A Moment of Calm in the Storm

In 2020, during the pandemic, I participated in a professional learning series called 4 Big Questions. The series featured a panel of four educators—three from Ontario and one from the Equity Literacy Institute in the U.S. At that time, we were working remotely, navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic. Among my fears of COVID-19 was a deep concern for my parents’ health as they were both vulnerable—one with Parkinson’s, the other with dementia. Yet, amidst the chaos, I found a strange sense of calm while engaging in this learning, though I hadn’t yet fully acknowledged the racism I was experiencing at work.

The Impact of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter

I will never forget May 2020 and the murder of George Floyd, which sparked the rise of the global Black Lives Matter movement. That summer, the 4 Big Questions panellists hosted an extra workshop on a Friday evening in June. Hundreds of educators joined, including myself. I listened intently, took notes, and reflected on how these events connected to my school environment and their potential impact on our Black and racialized students.

A Silenced Voice

That evening, I felt compelled to send an email to my school staff, reflecting on what I had learned and urging my colleagues to consider the emotional and psychological impact of these events on our students. Within minutes, my principal responded—not by engaging with my message, but by sending her own email. Her response was self-focused, reflecting on her personal feelings without addressing the urgent needs of our students or how we could make real change in the school. She suggested revisiting the conversation in the fall, ignoring the immediate emotional upheaval our Black and racialized students were likely facing.

This incident wasn’t the first time my voice as a racialized teacher was dismissed, but it was the moment I began to see the pattern. For years, I had endured subtle and overt forms of workplace racism, but this particular moment forced me to acknowledge what was happening. That evening, I was shaking—my heart pounding and tears streaming. Even as I write about it now, those same feelings resurface. Over the summer, I tried to let it go, but by the following year—after continued mistreatment—I turned to my union to begin advocating for myself and my students.

Finding My Voice Through Advocacy

I truly believe that when educators advocate for themselves, they also advocate for their students because it allows them to show up as their healthiest selves. My advocacy journey led me to become active in my local union (OCETFO), serving as the chair of the Human Rights Committee and the PD Day Committee. I attended ETFO programs, where I found a space to connect with others and deepen my understanding of workplace racism.

The Power of Knowledge and Reflection

I immersed myself in books like How to Be an Anti-Racist, So You Want to Talk About Race, White Fragility, and White Tears/Brown Scars. I also sought out leadership podcasts like Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and Michelle Obama’s The Light Podcast. These resources helped me understand systemic racism, give a name to my feelings, and develop the skills to advocate not only for myself but also for my students and colleagues of colour.

Building Leadership and Resilience

These experiences eventually led me to chair a board employee resource group for racialized members. This role allowed me to push for systemic change while providing a safe space for others like me. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been transformative. I’ve had to learn, grow, and fight my way out of the harmful spaces I found myself in.

The Journey Continues

My advocacy work is far from over. It has taught me the importance of speaking up, even when your voice is being silenced. Today, I remain committed to standing up for equity and justice in the classroom and beyond. This work is deeply personal, but it is also necessary to create meaning.

If you haven’t already, I invite you to read ‘In the Classroom of Life: My Road to Advocacy Part 1‘, where I share how my experiences first shaped my passion for equity and justice. Let’s keep learning and advocating together!