Panel Discussion on Islamophobia
Thursday, September 28, 2023 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm | MN 3230 (CDRS)
Join the UTM Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office, UTM Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy, U of T Institute of Islamic Studies, and UTM Collaborative Digital Research Space for a panel discussion - Critical Perspectives on Systemic Islamophobia: Current Research, Lived Realities & Possible Futures.
Panelists include:
- Anver Emon, Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS), UofT
- Faisal Bhabha, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
- Sarah Shah, Department of Sociology, UTM & IIS
- Sheliza Ibrahim, Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy, UTM
- Wafaa Hasan, Women & Gender Studies Institute, UofT
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Please note that this will be a photographed event. Please let photographers or staff know if you have any questions or would not like your photograph taken.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact UTM EDI Office: edio.utm@utoronto.ca
Queer Orientation @ UTM
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 @ 12 pm - 2 pm | DV 1102 (Spigel Hall)
We invite you to UTM's Queer Orientation. Please join us in celebrating all 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, faculty and librarians, as we welcome our new students to campus! The event will be taking place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm, in Spigel Hall (DV 1102) at UTM.
Queer Orientation is an opportunity for new UofT students to discover the wide array of resources at their fingertips on and off campus! In addition, this indoor picnic with light refreshments will include music, crafts, and games to encourage students to mingle and meet other queer and transgender students, as well as their allies! Blackwood Gallery, a hidden gem, will also be offering a tour to and around their space, showcasing their exciting new exhibition: “GUT_BRAIN 1: Destructive Desires and Other Destinies of Excess”. This is an event you do not want to miss, and everyone is welcome to come!
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Note: Photos and videos will be taken at this event and may be posted on social media. If have any questions or you do not want your photo captured, please inform an organizing staff member.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact Entisar Yusuf at the UTM EDI Office: e.yusuf@utoronto.ca
Queer Orientation (QO) is an annual series of 2SLGBTQ-centred programming across all three campuses of U of T during September. QO is an opportunity for new and returning students, staff, faculty and librarians to make connections with other 2SLGBTQ+ people, engage in activities and have discussions related to 2SLGBTQ+ communities at U of T.
Throughout the years, Queer Orientation has featured drag nights, dance parties, informational sessions, ice skating, games days/nights, and more! Be sure to check out the full schedule in September 2023 because there is definitely something for everyone. #UofTQO
Consult the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office's calendar for information on specific events.
Beats of Healing: Community through African Drumming
Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Maanjiwe nendamowinan 5th floor terrace
Drumming and drum circles are a part of the musical and cultural landscapes practiced by many communities. The African drum and drumming circles are often used to promote healing and self-expression; the drum is an effective tool in promoting well-being, releasing stress, breaking down barriers and uniting communities.
During these sessions, participants will engage in drumming and dialogue that honours the collective spirit of the U of T community and prioritizes community connection and restoration.
Facilitated by Negus Medhin (he/him), Master African-Caribbean Drummer, Singer, and Performer with Holistic Vibrancy.
Format: In-Person
Audience: Students, Staff, and Faculty (racialized members and allies) at the University of Toronto are welcome.
To learn more and register to attend this event, please visit the ARCDO website.
Photography/videography will occur at this event. Please let photographers or staff know if you have any questions or would not like your photograph taken.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office (EDIO): edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Laugh, Cry, Cringe: Storytelling Series
Falling Forward: The Power of Vulnerability
Thursday, November 2, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Maanjiwe nendamowinan 6th floor, MN 6128
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office and U of T Hart House are excited to host our next storytelling series; Laugh, Cry, Cringe with Christopher Thompson, Executive Director of The Federation of Black Canadians, about Falling Forward: The Power of Vulnerability. Chris will discuss his rise to leadership and the intersections of decision-making skills, failing, vulnerability and impact. He will take us on a storytelling journey of goal setting, experiential learning and a growth mindset. The aim is to empower community members as they navigate their academic and professional experiences. We encourage and invite all U of T students, staff, faculty, and librarians to attend.
