The mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, on May 14 provided a grim reminder of the violence and racism experienced by Black individuals not only in the United States but also here in Canada. Over this same weekend, a mass shooting also took place at a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods, California, causing distress for communities that have witnessed a rise in anti-Asian violence and racism during the pandemic.
These events are tragic, but it is imperative that we work together for inclusive societies and institutions that aspire to be the best of humanity. We have witnessed the impact and human cost of the alternative and we each must find ways to be active participants in the work against racism.”
“We all have different lived experiences and members of the George Brown College community may be feeling sad, anxious or angry, or experiencing trauma or re-traumatization as a result of recent events,” said George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon. “Varied responses are normal, and can affect how people show up at work, or at school. I want to let you know that your George Brown community stands with you at this difficult time, and we are here to support you.”
Listening circles for Black students and employees
We will host listening circles for Black students and employees, to provide an opportunity to hold space, share, and process the events within the community. The circles will be hosted by Desiree Phillips and will take place virtually at the following times:
- Black employees: Wednesday, May 18, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Black students: Thursday, May 19, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
George Brown College Counselling and wellness resources
Support is available for students through Counselling and Student Well-being.
Counselling and online wellness resources are available to employees and their families through our Employee and Family Assistance Provider. Visit LifeWorks.com or call 1-866-833-7690 for more information.
Support resources from LifeWorks
LifeWorks.com offers many resources to support our community. Employees can log in using their unique username and password. Students, friends and family may log in with the username: GBC and password: wellness.
Here are a few examples of the many resources available:
Additional support
Support for Black-identified community members
BSSN
The Black Student Success Network at George Brown provides a safe space to meet and connect with Black members and allies across the college. You will be able to find community and support through the BSSN team.
Tropicana Community Services
Tropicana offers culturally aware and supportive programs to those in need, including but not limited to counselling, settlement services, childcare, education, personal development, and employment services, with a predominant focus on the Caribbean, Black and African communities of Toronto.
Black Youth Helpline
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 416-285-9944 or toll free 1-833-294-8650
Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools.
Taibu Community Health Centre
TAIBU’s holistic approach to care includes the diagnosis and management of illness and chronic diseases, especially those most common among members of the GTA’s Black community. TAIBU’s multidisciplinary healthcare team supports members of the Black-identifying community to manage day-to-day health concerns, coordinating specialist care as required.
Black Queer Youth Group, Supporting Our Youth
A group for Black, Caribbean, African or Black-identified multiracial queer and trans spectrum youth aged 29 or under who live in Toronto. Black Queer Youth (BQY) is a weekly drop-in group where we celebrate Black queer and trans-spectrum people’s experiences and accomplishments. It is a space dedicated to your creativity and desires. It is a safer space for you to express your whole self. Food and TTC tokens are provided.
Counselling and Case Management, Across Boundaries
Across Boundaries provides equitable, holistic, mental health care specifically for racialized communities. They provide individual support and connection with psychiatric care, in addition to support groups and skill building. Across Boundaries emphasizes the importance of adopting a client-centred and collaborative approach, anchored in an anti-racism, anti-oppression and resisting anti-Black racism framework.
Unison
Unison Health and Community Services provides programs and services to people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Our services are free, confidential, and non-judgemental.
Good2Talk
Anonymous helpline for post-secondary students.
Support for Taiwanese community members
Taiwanese Canadian Association of Toronto
TCAT promotes the common interests and welfare of members, provides educational workshops and cultural and recreational activities for the Taiwanese community, and works to better the inter-group relations within the context of Canadian multiculturalism.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is Canada's leading agency dedicated to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society.
Hong Fook
Hong Fook Mental Health Association is the leading ethno-cultural community mental health agency with a consolidated culturally competent team serving Asian and other communities in the Greater Toronto Area.
Stop AAPI Hate
A U.S.-based coalition that tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
