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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 5, 2023 Page 1 of 10 Minutes/Meeting Summary Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce January 5, 2023 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Attendees: Z. Adatia A. Fraser O. Grignon K. Hanson F. Heath J. Heath N. Hepburn K. Lopez L. Cabral, Coordinator, Public Art C. Addo-Bekoe, Manager, People and Culture, Pickering Public Library (Staff Liaison) J. San Antonio, Senior Advisor, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (Staff Liaison) D. YewWoon, Community Engagement Coordinator, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion A. MacGillivray, Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary) Absent: C. Farinha E. Gittens Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome and Call to Order F. Heath welcomed everyone to the meeting and called the meeting to order. 2. Review and Approval of Agenda Moved by Z. Adatia Seconded by N. Hepburn That the agenda for the January 5, 2023 Meeting of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce be approved. Carried 3. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. Page 2 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 4. Approval of Minutes – November 3, 2022 Moved by A. Fraser Seconded by O. Grignon That the Minutes of the November 3, 2022 Meeting of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce be approved. Carried 5. Presentations 5.1 Lucas Cabral, Coordinator, Public Art Georgia Fullerton Re: Wagon Wrap Public Art Project Georgia Fullerton provided introductory remarks to the Taskforce, and provided an overview of her experience in the arts, specifically print. Members of the Taskforce and Georgia Fullerton discussed concerns around the Wagon Wrap Art Project including: • the need for the communities portrayed in this art project to be consulted in the process; and, • the need for the historical context and narrative to be accurately portrayed by the project. Georgia Fullerton further spoke to her over 30 years of experience in the visual arts, as well as the question that were guiding her work on the project including: • What factors supported enslaved and free Blacks in Ontario at this time? • How does one reflect on this seminal time in Black history in a contemporary way? • What aspects of the Black lens should be focused on? • How does this connect to current day Pickering and Durham Region? • What does the Wagon represent for Blacks during The Rebellion, and how can it be displayed to tell a story that we all can learn from? Page 3 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • How does the symbolism of the Wagon inform the historical narrative of Black settlers from the 1800’s and their eventual positionality in Durham Region today? Georgia Fullerton further spoke to: • The hand painted decals on the Wagon; • Her work with acrylics, abstract, and representational art; and, • The location of where the Wagon will be displayed and the educational component to accompany it. Georgia Fullerton and Members of the Taskforce discussed: • the artistry and art forms being considered in the project; • the condition of the Wagon and safety concerns preventing people from sitting in the wagon; • the Wagon’s position within a larger exhibit with other features such as augmented reality (AR); and, • other aspects that can be incorporated such as the metal footstep, quilts, and wheel spokes. Georgia Fullerton made a presentation to the Taskforce highlighting: • her background and experience in the arts; • the various organizations she has partnered with; • the Beaux-Arts Gallery Murals in Brampton, ON; • the Heart of Ajax Public Art Project at the McLean Community Centre, Ajax, ON; • responses to PABRT Member feedback from the November 3, 2022 Meeting; • a historical photo depicting children at a school in Buxton, ON; • the augmented reality (AR) component expected at the log barn that will highlight the conflictual issues during the Rebellion of 1837; • the creative direction and the ideas being considered for the project; Page 4 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • the history of Amber Valley, AB; • challenging the “Great White North” narrative, and showcasing the challenges that Black communities faced in Canada; and, • working with other artists to potentially incorporate their art into the project. Taskforce Members further discussed the stage that the project is currently at, the anticipated installment of the Wagon art piece in October-November 2023. The Taskforce also expressed their gratitude for consultation on the project. 5.2 Stephen Linton, Pickering Public Library Anti-Black Racism Working Group Re: The International Decade for People of African Descent Stephen Linton provided introductory remarks and stated an acknowledgement of the contributions of Black African Peoples in Canada. Stephen Linton spoke to the ongoing collaboration between the Taskforce and the Pickering Public Library Anti-Black Racism Working Group including: • the City’s proclamation of the International Decade for the People of African Descent expected in February 2023; • strategies to promote the greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture, and contributions of People of African Descent for the development of society; • the development of an identifier that represents the Black community in Pickering; • creating events to celebrate African culture; • Black Mental Health Week expansion into Durham Region Page 5 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • Black Youth Health Week; and, • celebration of Black history and culture throughout the year, and not just limited to Black History Month. Discussion ensued with the Taskforce discussing: • what an identifier is, and how it can be used; • the City of Toronto’s identifier and its uses; • timelines around development of an identifier and the potential for a June or July launch; • whether an artist has been sourced for designing the identifier and how to go about sourcing an artist; • opportunities to engage Black youth in the design of the identifier; and, • the importance of a strong story to accompany the identifier. Moved by N. Hepburn Seconded by Z. Adatia That the Taskforce continue to collaborate with the Pickering Public Library Anti-Black Racism Working Group on the creation of an identifier for the International Decade for People of African Descent. Carried 6. Delegations There were no delegations. 