The purpose of Laugh, Cry, Cringe: Storytelling Series is to create braver spaces to engage in conversations that explore personal stories and cultural narratives, while unmasking misconceptions about various groups/communities/people.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Photos and videos will be taken at this event and may be posted on social media. If you have any questions or you do not want your photo captured, please inform an organizing staff member.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office (EDIO): edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Black Table Talk
Thursday, November 9, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Presentation Room, Student Centre
Please join us in celebrating Black students, staff, faculty and librarians, as we honour the culture at UTM's annual Black Table Talk.
Black Table Talk is an empowering and inspiring exploration of Blackness at UTM. The Fall Welcome (Back) Event is an in-person session open to U of T Black students, staff, faculty, and librarians to collectively co-create spaces that enhance the Black experience at UTM and to strengthen community connections.
Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP at the earliest, as there will only be 60 seats available.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Hosted by the UTM: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office, Department of Management, Human Resources, Office of the Registrar, Connections & Conversations, Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology, and Centre for Student Engagement.
Photos and videos will be taken at this event and may be posted on social media. If you have any questions or you do not want your photo captured, please inform an organizing staff member.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact Entisar Yusuf, UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office (EDIO): e.yusuf@utoronto.ca.
Inclusion in Action Speaker Series
Centering Justice and Human Rights in What We Say and Do About Environmental Racism and Climate Change Inequities
Thursday, November 30, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Zoom
Indigenous, Black, and other racialized and marginalized communities are disproportionately vulnerable to the climate crisis resulting from their greater exposure to environmental racism in the form of pollution and contamination from nearby industry, as well as their residence in regions where they are more likely to be impacted by rising sea levels, disappearing shorelines, frequent and heavy rainfall, raging storms and floods, intense heat waves, increasing wildfire, and poor air quality that hit them first and worst.
In this presentation, Dr. Ingrid Waldron (Professor & HOPE Chair in Peace and Health, Global Peace and Social Justice Program, Faculty of Humanities, McMaster University) will discuss the relationship between environmental racism and climate change inequities and their impacts in Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized communities in Canada. She will examine Canada’s role in creating and maintaining environmental racism and climate change inequities by highlighting how the relationship between environmental racism and climate change inequities is rooted in “place” or geography, slavery and colonialism, and a legacy of structural inequities in these communities. Using environmental and climate justice frameworks that are premised on justice, human rights and civil rights, Dr. Waldron will discuss how she has been addressing environmental racism and climate change impacts through her organizations, as well as the role of government, institutions of higher education, and the public in addressing these issues.
Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility Information for Zoom.
Audience: Faculty, Staff, Students, and External Community Members
Participation: Participants will be invited to ask questions towards the end of the session.
Cost: Free
Further information and registration.
Accessibility: If you have any accessibility questions or are looking for further information on how we might support your participation including accommodation requests, please contact s.baig@utoronto.ca, and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.
Black Career Pathways in Law
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | In-person UTM Student Centre (Rm. 170A) and Online
Join us for Black Career Pathways in Law - an event for Black-identifying students and new graduates to hear from Black professionals, network, build community and create meaningful change for their own career pathways in law.
The event will consist of two panel discussions (Black-identifying law students and lawyers), who will share stories of their experiences navigating their careers.
Through a moderated Q&A and audience participation, attendees will:
- Learn about diverse career options in law
- Gain insight about pathways to law school and financial aid
- Enhance their understanding of legal education
- Discover tips for preparing for law school
- Hear about life within law school
- Understand how to apply the skills learned within law school
- Connect directly with Black law students and lawyers
Refreshments will be provided.
Please note that this event is directed to self-identifying Black students and recent graduates to collectively create a space that enhances the Black experience at UTM and strengthens community connections, but all are welcome to attend.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Please contact Alumni Relations (alumni.utm@utoronto.ca) if you require information in an alternate format, or if any other arrangements can make this event accessible to you.
Hosted by UTMSU, UTM Black Future Lawyers, Black Literature & Arts, UTM Career Centre, UTM Alumni Relations, and UTM Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office.
Black History Month - Welcome Ceremony
Friday, February 2, 2024 @ 5:00 pm | Kaneff Rotunda
The Welcome Ceremony marks the beginning of Black History Month at UTM held by the UTM Students' Union, Black@UTM at the Office of the Vice-President and Principal, and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office. This event brings all Black-identifying staff, students, faculty, and alumni together to celebrate the month, create a safe space based on lived experiences, and engage in cultural games.
