Conversation for Anti-Racist Change in Calgary's Communities

For the past several weeks we've been sharing the thoughts, experiences, and calls to action from Calgarians about their own anti-racism and decolonization efforts to help inspire others to continue on their own journeys. 

On Saturday, November 7th at 10:00 a.m. MST we're inviting some of them to share their thoughts on "the power of storytelling for anti-racism and decolonization efforts". Following the Roundtable, we'll have important conversations examining what we as individuals and community members can do to (further) support anti-racism and decolonization efforts in ourselves and our communities. 

Together as a community we will learn from one another, and push each other to grow and continue the important work of fundamentally changing the society we live in so that it truly is a place where we can all thrive and belong.

Be sure to register today to receive the Zoom login information. Participants will receive the login information the evening before the event.

Our Roundtable is being hosted by our CD Storyteller, Lionel Migrino.
You can read here about Lionel’s experience working on this initiative, and some of his thoughts on his own anti-racism journey here.

Roundtable members include:

BERNADETTE DESIR.

Bernadette is originally from Haiti. She is a mom, an adoptee, a poet and a painter. She is also the founder of the Breaking Barriers Podcast, where she talks about everyday topics. Bernadette advocates for social justice issues and mental health. Stay tuned for what Bernadette shared with us!

NELLIE ALCARAZ.

Nellie Alcaraz, BSW, MSW, is a social worker, and a community advocate with the international organization Migrante. Migrante is an organization that advocates for the rights of temporary foreign workers, undocumented, and migrant workers in Canada and around the world. Nellie's social work practice is mainly with Indigenous peoples on reserves in Alberta. As a racialized Filipina, Nellie came to Canada as a live-in caregiver more than 15 years ago. Read what Nellie shared with us about privilege and Black Lives Matter here.

KTHECHOSEN.

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, KTheChosen is a hip-hop artist studying business at the University of Calgary. He uses his platform to talk about social issues and promote conversations within different communities. Inspired by artists such as King Los and Kendrick Lamar, KTheChosen challenges himself to write lyrics that are both entertaining and enlightening. Although his main focus as a social activist is gender-based violence and consent training, he also attends protests and makes music that discusses the Black Lives Matter movement. Read what KtheChosen had to say about the role of art in anti-racism and decolonization efforts here.

LEEANNE IRELAND.

LeeAnne Ireland is a graduate of the Indigenous Studies program at Trent University, where she was awarded the Louise Garrows Award for her excellence in a critical theory. Since 2008, LeeAnne has been the Executive Director for the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY).  As Executive Director for USAY and her experience at Trent University, she understands the issues and barriers that Indigenous youth are facing and the best approaches to creating services to help them be successful. Throughout her experiences, she has been able to learn the unique and vibrant resources available that serve our Indigenous youth demographic. LeeAnne’s personal, business and educational choices have inspired her to be more connected with her community and aspire to be of service to Indigenous Peoples. Read what LeeAnne had to say about empowering Indigenous youth here.