Confronting Anti-Black Racism (for People Leaders)

Instructor:

Course Description:

This self-paced, online course is designed to support people leaders in the social services and human services sectors in confronting anti-Black racism and fostering an inclusive, psychologically safe workplace. The course emphasizes the critical role of leadership in addressing systemic anti-Black racism and building a culture of equity, accountability, and support.

Focusing on both individual and organizational levels, this course provides people leaders with the knowledge and tools to understand the unique history and present-day impacts of anti-Black racism in Canada, especially within the shelter system. Participants will learn practical, trauma-informed strategies to identify and address anti-Black racism, support Black staff and clients, and lead meaningful change within their teams and organizations.

Through key topics such as mental health, resilience, allyship, and leadership accountability, learners will gain actionable insights to promote anti-racist practices and cultivate equitable, inclusive workplaces.

Participants will explore key topics such as the unique history of anti-Black racism in Canada, the connections between systemic oppression and service delivery, and the significance of intersectionality in shaping the experiences of Black staff and service users. The course also equips learners with skills to apply trauma-informed approaches, practice allyship, and operationalize anti-racist strategies in their daily roles to foster more inclusive, equitable service environments.

A special thank you to the developers – Keishia Facey and Vania Patrick-Drakes, for their dedication and expertise in developing a transformative training focused on promoting confronting anti-Black racism across the homelessness sector.

Learning Objectives:

Understand and contextualize anti-Black racism and its history in Canada.
Recognize the ways that broader systems, such as healthcare and criminal justice, magnify the impacts of anti-Black racism within shelter and service environments.
Identify manifestations of anti-Black racism and their impacts on staff and service users.
Explore intersectionality and its significance in shaping experiences of Black leaders, staff, and service users.
Examine the impacts of anti-Black racism on mental health and wellbeing.
Apply trauma-informed approaches to service delivery using an anti-Black racism lens.
Differentiate between non-racist and anti-racist leadership, and integrate anti-racist practices into leadership roles.
Understand the strengths, resilience, and contributions of Black communities in Canada.
Recognize the importance of allyship and its role in organizational culture. Learn leadership responsibilities under the Human Rights Code.
Analyze organizational policies and practices using an anti-Black racism lens.
Develop strategies to support Black staff and clients facing anti-Black racism.
Address incidents of racist behavior among staff and clients in alignment with organizational standards.
Take accountability for fostering an anti-racist, inclusive workplace.

Learning Outcomes:

Be able to explain the history and current impacts of anti-Black racism within the Canadian context.
Demonstrate leadership skills in identifying and addressing anti-Black racism through trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
Apply anti-racist strategies and integrate them into organizational policies and leadership responsibilities.
Lead conversations and initiatives that promote allyship, accountability, and inclusive workplace cultures.
Effectively analyze and transform organizational practices to eliminate anti-Black racism and create sustainable change.

Course Structure:

Introduction
Topics: Introduction to course goals, structure, and overview of key learning objectives.
Module 1: Understanding Anti-Black Racism and its Impact on Mental Health
Topics: History and impacts of anti-Black racism in Canada; intersections with mental health and wellbeing.
Module 2: Black Diversity, Resilience, and Strength
Topics: Contributions of Black communities in Canada, understanding diversity, and building on community strengths.
Module 3: Anti-Racist Strategies
Topics: Trauma-informed approaches, allyship, operationalizing anti-racist policies and practices.
Module 4: Courageous Leadership
Topics: Accountability, leadership responsibilities, and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for people leaders, including supervisors, managers, and senior staff in social services, human services, and shelter environments who are responsible for fostering equitable workplaces and leading anti-racist initiatives.

Mode(s): Self-Paced

Length: Approximately 6-7 hours

Course Requirements: All course requirements must be finished within 30 days of enrollment in order to obtain proof of completion.

Cost: $140 per person (FREE for City of Toronto Funded Shelter Staff)

Upcoming Dates:

No upcoming sessions available.