Dinner and refreshments will be provided.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Note: Photos and videos will be taken at this event and may be posted on social media. If you have any questions or you do not want your photo captured, please inform an organizing staff member.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact Entisar Yusuf, UTM EDI Office at: e.yusuf@utoronto.ca
Paint and Soul
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | UTM Student Centre Presentation Room
Please join us in celebrating Black History Month by attending Paint and Soul; a chance to tap into your creativity and unwind in a paint session led by award-winning artist, Samantha Dennis. In this inspiring and meditative paint session you will also have to opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation surrounding Blackness while creating beautiful art.
This event is directed to self-identifying Black students, staff, faculty, and librarians to give space for creative expression, but all are welcome to attend.
Note: 30 spaces available; please register early.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact Entisar Yusuf, UTM EDI Office at: e.yusuf@utoronto.ca.
Hosted by the UTM International Education Centre and Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Office.
Black History Month Luncheon
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Maanjiwe nendamowinan (MN) 6128
Join a community gathering and lunch as a chance to build and strengthen connections. It will also be an opportunity to engage in disrupting narratives about what Black history means and recognize the powerful influences of Black individuals and communities across the country and beyond.
The community gathering will include an Afro-Caribbean lunch and group viewing of Michaëlle Jean's poignant keynote address at the 22nd Annual Black History Month Luncheon hosted by the Department of University Advancement and Hart House.
All UTM students, staff, faculty, and librarians are welcome.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
For details on the luncheon presented by Division of University Advancement in partnership with Hart House, visit the Hart House Events Calendar.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact the UTM EDI Office at: edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Laugh, Cry, Cringe Storytelling Series: Catalina (Cata) Alvarez Elias
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (ET) | DV 3129 or Zoom (virtual)
Culture Shock: A Latin American Searching for Community in Canada
We are excited to host our next storytelling series: Laugh, Cry, Cringe with Cata Alvarez Elias about culture shock. Although Cata comes with a wealth of knowledge from studying medicine, pediatrics, and pediatric nephrology, she will focus her storytelling about her identity as a Latin Amercian, and the culture shock that she experienced upon arriving to Canada. The aim is to empower and embrace newcomers as they navigate their journey of settling in a new country.
The purpose of Laugh, Cry, Cringe: Storytelling Series is to create braver spaces to engage in conversations that explore personal stories and cultural narratives, while unmasking misconceptions about various groups/communities/people.
All U of T students, staff, faculty, and librarians are welcome to attend.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Please note that this will be a photographed event. Please let photographers or staff know if you have any questions or would not like your photograph taken.
If you have any questions about the event or accessibility accommodation requests, please contact the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office at edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Black at UTM Launch
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 between 11:45 am - 2:30 pm (ET) | Student Centre Presentation Room
Welcoming all UTM campus community members to join the UTM Anti-Black Racism Operational Group in celebration of the UTM Anti-Black Racism Dashboard: Black at UTM launch on March 8, 2023.
Drop-in between 11:45 am to 2:30 pm for a sneak peek at UTM's Anti-Black Racism Dashboard. Remarks will begin at 12:00 pm. Come out and:
- Engage in interactive demos and discussion
- Learn more about UTM's efforts to counter anti-Black racism
- Enjoy some delicious cuisine, win some giveaways, and have a good time!
Hosted by the UTM Anti-Black Racism Operational Group which has been supporting the implementation of the U of T Anti-Black Racism Task Force Report recommendations at UTM since February 2022.
Please note that this will be a photographed event. Please let photographers or staff know if you have any questions or would not like your photograph taken.
If you have any questions about the event or accessibility accommodation requests, please contact the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office at edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Pitch with a Twist: International Women's Day Pitch Competition
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (ET) | UTM, Innovation Complex Rotunda
In support of International Women's Day, we are proud to announce the Pitch with a Twist event is fast approaching.
In addition to start-up finalists competing for cash and in-kind prizes, we are also super excited to have Lesley Hampton - Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer - as this year's keynote speaker! Lesley has been featured in the Globe and Mail, and VOGUE has declared her as having the "#1 Canadian Brand to keep an eye on".
