CBC Alberta hosts forum on systemic racism: We Need To Talk

CBC hosts Sandra Batson and Tanara McLean held a free, public forum discussion on Thursday, June 25, to shine a light on systemic racism in Alberta, through the stories of people who have experienced it firsthand.

We Need to Talk was an opportunity to hear from individuals with a real and personal understanding of how systemic racism operates in Alberta, with an aim to put forward potential solutions, concrete actions and examples of success.

This live event has now concluded. Watch a replay of We Need to Talkhere:

Why now?

Following the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black mankilled by whitepolice officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis on May 25, communities across the globe began to protest in the streets, calling for justice and change.

In Alberta's cities and rural towns, thousands have taken up the call, participating in some of the largest marches in recent memory to spotlight anti-Blackinjustices within the province itself.

Event details:

• Thursday, June 25.
• 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. MT.
• Event was broadcasted live on CBC Television, CBC Calgary's Facebook feed, CBC Edmonton's Facebook feed, CBC Gem and cbc.ca/weneedtotalk, cbc.ca/calgary or cbc.ca/edmonton.

Panellists:

• Adora Nwofor, Calgary comedian and activist.
• David Este, professor of social work, University of Calgary.
• Ryan Holtz, Edmonton podcaster and marketing expert.
• Jodi Calahoo-Stonehouse, executive director of Natamoowin, Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation.
• Spirit River Striped Wolf, president of Mount Royal University students association.

With special performances from:

• Alanna Bluebird-Onespot, poet, Tsuut'inaNation.
• Andrew Parker, Edmonton teacher.

Racial inequality in Alberta, by the numbers

Here's what datafrom Statistics Canada shows about gaps in wages, employment and incarcerate rates for Black and Indigenous groups compared with the rest of the population.

READ THE FULL STORY:https://www.cbc.ca/1.5614929

Miranda Jimmy on reclaiming her Cree identity after losing it to systemic racism

Since high school, Miranda Jimmy has been on a journey to reclaim her Indigenous identity and help others do the same.

READ THE FULL STORY:https://www.cbc.ca/1.5621590

I Have A Dream 2020: Andrew Parker reflects on speech he gave at Edmonton anti-racism rally

When Andrew Parker, an Edmonton teacher, was asked to make a speech at an anti-racism rally on June5, he was given one day to sum up his takeonthe racism he has experiencedover 37 years.

READ THE FULL STORY:https://www.cbc.ca/1.5622447

Bren Little Light's biggest pet peeve: Losing Indigenous relations jobs to non-Indigenous men

Bren Little Light says she has applied to more than 100 jobs in the oil and gas sector, landing multiple first and second interviews, only to lose out to non-Indigenous men for the roles of Indigenous relations liaison.

READ THE FULL STORY:https://www.cbc.ca/1.5622868

Calgary grad speaks out against racism through powerful art collection

Anthony Russell, a 2020 graduate from Bishop O'Byrne High School, has created an anti-racism-inspired art collection called Fear of the Unknown that is turning heads in the local art world and in the Black Lives Matter movement.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.cbc.ca/1.5622788

Tsuut'ina spoken word artist performs poem on racism and identity

Alanna Bluebird-Onespot is a spoken word artist from the Tsuut'ina First Nation.
This video, A Generation, was shot by Rebecca Kelly and edited by Erin Callihoo for CBC.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO:https://www.cbc.ca/1.5624066

2 Edmonton teachers create Black Teachers' Association of Alberta

Overcome with pride and enthusiasm the day after a massive anti-racism rally this month, two Edmonton teachers wanted to find a way to do more for Black teachers and students in the province.

READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.cbc.ca/1.5624145