The Scholars’ Hub @ Home speaker series features discussions on a broad range of topics, with engaging lectures from some of York’s best minds, through the month of June. Added to the series as a special event on June 11 at 11:30 a.m. is a discussion titled "Will this be the ONE? Reflection, engagement and action against anti-Black racism in Ontario."

Members of the Youth Research and Evaluation

Exchange (YouthREX), based at the School of Social Work at York University, will discuss the current groundswell of protests and ask the question: “Will this be the ONE that finally energizes us all to dismantle anti-Black racism forever so we can create a better future for Black youth?”

Read the statement by Professor Uzo Anucha, a participant in this special event, which is available on the YouthRex website.

This conversation will be framed by the findings of their report, “Doing Right Together for Black Youth,” which found that the number-one issue for Black youth and their families in Ontario is widespread anti-Black racism that runs through all of Ontario’s institutions and systems, including the educational, child welfare and criminal justice systems, as well as the labour market.

Panelists include Uzo Anucha, provincial academic director of YouthREX, York Research Chair in Youth and Contexts of Inequity, and associate professor at the School of Social Work; Cyril J. Cromwell, learning and development manager, YouthREX; and Amina Hagar and Clementine Utchay, research assistants at YouthREX and York undergraduate students.

The series will continue through June with two more events:

June 17 – "Vaccine Geopolitics During a Global Pandemic" presented by Jennifer Hyndman, professor in the departments of Geography and Social Science, and resident scholar at the Centre for Refugee Studies

June 24 – "COVID-19 and the impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness: What are the implications?" presented by Stephen J. Gaetz, professor, Faculty of Education; president, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness; and scientific director of Making the Shift (Youth Homelessness Social Innovation Lab)

For more information, or to RSVP, visit the YorkU Alumni & Friends website.

The Scholars’ Hub events are done in partnership with Vaughan Public Libraries, Markham Public Library and Aurora Public Library, and presented by York Alumni Engagement. Students, alumni and all members of the community are welcome to attend.

Originally published in YFile.