Black Research Network | U of T Groundbreakers S2 E2

TL;DR

The Black Research Network (BRN) at the University of Toronto aims to address historic patterns of exclusion and resistance, working towards greater inclusion and support for black faculty, students, and staff.

Transcript

thank you thanks for all of you joining us today you know when I look back at sort of the past and the things that have been going on whether it's racial Injustice or you know students not seeing themselves you know as a part of a community in different places can you take me back to the beginning and talk a little bit about what were you hearing f... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Historic patterns of exclusion and resistance have shaped the formation of the BRN, inspiring recent initiatives and efforts.
• 👥 Collaborative efforts with allies and TIDE help address bias in employment equity groups and promote diversity across the University.
• 🙈 Curricular transformation and inclusion of black faculty, students, and staff are seen as responsibilities that extend to everyone, not just those directly involved.
• 🏛️ The BRN emphasizes the importance of building coalitions and networks to ensure sustained change.
• 🖤 Success for the BRN is defined by transforming the University into a leader in black research excellence and creating a supportive environment for marginalized individuals to thrive.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the history of exclusion and resistance shape the formation of the Black Research Network?

The BRN builds on historic patterns of exclusion, such as the first black man to graduate from the faculty of medicine in the 1860s and Elizabeth Lee Griffin's denial of a place in the faculty in the 1920s. Recent initiatives were inspired by the black liberation Collective formed in 2015.

Q: How does the BRN address bias in employment and promote diversity?

The BRN collaborates with allies and the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence (TIDE) to address bias in employment equity groups. TIDE conducts knowledge translation through workshops, promoting understanding of unconscious bias among colleagues, and works to ensure curricular transformation across the campus.

Q: How does the BRN work with people outside the University to advance its goals?

The BRN focuses on collaborating with individuals and communities who show interest in supporting their cause. They seek to build coalitions, reach out beyond communities, and create networks of people who are willing to work together to achieve structural changes.

Q: What does success look like for the BRN in the future?

Success for the BRN is seen as the transformation of the University of Toronto into a beacon of black research excellence, with collaboration across disciplines, robust partnerships, and a true academic excellence experience that embraces conversations and creates change.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The BRN builds on historic patterns of exclusion and resistance, seeking to create change and support for the most precarious members of the University community.

• Initiatives by black students and the formal anti-black racism Task Force have driven recent advancements, with some demands being met.

• Collaborative efforts with allies and the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence (TIDE) help build pipelines, ensure curricular transformation, and address bias in employment equity groups.