George Brown spurs action, reflection, and a different approach to tackling anti-Black racism with the Do (Doux) Tank

When George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon signed the Scarborough Charter in 2021, George Brown College (GBC) made a promise to identify key barriers to Black inclusion on campus — and to address these inequalities. After an environmental scan was completed, Natalie Wood (Black Futures Do Tank Coordinator and SSW professor) and Jennifer Grant (Associate Vice-President, OARHERS) decided this unique opportunity deserved an equally unique response: it needed a governing body that was committed to action. 

“That’s the idea behind the Do Tank,” explained Wood. “It’s not a Think Tank, it’s a Do Tank; it’s about taking action.” 

Wood also revealed a secondary meaning to the term Do Tank: “It’s a play on the French doux. So we’re emphasizing a sweetness and gentleness in our approach.”  

This softer, collaborative approach would allow the group to foster an “ethics of care” that would ultimately allow the group to tackle the following:  

• Recognize suffering; 
• Give space for catharsis; 
• Celebrate Black lives and living; 
• Work collaboratively to bring about Black belonging. 

The original Do Tank Committee was composed of nearly 20 members of the GBC community and represented a cross-section of George Brown faculty, support staff, administrative staff, alumni and students.  

Do Tank hosts first Black Futures Jam 

One of the Do Tank’s first courses of action was to gather community input. Once again thinking outside the proverbial box, the committee decided to bring in community members and allies for a “Black Futures jam,” which Wood described as an opportunity “for conversation, inspiration, reflection, idea generation, connection and hope.” The goal was to capture these conversations and create Black-focused initiatives that aligned with the commitments of the Scarborough Charter. 

The Black Futures jam was a success — despite a classic Toronto-winter occurrence: a transit-snarling snowfall. 

“It was one of the worst snow days,” said Wood. “The TTC broke down. And yet people still showed up [to the Black Futures jam].” 

Those who couldn’t make it to the event still managed to connect with the group online. The result? Wood and Grant collected a day’s worth of community feedback that helped lay the groundwork for a designated space where Black students, employees, community members and allies could meet to celebrate the many forms of resilience and excellence within the Black community and create pathways for future Black success. 

Fast-forward two years, and the vision that was crystallized at the Do Tank’s Black Futures Jam has become reality: GBC now has a Black Futures Initiative (BFI) space — a physical, tangible location for members of the Black community to gather — at GBC’s St. James Campus. 

Do Tank Committee member Naiima Farah (Faculty Counsellor, Counselling and Student Well-Being) said the launch of the BFI space was an important step in GBC’s commitment to combatting anti-Black racism. 

“This was an exciting moment for our team,” explained Farah. “We now had a physical and dedicated space where Black faculty, staff, students, allies, and the broader community could collectively work towards the creation of more equitable and inclusive environments. As inequities, such as ableism, economic, and gendered inequities are central to the logic of anti-Black racism and anti-Blackness, working to dismantle it establishes a path towards a more equitable, inclusive, safer, and a braver environment for all.” 

Farah, who has worked with the Do Tank for over two years, brings a wealth of experience to the committee: she’s a mental health educator who has worked closely with the African-Caribbean-Black community to improve health and educational outcomes for underserved youth and families. 

“I joined the committee, as [I felt] my experience working under Afrocentric frameworks would be beneficial in providing trauma-informed and culturally affirming programming for the college’s Black Faculty, staff, students, and the Black communities we partner with and serve.” 

What’s next for the Do Tank? 

With the launch of BFI, the Do-Tank has transitioned into an Advisory Board to enhance its impact and provide ongoing guidance. Key responsibilities include:  

• Providing strategic feedback;  
• Community engagement and reporting;
• Advising on adjustments;  
• Supporting the mission. 

The Do Tank is continually supporting new initiatives — like the recent Roots and Recipes event [link] — that highlight Black achievements and promote Black mental health, well-being, and thriving.  

“As the name ‘Black Futures Initiatives’ indicates, we also borrow from traditions such as Afrofuturism, where we dream up a brighter future where Black People are healthier, happier, and free from the limitations set by systemic anti-Black racism,” Farah said. 

Farah also praised the committee’s tireless leaders for making the Do Tank’s dreams a reality: 

“The Do Tank Committee has been fortunate enough to work alongside dedicated leaders such as Mary Ola (Senior Manager, BFI), Natalie Wood, and Susie Mensah (Coordinator, BFI). Likewise, Jennifer Grant has shown amazing leadership. Without the support of such leaders, putting together successful programming and events would not have been possible.”