BLack LIves Matter
As a citizen of Canada, you may think that the #blacklivesmatter movement is about something that is happening somewhere else, but that is not true. In the USA and Canada - and many other places in the world, including Halifax - you are more likely to be pulled over, "street-checked," or arrested if you are Black. This is not due to a few "bad apples" in law enforcement. There are systems of racism deeply embedded in our society, which are complicated and hard to understand. Although racism can be a difficult topic for educators, we should not avoid the topic. The HRCE has supports and resources in place to help.
As a teenager in Halifax, what can YOU do to help?
READ CRITICALLY
You can increase your understanding of the #BLM movement by reading and watching the news critically. When you see things on social media, you can ask: who is the author, who is the audience, what is the message? You can ask: is it fair, is it true?
CHALLENGE RACISM
You can challenge racism in your own circles, by calling people out. If a friend says something that sounds racist (even if they don't realize it) you can challenge them in a non-aggressive manner, by simply saying: "that doesn't sound right."
LISTEN
You can also make change by simply listening to others' voices, without judgement. When you hear someone talking about a personal experience or point of view, do not mentally think of a response, or prepare a retort or "comeback". Instead, put yourself in their shoes, and actively listen. Just listen.
As a teenager in Halifax, what can YOU do to help?
READ CRITICALLY
You can increase your understanding of the #BLM movement by reading and watching the news critically. When you see things on social media, you can ask: who is the author, who is the audience, what is the message? You can ask: is it fair, is it true?
CHALLENGE RACISM
You can challenge racism in your own circles, by calling people out. If a friend says something that sounds racist (even if they don't realize it) you can challenge them in a non-aggressive manner, by simply saying: "that doesn't sound right."
LISTEN
You can also make change by simply listening to others' voices, without judgement. When you hear someone talking about a personal experience or point of view, do not mentally think of a response, or prepare a retort or "comeback". Instead, put yourself in their shoes, and actively listen. Just listen.
Contact me:
earleyh@hrce.ca
During the COVID-19 school closures, I will be online for student support:
Tuesday - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
earleyh@hrce.ca
During the COVID-19 school closures, I will be online for student support:
Tuesday - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
