attention does anti-black racism get? We spoke with Michèle Newton, Co-Founder of Making Change. LISTEN
Michèle Newton, a speaker, expert and advocate on inclusion, told Simcoe.com that BIPOC representation in positions of power is crucial. “Getting diversity in positions where they have the opportunity to affect change, systemic change, is really important,” said Newton, who is also a founder and board member of Making Change. “It’s certainly wonderful to celebrate having …
Innisfil’s first Black councillor, says ‘everybody needs to have a voice’ Read More »
Michèle Newton, co-founder of the anti-racism group Making Change, encourages active listening. “It’s really important that they listen and reflect when people are sharing their lived experiences. Because whether that person is a child or an adult, they’re being very vulnerable in that moment. And they’re sharing an experience, even if it’s very descriptive,” she said. …
Local advocate questions why event would even be considered. Michèle Newton, a local public speaker and co-founder/chair of the advocacy group Making Change, posted a picture of the marquee on Instagram, and told Simcoe.com she had a few questions as soon as she saw the signage. “I immediately just thought, ‘Why are we sexualizing women and girls? Why …
Downtown Barrie nightclub called out over promotion of ‘naughty schoolgirl’ night Read More »
As a biracial person, I’ve spent my life navigating between two worlds and different cultures. Turns out, this is quite common. Meet Madelaine Khan. Like a growing number of people, Khan has a multi-racial and multi-ethnic background. Her heritage is East and West Indian — more specifically, Jamaican and Middle Eastern/Pakistani. Khan considers herself Canadian, …
In my world, we often speak about the importance of representation. Seeing someone who looks like you, with similar lived experiences, has a strong impact on hopes, dreams and career success. Throughout my entire school and university experience, I never had a Black teacher as a role model. I am not alone. Rhiannon Hoover (they/she) …
For those choosing not to be vaccinated, it’s time to get answers. My family and I are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — by choice and by requirement. Living through a pandemic and continuing to live with COVID-19 in the community is testing our values, priorities and even our friendships. Over the past several months, I’ve …
Recently, non-Indigenous Canadians learned hard truths about our colonial history. Truths about the genocide of Indigenous people and their culture through Canada’s residential schools. We must recognize that our feelings do not compare with those of Indigenous peoples. We need to listen and engage true empathy. These weeks have amplified feelings and emotions from the …
Residential school tragedies are not news for Indigenous people Read More »
Last summer, after the murder of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter rallies were held. People from across Simcoe County attended, supporting the Black community. A year later, I’m reflecting on where we are now. Have we made significant shifts in dismantling systemic anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism in our communities? Perspectives on how much has changed …
Black Lives Matter: Are we making progress in the fight against anti-Black racism? Read More »
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