Anti-racism

What is anti-racism?

Many people believe that racism is only about what we believe and how we act and that we can fight racism by simply not holding racist attitudes or taking part in racist activities. This ignores the ways that racism may be a part our institutions and the structure of our society. This means that even in a community of people who are “not racist”, inequalities can still exist at the systemic level that produce social, political, and economic disadvantages for Black, Indigenous and people of colour.

The opposite of racist isn't "not racist". It is "anti-racist". - Ibram X. Kendi

Anti-Racism is about action. Anti-Racism calls on us to challenge racism wherever it exists and work to remove barriers at all levels of our society.

Training and Resources

Two hands with the words Stop Racism on them

"In a racist society, it is not
enough to be non-racist,
we must be anti-racist.”

- Angela Y. Davis

Community Resources

Black Community Resources

ACDR’s Black, African, Caribbean Community Outreach program offers a variety of services and volunteer opportunities for members of the Black, African and Caribbean communities including educational workshops, community advocacy, referrals to services and others.
Durham Family and Cultural Centre provides a space for members of the Black community and other racialized groups to engage in programming that empowers their lives.

Indigenous Resources

The Bawaajigewan Aboriginal Community Circle – is an Aboriginal-led non-profit that aims to build a strong sense of community, awareness and cultural pride by empowering Aboriginal voices, supporting family and community development and celebrating the diversity of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and teachings.
Durham Community Heath Centre's Indigenous Programs include many supports and services for Indigenous peoples in Durham Region.
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
MNO Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council aims to provide community programs, outreach and cultural development for Métis in Durham Region.

Newcomer, Immigrant and Refugee Resources

Community Development Council of Durham offers a variety of programs to assist Newcomers, Immigrants and Refugees in their settlement journey.
Durham Immigration Portal is an online resource to help newcomers settle in Durham Region and discover all the community has to offer.
Welcome Centre Immigrant Services Durham Region is a place where newcomers and immigrants can find all the services they need settle in Durham Region.

Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (Q.T.B.I.P.O.C.) Resources

ACDR’s Youth Program provides a number of programs of services for QTBIPOC young people including health services, social supports and empowerment programs.
PFLAG’s B.I.P.O.C. Program is a peer facilitated drop-in for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour.
Other 2SLGBTQ+ Resources

Women's Resources

Canadian Council of Muslim Women strives to affirm the identities of Muslim women, empower women with knowledge and give back to the community.
Women's Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre provides specialized counselling and support to women of diverse backgrounds and their families to eradicate violence, to re-build their lives, and to enable them to become contributing and valued members of society.

Anti-Racism at the City of Oshawa

Diversity and Inclusion Plan

Our Diversity and Inclusion Plan reflects the City of Oshawa’s commitment to:

Identify and address forms of discrimination that create barriers to accessing services and participating fully in our community
Work with equity-deserving groups to counter practices at all levels that inhibit inclusivity
Launch and deliver programs and services that are based on the goals of fairness, justice and non-discrimination and celebrate the diversity of our community

City Council

Oshawa’s City Council has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to Anti-Racism with the following motions:

In July 2020, City Council approved an Anti-Racism Motion and resolved to support zero tolerance against racism and condemn all racist acts of violence.
In May 2021, City Council approved an Anti-Racism Motion which denounced and condemned all acts of racism and hate against the Asian community.
Oshawa City Council has recognized and acknowledged the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and are committed to using these two documents as the framework for the City’s reconciliation efforts.

Memberships and Collaborations

The City works collaboratively with many groups to help develop and implement strategies to build a more inclusive Oshawa:

Inclusive Municipalities

The City is member of the Inclusive Municipalities (formerly Canadian Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination) through the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. This partnership allows us to work with like-minded municipalities in implementing and improving policies against racism, discrimination, exclusion and intolerance.

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Employer Partner

CCDI strives to generate awareness, dialogue and action that helps people recognize diversity as an asset, not an obstacle. Through Our partnership with CCDI helps us create a workplace that is inclusive, free of prejudice and discrimination

Call it Out: Racism, Racial Discrimination and Human Rights Training

The Ontario Human Rights Commission created Call It Out, a free 30 minute interactive online course. The course is an opportunity to learn about race, discrimination and human rights protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code. It presents a historical overview of racism and racial discrimination, explains the meaning of race, racism, and racial discrimination, and provides approaches to prevent racial discrimination.

Access Call It Out Training