My Anti-Racism Mission Statement

Racism is very much alive and well in Canada, where I’m from and currently live. It’s a country that often prides itself on being multicultural, inclusive, and just overall nice. You know, the one that’s supposedly different from the United States. 

My eyes have been opened more to reality since June 2020 and as I’ve continued to do my own reading on Canada’s history and current situation of racism. I have found that researching what goes on in my part of the world has enabled me to go further on my journey of anti-racism than just focusing on U.S. based racism. For instance, Vancouver, the city in which I have called home my entire life has been named the capital of anti-Asian hate crimes. As well, throughout Canada Indigenous Peoples have limited access to drinking water on Reserves, inadequate housing, face high incarceration rates, the horrors of the legacy of residential schools, to name a few. 

 I have found that engaging in discussions with BIPOC anti-racism facilitators has been very opening. I have joined my local women business community, Hervana Collective, in engaging in an anti-racism session and taken the Anti-Racism for Entrepreneurs course by the Kinswomen (both linked below). I have begun to go beyond white fragility and noticing how pervasive white supremacy and white privilege truly is in Canada and in myself; something that’s not talked about often in the country or by myself. I want to continue educating myself, challenging my long-held beliefs.

The virtual assistant community has many examples of white women working exclusively for other white business owners. The number of women of colour that I’ve had as clients has been limited. This is also something I’m working to change because everyone needs to be given equal opportunity to build their business and not be excluded or limited in their ability to build the life they want.

 

My commitment to action is based on doing:

  • consistent reading on becoming an anti-racist (see list below)

  • buy from BIPOC businesses that aren’t focused on anti-racism work

  • continue to donate to local BIPOC causes and organizations (linked below)

  • continue to showcase women of colour in my Follow Friday stories on Instagram 

  • I am also committed to continue hiring BIPOC contractors to help me grow my business, and

  • learning to decolonize my business.

To hold myself accountable to my anti-racism mission statement, I’m committed to consistently putting my money where my mouth is, discussing what I’m unlearning with my white friends and family, and sharing snippets of anti-racist materials with thoughtful points I’ve written.

 This is a start and this mission statement, and my actions will constantly grow. I look forward to sharing my progress with you.

I invite you to engage in conversation with me about my anti-racism statement. If you don’t feel seen in my space, please let me know. I’d appreciate you sharing with me your feedback.

 

 

Resources That Have Helped me on My Anti-Racism Journey:

1.      Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present, by Robyn Maynard. - This book has been instrumental in helping me see beyond the veil of multiculturalism, the way racism operates in the shadows, and general Canadian ‘niceties’.

2.     21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality, by Bob Joseph. - A short and concise book that helps unpack and understand the complexities of Indigenous history and relations then, now and for the future.

3.     Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor, By Layla F. Saad. - Not only is this a book, there are also journal prompts at the end of each chapter to help you fully apply what you have learnt. I highly recommend this book.

4.    Course on Anti-Racism for Entrepreneurs, by the Kinswomen. I have taken this course and it has been so impactful. Check out my Instagram highlights for more info.

5.     Podcast: the Kinswomen. - The same two women from the course also have insightful conversations on many topics surrounding racism and how to become a true ally. My favourite episode that I’ve listed to is episode 12: The Inner Work Can’t Be Done on Instagram. I am also part of their affiliate program and receive a portion of the sales of their relaunched 2.0 course for September 8, 2021.

Organizations and BIPOC I Support

1.     Hervana Collective: A Vancouver-based co-working business, with whom I attended my first anti-racism conversation.

2.     Astrologer: Dossé Via who creates content for Scorpio Mystique and Know the Zodiac - I LOVE astrology and have plenty of Scorpio in my birth chart. Her posts have definitely helped me understand and appreciate this aspect of myself.

3.   After the Rain, by Alex Elle. - A great book for nurturing self-love and healing, because you know, life.

4.   Jessica Nabongo: Traveler who has literally been to every country in the world and is also the first black woman to do so. Her company is the Catch me if You Can 

5.  Black Women Connect Vancouver: A Vancouver-based entrepreneur group for Black women.

6. Black in BC COVID-19 Relief Fund: A Go-Fund Me page that helps financially struggling black people that weren’t included in the CERB benefits.

7. Vancouver Chinatown Foundation: The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation is a registered charity committed to the revitalization of Chinatown, one of Canada’s most iconic neighbourhoods in the historic heart of Vancouver.

8. Operation Olive Branch: Donating to help Palestinian families fleeing Gaza. This is a cause very near and dear to my heart as a fellow human being.

9. Portraits for Palestine: Providing technical support for a charity photography fundraiser in Vancouver led by former client and photographer. All money from portraits went to support the Palestinian Child Relief Fund.