The York Region District School Board’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Steering Committee is now being chaired by members of the community.
“I think it’s very important for the community to take a lead in the steering committee,” said Michael Bowe, one of the three steering committee co-chairs. “It really allows us to explore various challenges and gaps and successes of the board in ways that we weren't able to do.”
The YRDSB Anti-Black Racism Steering Committee was formed in June 2019 with the goal of developing a strategy to dismantle anti-Black racism at the YRDSB. The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy was launched in 2021. The committee, composed of YRDSB staff and community members, continues to meet regularly to ensure accountability and shared leadership in dismantling anti-Black racism.
“I believe that by Co leading and Co creating the work that's been done by the committee, hopefully it will create a better feeling of trust and better relevance to the community and people in the community will feel that they have a more of an opportunity to be heard,” said Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Co-Chair, Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Steering Committee.
The committee is currently co-chaired by three community members: Michael Bowe, Phiona Durrant and Dr. Jeffrey Thompson.
“That’s how I got involved; bringing that natural community, authentic community voice. Let us work with you to implement the change, to break down the systemic barriers,” said Co-Chair Phiona Durrant.
Hear more from the three co-chairs about what this change means.