Anti-Racism Resources for Canadians - Lean in Canada

For the black women in our community, we know the past several weeks have been filled with stressful, painful, and traumatic experiences. For many white and non-black people of colour, the past few weeks have been eye-opening, showing many of us that we have much to learn.

To support this journey, we have compiled the following list of resources to help us all learn about and take a stand against racism. We have also made a special effort to spotlight resources with a Canadian lens and the impact of racism in the workplace.

If you know of other resources that should be added to this list, please email us at calgary@leanincanada.com. Please continue learning and having meaningful discussions around race with your friends, family, and community.

Books:

Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment by Patricia Hill Collins
Black Writers Matter by Afua Cooper (Foreword) and Whitney French (Editor)
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present by Robyn Maynard
The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts
The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power by Desmond Cole

Articles, research and studies:

5 Black Women Talk About Their Lives In Canada–Past, Present And Future by Eternity Martis
20+ Allyship Actions for Asians to Show Up for the Black Community Right Now by Michelle Kim
Black Women in Canada by Jen Katshunga; Notisha Massaquoi; Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, City of Toronto; Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI); and Justine Wallace
Canada’s Hidden Racism by Brittany Garuk
Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The Year I Gave Up White Comfort: An Ode to my White “Friends” on Being Better to Black Womxn by Rachel Ricketts
Toward Peace, Harmony, and Well-Being: Policing in Indigenous Communities by CCA
Understanding Whiteness by Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh
COVID-19 and gender equality: Countering the regressive effects by the McKinsey Global Institute

Films, documentaries and TV shows:

Black Soul by Martine Chartrand
First Contact by APTN
Our Dance of Revolution: The History of Toronto’s Black Queer Community by Roaring River Films
Parting The Roots – The history, the significance and the politics behind Black Hair by Simone Wright

Racism in the workplace:

Companies aren’t ‘comfortable’ talking about anti-Black racism. Here’s how to start by Meghan Collie
How To Fight Racism In The Workplace by Glassdoor
Tool: Engaging in Conversations About Gender, Race, and Ethnicity in the Workplace by Catalyst
White Supremacy Culture From Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change Groups by Kenneth Jones and Tema Okun
Women of Color Get Less Support at Work. Here’s How Managers Can Change That. by Zuhairah Washington and Laura Morgan Roberts

Other resources:

Be Brave Enough to Start a Conversation That Matters by Daring Discussions
Colour Code: A Podcast About Racism in Canada
Conversations for Equal Pay by Lean In Women of Color
Institutionalized Racism in Canada Timeline by BC Teachers’ Federation
Race and Ethnicity Conversation Series by Living Room Conversations

Larger collections:

Anti-racism library by LeanIn.Org
Anti-racism resources for white people by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein
Collection of BLM Resources by Black Lives Matter
Jenna Arnold’s list of books and people to follow
Resources by Anti Racism project

Our Partners

Although it may not seem like a big deal, using de

Although it may not seem like a big deal, using derogatory language or phrases like “Let’s have a powwow” not only erodes employee morale but also hinders collaboration and innovation. It creates an environment where individuals feel marginalized, disrespected, and unable to fully contribute their talents and ideas.

As professionals, it is our collective responsibility to create safe spaces that embrace diversity and foster inclusivity.

Let's commit to:

🤝 Educate ourselves: Stay informed about unconscious biases, stereotypes, and the impact of derogatory language. Knowledge is the first step towards positive change.

🗣️ Speak up: Challenge derogatory language when we hear it. Encourage open dialogue and respectful communication. Let's foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to share their unique perspectives.

💪 Lead by example: Set the standard for respectful and inclusive behavior. Be mindful of our own language choices and encourage others to do the same. Small actions can make a big difference.

🌍 Embrace diversity: Recognize and celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and backgrounds of our colleagues. By embracing diversity, we unlock a wealth of ideas and create an environment that fosters growth and innovation.

🤝 Support one another: Stand up as allies and support those who are affected by derogatory language. Be a listening ear, offer guidance, and advocate for change together.

Let's build workplaces where everyone feels respected, valued, and included. Visit our website for access to our free digital program called 50 Ways to Fight Bias, which aims to empower all employees to identify and challenge bias head-on. By eradicating derogatory language, we can unleash the true potential of our teams and organizations. Together, we can make a positive impact! 💙

#InclusionMatters
#LeanInCanada
#Diversity
#WorkplaceCulture

🌸 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms

🌸 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms in our Lean In Canada community! 🌸

Today, we celebrate the strength, love, and unwavering support that mothers provide every day.

Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between, your dedication and resilience inspire us all.

As we honor Mother's Day, let's also recognize the challenges that many mothers face in the workplace and beyond. Let's continue advocating for policies and practices that support working parents, promote work-life balance, and create opportunities for career growth.

To all the mothers who are leaning in to pursue their dreams, we applaud your efforts and achievements. Your determination and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities are truly remarkable.

Take some time today to celebrate yourself and the incredible mothers around you. You deserve all the appreciation and love in the world. 💕

Happy Mother's Day from the Lean In Canada team! 🌼

#MothersDay #WorkingMoms #LeanInCanada #CelebratingMotherhood

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? It's

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome?

It's that voice in your head that tells you that you're not good enough, or that you don't belong, or that you're just lucky and will be exposed as a fraud. It can be especially common among high achievers, perfectionists, or people who belong to underrepresented groups.

Imposter syndrome can leave you feeling anxious, stressed, and depressed. It can also prevent you from taking risks, pursuing your goals, or enjoying your accomplishments. It's like a mental roadblock that keeps you stuck in a negative cycle of self-criticism and self-sabotage.

Sounds awful, right?

Well, here’s the good news:

You don’t need to let imposter syndrome define you. Many successful and talented people have experienced imposter syndrome, and have been able to overcome it.

Remember that seeking support from others doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.

Whether it's from your friends, family, or a mental health professional, getting help can make a huge difference in how you feel.

It is also important to note when what you are struggling with is NOT imposter syndrome.

Marginalized groups can sometimes falsely feel they are being held back by imposter syndrome, when in fact some organizations and systems have still not created equitable environments that help them thrive and achieve their goals.

We’d love to hear from our followers:

Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome?
What did you do to overcome it?

#impostersyndrome
#mentalhealth
#authenticity
#acceptance

This May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to celebr

This May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Asian Canadians who have played a vital role in shaping our country's cultural landscape. From art and music to science and technology, Asian Canadians have made many significant contributions to make Canada the country we know and love.

This year's theme of Recognition, Resilience, and Resolve reminds us of the challenges that Asian Canadians have faced and continue to overcome. It is a testament to their strength and determination in the face of adversity.

As we celebrate Asian Heritage Month, let us also reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by the Asian community. Let us work together to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our society.

Here's to a month of celebration, reflection, and progress. Happy Asian Heritage Month!

#asianheritagemonth
#equality
#diversity
#inclusive
#LeanInCanada

This week is Mental Health Week, a time to raise a

This week is Mental Health Week, a time to raise awareness and promote positive mental health for all. As a society, we still have a long way to go in destigmatizing mental illness and creating safe and supportive spaces for people to seek help.

One of the most powerful ways to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking is to share our stories of mental illness. When we speak openly and honestly about our struggles, we help others realize that they're not alone and that it's okay to seek support.

We also challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about mental health, and show that mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of their background or status.

Sharing our stories can take many forms, from personal conversations with friends and family, to social media posts, to public speaking or advocacy. It can be scary and vulnerable to talk about our mental health, but it can also be liberating and healing. When we open up, we create opportunities for connection, empathy, and learning.

Of course, sharing our stories is not a substitute for professional help or evidence-based treatments.

If you're struggling with your mental health, please know that there are resources and supports available to you, such as therapy, medication, peer support (like your Lean In Circle!), or crisis services.

You don't have to suffer in silence or alone.

As we mark Mental Health Week, let's commit to destigmatizing mental illness and creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Let's listen to each other, support each other, and learn from each other. Let's break the silence and share our stories, so that others can find hope and healing.

#mentalhealthweek #support #awareness

Being vulnerable is not easy. It's about showing u

Being vulnerable is not easy. It's about showing up and being seen, even when it's uncomfortable. It's about having the courage to admit when you're wrong, to ask for help when you need it, and to share your struggles with others.

It can be scary to open up and show your true self to the world. But when you let go of the fear and embrace vulnerability, it is liberating.

When we're vulnerable, we give others permission to do the same. We create connections and build trust. We show that we're not perfect, but we're willing to learn and grow.

Today, we challenge you to embrace vulnerability. Share your story, admit your mistakes, and ask for help when you need it. You might be surprised at the positive impact it can have on your life and the lives of those around you.

#vulnerability
#courage
#authenticity
#leanincanada