2014 had many diversity-related stories. Many were cause for concern and highlight the need for us to redouble our efforts and commitment to social justice.
2014 brought us scandals, thanks to Jian Ghomeshi, Parliament Hill, Bill Cosby, and other individuals and institutions. There also wasn't a shortage of racist behaviour (see The Adventures of Diva Rachel for her compilation of Canada's most racists moments of 2014). There were great also moments of triumph that show that we are making progress, such as the first Black girl cast in a lead role in a Hollywood movie. But perhaps this year will be best remembered for the activism of African Americans, African Canadians, and allies protesting the unequal treatment of Blacks by police. Their persistent protesting helped increase mainstream consciousness of the systemic racism that persists throughout North America.
Not all of the noteworthy diversity moments of 2014 are cringe-worthy and in fact some of the bad moments have a silver lining. Even the good moments highlight how much further Canadian society still needs to go on this journey.
As we close out 2014 and look forward to 2015, I have compiled my list of Canadian diversity-related stories that highlight the gains we’ve made and hint at wins to come.
2014 brought us scandals, thanks to Jian Ghomeshi, Parliament Hill, Bill Cosby, and other individuals and institutions. There also wasn't a shortage of racist behaviour (see The Adventures of Diva Rachel for her compilation of Canada's most racists moments of 2014). There were great also moments of triumph that show that we are making progress, such as the first Black girl cast in a lead role in a Hollywood movie. But perhaps this year will be best remembered for the activism of African Americans, African Canadians, and allies protesting the unequal treatment of Blacks by police. Their persistent protesting helped increase mainstream consciousness of the systemic racism that persists throughout North America.
Not all of the noteworthy diversity moments of 2014 are cringe-worthy and in fact some of the bad moments have a silver lining. Even the good moments highlight how much further Canadian society still needs to go on this journey.
As we close out 2014 and look forward to 2015, I have compiled my list of Canadian diversity-related stories that highlight the gains we’ve made and hint at wins to come.