Be ready to enjoy the night by supporting some great ideas, amplifying underrepresented voices, and enjoying some delicious food.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Please note that this will be a photographed event. Please let photographers or staff know if you have any questions or would not like your photograph taken.
If you have any questions about the event or accessibility accommodation requests, please contact the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office at edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Celebrating Black Excellence: Addressing Wellness & Finance
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (ET) | Davis 3140 (UTM Room).
Join the UTM EDI Office, Centre for Student Engagement, and Career Centre for a lunchtime gathering: Celebrating Black Excellence.
Asante Haughton and Jamie Sodhi will share their stories and their lived experience to provide critical advice to students. They will share real-life challenges and implications that one faces in the workplace and academia because of one’s skin colour, ethnicity, country of origin, cultural or religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, and accents - offering tools and strategies to navigate those challenges. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to eat, learn and reflect on strategies to manage your wellness and finance.
UTM Black Alumni and Student Reunion
Saturday, June 1, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Maanjiwe nendamowinan (MN)
Join fellow UTM Black-identifying alumni and students for a luncheon and networking event. Hear about the U of T Black Alumni Association and Black at UTM, an initiative which aims to showcase Black excellence and make UTM a welcoming environment where Black students, staff, faculty and librarians feel included, inspired, safe and celebrated. Alumni and students will also have the opportunity to participate in a speed networking activity.
All are welcome, but please note this event is guided toward self-identifying Black alumni and students in an effort to collectively create a space that enhances the Black experience at UTM, and strengthens community connections.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact the UTM EDI Office at: edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Painting Workshop with Tristan McTague
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Maanjiwe nendamowinan building, MN6104
UTM Office of Indigenous Initiatives, in partnership with the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office and UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office, invites all staff, faculty, librarians, and students to a painting workshop with Anishinaabe artist, Tristan McTague. Tristan will share techniques used to create his beautiful paintings. No prior experience is needed, and materials will be provided.
Indigenous staff, faculty, librarians, and students will be prioritized. Participants’ spot in the workshop will be confirmed prior to the event. Light refreshments will be provided. A waitlist will be created and participants will be notified.
About the Facilitator: Tristan McTague is an emerging Anishinaabe artist, curator, and educator from Whitefish River First Nations, he grew up and is located in the city of Toronto, Ontario. His practice predominately focuses on large scale acrylic and oil paintings tackling a variety of themes. Inspired by; the macabre, his sexuality and culture, Tristan's work tends to float around depicting these subjects. Wanting to bring forth discussion in his work, transgressive aspects are often the focal point. Tristan is currently enrolled in a Bachelors of Fine Art of Drawing and Painting with a minor of Art History at OCAD University; he is expected to graduate in 2025.
Learn more and register to attend this event.
Please note, the UTM Indigenous Centre will send a confirmation email to confirm your registration.
If you require accommodation(s) to attend this in-person event, please email faith.desmoulin@utoronto.ca
Display Your Pride Event
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm | Location: Student Services Hub, Meeting Room South 2223
The UTM Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office welcomes campus community to drop-by for fun activities that celebrate and honour Pride.
Learn more about this year's Display Your Pride and tri-campus Pride-related programming at the U of T PRIDE Calendar.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact the UTM EDI Office at: edio.utm@utoronto.ca.
Caribbean Lyme
Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Blind Duck Pub Lounge and Patio in the Student Centre at UTM
Caribbean Lyme is a lively and vibrant celebration of UTM’s rich Caribbean culture and heritage. Designed with you in mind, join us for your ultimate summer celebration. Come jam to the sweet sounds of Soca tunes, satisfy your taste buds with delicious Caribbean cuisine, and catch up with Caribbean community members - this is an event you do not want to miss!
Please RSVP at the earliest, as there will only be 50 seats available.
Note: Photos and videos will be taken at this event and may be posted on social media. If have any questions or you do not want your photo captured, please inform an organizing staff member.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact Entisar Yusuf, UTM EDI Office at: e.yusuf@utoronto.ca
Hosted by the UTM:
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
Centre for Student Engagement
International Education Centre
Connections & Conversations
Black @UTM