7. General Business 7.1 Community & Civic Engagement Sub-committee A. Fraser provided an update regarding the work of the Community & Civic Engagement Sub-committee including: • the success of Black Joy Holiday Experience Event; • the feature of the Taskforce in the Pickering News Advertiser; Page 6 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • thinking ahead to Black History Month and opportunities to showcase what the Taskforce has accomplished over the past year; and, • Afro-futurism and continuing to engage with other organizations doing similar work. 7.2 Inclusive Leadership Sub-committee F. Heath and O. Grignon provided an update regarding the work being done on the Taskforce’s Terms of Reference including: • engagement with partners to assist in revising the Terms of Reference; • the formation of a small group of Taskforce Members to assist in revising the Terms of Reference; • opportunities for all Taskforce Members to provide feedback; and, • whether compensation can be expanded to include subsidized pricing for event space and/or sub-committee work in the Terms of Reference. 7.3 Youth Sub-committee J. Heath provided and update regarding the Youth Subcommittee including the success of the Reaching Higher Event. Discussion ensued with the Taskforce discussing: • that 197 people attended the Reaching Higher Event both in person and virtually; • the facilitation of the event by the Black Foundation of Community Networks and their donation of the facilitation fees back to their scholarship program; • the success of the Taskforce in connecting various stakeholders within the community; • whether there is an opportunity to work with students graduating high school this year; • whether there is opportunity to help connect Black students with internships and career placement opportunities; • the upcoming opportunities with Ontario’s Ministry of Finance Internship Program; Page 7 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • the upcoming information sessions regarding summer job opportunities with the Regional Municipality of Durham; and, • whether these opportunities can be promoted by the Taskforce via social media and engaging with schools. 7.4 Communications Sub-committee Kenisha Hanson provided an update on the work of the Communications Sub-committee including: • ways the Taskforce can promote the aforementioned opportunities via social media and further engaging with other community partners; • the positive engagement from the Black Joy Holiday Experience and connecting with participating vendors; • the gift baskets that were put together and the draws that took place at the Black Joy Holiday Experience Event; • the Taskforce’s feature in the Pickering News Advertiser; • an update regarding the feature opportunity with What’s On Durham; • The end of the social media contractor and the social media content process moving forward; • content strategy during Black History Month and engaging youth; and, • the contest undertaken via social media; • the feature of the Taskforce on the digital billboards throughout the City. 7.5 International Decade for People of African Descent See Item 5.2 7.6 Library Working Group Proposal See Item 5.2 Page 8 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 7.7 Work Plan Update O Grignon provided an update including: • efforts and opportunities to collaborate with other community organizations in 2023; • the Cultural Expressions Black History Event on February 4th and 5th, 2023; • uncertainty around the City’s support for the event and whether the Taskforce can provide partnership and resources for the Event; and, • the Together W e Rise Event on February 2nd, 2023 and whether the Taskforce can provide resources and support for that Event. Taskforce Members expressed concerns around needing more information before making a decision to support the aforementioned events. Discussion ensued between A. MacGillivray, J. San Antonio, and the Taskforce around: • the wording of a potential motion to support the aforementioned events; • procedures around calling Special Meetings; and, • a proposed amount of $1,500.00 - $2,000.00 in financial support. Moved by Z. Adatia Seconded by O. Grignon 1. That the Taskforce support the Cultural Expressions Event on February 4 and 5, 2023, as well as the Together Rise Event on February 2, 2023; and, 2. That the way in which the Taskforce will provide support be determined in the coming days. Carried 7.8 Budget Update O. Grignon provided a budget update including the amount of around $162.00 left over in the budget. J. San Antonio to follow up regarding the City’s support of the Cultural Expressions Black History Event and connect with the organizers of the Together We Rise Event to obtain more information. Page 9 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) F. Heath encouraged Members to share ideas and proposals for the Taskforce to incorporate into the Work Plan such as events and collaborations. 7.9 Meeting Schedule F. Heath provided an overview of the proposed 2023 Meeting for the PABRT. Discussion ensued with the Taskforce discussing: • potential schedule conflicts; • whether the Taskforce should adopt the entire 2023 Meeting Schedule in light of the term ending; • whether the Taskforce can discuss their availability for meetings over email; and, • the conflict of having a Taskforce Meeting scheduled on February 2, 2023, the same day as the Together Rise Event. Moved by K. Hanson Seconded By A. Fraser That the Taskforce adopt the following 2023 meeting dates: a. February 9, 2023 – 7:00 pm b. March 2, 2023 – 7:00 pm Carried 8. Correspondence There were no items of correspondence 9. Other Business 9.1 New Term Recruitment J. San Antonio provided an overview of the recruitment timelines and process for the new term of the PABRT. The Taskforce engaged in discussion regarding: Page 10 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • Members interested in continuing to serve on the Taskforce being required to reapply; • Members not interested in continuing to serve on the Taskforce not needing to provide resignation notice; • whether there is a transition plan or an orientation that the current Taskforce can develop to assist future members; and, • the City’s Policy ADM 040 Review and the opportunity for the Taskforce to provide feedback. Members expressed concerns regarding the lack of transition planning provisions in Policy ADM 040, and the potential negative impacts on the future Taskforce. 9.2 Community Banner Program Update J. San Antonio provided an update regarding changes to the City’s Community Banner Policy and how it has impacted the timelines of the Community Banner Project. 10. Next Meeting – February 9, 2023 11. Adjournment Moved by Z. Adatia Seconded by A. Fraser That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting Adjourned: 9:33 pm