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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 9, 2021 Page 1 of 6 Minutes/Meeting Summary Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce September 9, 2021, 2021 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Attendees: D. Ryan, Mayor G. Chang-Campbell, Chair C. Mosca, Vice Chair Z. Adatia A. Davis C. Farinha A. Graham O. Grignon D. Governor F. Heath N. Holland N. Sinclair T. Ryce, Supervisor, Cultural Services J. San Antonio, Senior Advisor, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion C. Addo-Bekoe, Manager, People and Culture, Pickering Public Library M. Ross, Coordinator, Records & Elections Absent: R. Diaz-Matus J. Smith K. Noronha T. Olanbiwonnu A. Vincent Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Call to Order G. Chang-Campbell welcomed members to the meeting and called the meeting to order. 2. Review and Approval of Agenda The Taskforce reviewed the agenda. Moved by N. Holland Seconded by A. Davis That the agenda for the September 9, 2021 meeting of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce be approved. Page 2 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Carried 3. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. 4. Review and Approval of Minutes - August 5, 2021 The Taskforce reviewed the minutes of the last meeting. As no quorum had been achieved, there were no minutes to approve. 5. Delegations There were no delegations. 6. General Business 6.1 Involvement of Durham Catholic District School Board Discussion ensued between Taskforce members regarding existing relationships that the City may have with the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board. Staff discussed past partnerships with the Durham School Boards and the City, and added that no relationship currently existed between the school boards and the PABRT, noting that relationships could be developed as this was on the Taskforce’s work plan. Further discussion ensued between Taskforce Members regarding similar issues relating to Black students being present in both of the school boards, making it important to connect with both school boards. It was consensus of the Taskforce to confirm their interest in engaging with the Durham Catholic District School Board. Page 3 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 6.2 - Piano project update Members of the Community and Civic Engagement Subcommittee discussed their involvement in the project, including: • filming that had occurred earlier in the day to promote the Taskforce’s goals and issues to be addressed within the Community; • City Staff and members of the community that allowed the event to take place; • the need for a final product to be ready in a week, which will then be posted to the Taskforce’s website; and, • concerns regarding the piano’s placement outside and the potential for weather damage. Staff noted that City Staff would ensure that the piano was covered in times of inclement weather. Staff discussed the importance and the intent of the project being to celebrate Black artists and to bring awareness to the achievements and skills of Black community residents. 6.3 - Taskforce staffing updates G. Chang-Campbell provided an update to the Taskforce regarding Taskforce membership. There is a current public call for subcommittees with a closing date of September 20th. Any interested parties are invited to fill out the application on pabrt.ca under “Join Us”. Taskforce Members inquired about removing bios of resigned Taskforce Members from the pabrt.ca webpage. Staff requested the names of the members who had resigned from the Taskforce to facilitate the removal of the bios. Staff to remove bios of resigned Taskforce Members from the pabrt.ca webpage and conduct any other required website updates. Page 4 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 6.4 - Review action plan and quarterly report to Council Taskforce members discussed the first half of the quarterly report. There were no modifications from the Taskforce. Taskforce members then reviewed the 2021 work plan and added that the goal for the remainder of the year would be to promote the Taskforce within the community, especially through the collaboration with the City on the Piano Project. Another item yet to be completed on the work plan is a reimagining of Culture Days including 3 upcoming dates: September 25, October 2 and October 9. These three events will support the Taskforce’s goal to be more visible within the community. The Taskforce discussed details of the three events and noted that all events would require advance registration through Eventbrite for contact tracing purposes. Discussion ensued regarding whether promotional materials had been sent out. The Taskforce was advised that information regarding the events were given to the event coordinator and that information would also be made available on the News Advertiser, City’s social media platforms, and on pabrt.ca. All taskforce members were asked to promote the events within their circles. A Teams sign- up sheet was suggested to coordinate Taskforce members’ availability to assist with the upcoming events. Staff provided information regarding the communication plan, noting that the events would be promoted through the placement of signs at the City’s Recreation Centre, the City’s social media, and through e-blasts. Discussion ensued between Taskforce Members regarding additional locations or avenues of promotion. In regards to the work plan in general, Taskforce Members discussed beginning preparatory work for 2022, budget allocation, and promotional items for the taskforce. Page 5 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Discussion ensued between Taskforce Members regarding the African Canadian Christian Network (ACCN) and a possible partnership to provide a program to train facilitators to assist parents residing in Durham. Taskforce members praised the ACCN’s past work. Moved by N. Holland Seconded by F. Heath 1. That the 2021 Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce Work Plan be endorsed; and, 2. That the 2021 Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce Work Plan be sent to the September 27, 2021 Council Meeting for Council approval. Carried 6.5 Communication update Discussion ensued regarding: • Bang the Table, a new online community engagement platform, being available on pabrt.ca through the ‘Tell us your thoughts’ tab; and, • the aim of the platform being to connect, share thoughts, and promote more engagement. 7. Correspondence There were no items of correspondence. 8. Other Business Taskforce Members discussed attendance of members as well as requested an update to online traffic at pabrt.ca. The Education Subcommittee noted that both co- chair positions were currently open and whether any members of the Taskforce were interested in filling these positions. Members discussed there being a public call for subcommittee members, and providing Staff to advise on pabrt.ca online traffic. Page 6 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) an opportunity for members outside of the Taskforce to fill the co-chair positions of the subcommittee. Taskforce Members discussed providing food at upcoming community events with Staff noting that the application process to provide food at community events was extensive. The Taskforce was encouraged to start the process early for any future events such as during the Christmas season. 9. Next Meeting – October 7, 2021 10. Adjournment Moved by N. Holland Seconded by F. Heath That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting Adjourned: 8:19 PM