Events

The Beaver Dam, Med-Line Student Commons, Huron University at Western, 1349 Western Road, London, ON, N6G1H3

Join us on November 1st (Medline Student Commons in the Frank Holmes Centre, Huron University) for a student panel showcasing the project, Our Roots in Activism: Finding Agency and Allyship in Histories of Anti-racist Mobilization in Canada. Three student researchers will share their work for the project in an informal panel discussion moderated by project co-investigators Drs. Nassisse Solomon and Nina Reid-Maroney. Lunch is provided!

About the project: Our Roots in Activism is a Knowledge Synthesis project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). By bridging academic and community knowledge, we seek to enhance modern anti-racist education, policy, and practice. Community organizations and activists play a pivotal role in informing the state of antiracist history in Canada and can aid us in shaping a positive path to an anti-racist future for Canada.   

Jeff Preston, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chair of Disability Studies at King's University College at Western University where he teaches classes on disability, popular culture and policy.

Dr. Preston will highlight the use of disability to win Oscars, which has been written about ad nauseam, but what about all the other films that represent disability? Invalid Culture is a podcast that invites disability scholars and activists to explore pop culture-adjacent films that never quite broke through because, well, they’re just awful. Will these films, free from the chains of profitability and Oscar-baiting offer a different vision of disability? Or will they merely (badly) reproduce common tropes of disability? Join podcast co-host Jeff Preston as he shares thoughts on diving deep into the abyss of strange films “about” disability and some of the (sometimes remarkable) crip histories behind these texts that often goes unrecorded.

As we prepare for Trans Week of Awareness and Trans Day of Remembrance, The 519 Community Centre will help shine a light on the origins and relevance of these days of significance, and illuminate what becomes possible when we focus on tangible action. Gain insights into why allyship is so necessary, and learn concrete ways you can play a role in making positive change.

• Gain knowledge about the history of days of significance for trans communities
• Learn how to spot and directly confront transphobia and cissexism
• Take away concrete steps for practicing trans-affirming allyship

Join us for an enlightening and crucial discussion on the importance of equity in our healthcare system. This session will feature speakers from London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) Indigenous Health and Black Health, and the Director EDIB at St. Joseph’s Health Care (SJHC). It will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sukhi Bains from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

This session will explore the disparities in health outcomes among equity-denied communities and share strategies for promoting inclusivity and accessibility within hospital settings. The speakers will also discuss specific initiatives and efforts underway at LHSC to improve health equity. Through their insights and experiences, you will gain a deeper understanding of the critical role hospitals play in advancing health equity systemically so that all individuals receive the care experiences and health outcomes they deserve.

The event will be hybrid and snacks and refreshments will be offered for in-person attendees. To attend in-person in DSB, reserve a spot!

Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (DR. ABC) is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in Leadership for Racial Justice in Education in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL) at the University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). 

This session will engage participants in exploring how traditional leadership ideas around equity and inclusion in some cases, must be challenged, reimagined, or developed to foster brave, safe, and inclusive environments. This is an engagement where we encourage leaders to begin with self-awareness and examination of their readiness level, evaluate their present practices, and look intentionally at working with moral courage, empathy and care to disrupt inaction and performative advocacy which has become commonplace in many spaces. It is hoped that participants will leave not only motivated and inspired but also with practical tools to enhance their leadership lens to work at fostering a culture of belonging for all. Together, let’s challenge existing norms and empower leaders to align their styles with the values of EDI, racial/social justice and anti-oppressive practices. 

Location: The Frank Holmes Theatre (The Frank Holmes Centre for Leadership, Ethics & Entrepreneurship)

Join Huron University and Western University as we gather to celebrate the cultural and musical achievements of world-renowned composer/conductor Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) and members of the Rosé family. On Wednesday, October 30th from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Hernan Tesler-Mabé (Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Jewish Studies program at Huron University) will speak about the interplay between Gustav Mahler’s world and antisemitism. Director of the Music Library at Western University Brian McMillan will introduce us to the Gustav Mahler - Alfred Rosé Collection, one of the largest surviving bodies of primary source material of Gustav Mahler and his brother-in-law, violinist Arnold Rosé (1863-1946).

 

Terri Givens is a Professor of Political Science at McGill University and formerly the CEO of the Center for Higher Education Leadership. As the author of the book “Radical Empathy: Finding a Path to Bridging Racial Divides,” she is a sought after consultant and speaker on issues related to leadership and inclusion. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, politics, international affairs, and nonprofits. She is an accomplished speaker and uses her platform to develop leaders with an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion, while encouraging personal growth through empathy.

View the webinar

Western acknowledges and celebrates Black History Month, and encourages the campus and London communities to listen, learn and discuss. The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to host a number of events throughout February celebrating Black excellence. These events are free of charge, but advance registration is sometimes required. Please see event descriptions for more information. Everyone is welcome to attend.

View the Black History Month 2024 webpage

EDID Awareness Week 2023 is a collaboration between Western University, Brescia University College, Huron University College and King’s University College. The goal is to model unity in this work and bring a week of powerful learning and awareness to our campus communities and the City of London at large with regard to themes pertaining to decolonization, Indigeneity, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This year’s theme is Honouring our Ancestors by Coming Together to Work Towards Reconciliation and Equity. During the week of October 2 to 6, there will be day and evening events and activities to share education and awareness on the importance of decolonization, the realities of racism, disability rights, and faith systems, celebrating our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and shining a light on other equity-denied groups.

View the pre-recorded sessions for EDID Awareness Week

This year's Pride activities will be held on campus and virtually, alongside the London Pride Festival scheduled from July 13-23, 2023.

Visit the Western Pride Webpage  

Date: June 5, 2023, 6 to 7:15 p.m.  Location: Zoom (Virtual)

Dr. Zine, will discuss her new book, Under Siege: Islamophobia and the 9/11 Generation. This timely and important book delves into the impact of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent global "war on terror" on the lives of young Canadian Muslim youth who have come of age during these turbulent times. Dr. Zine unpacks the dynamics of Islamophobia as a system of oppression and explores its effects on the identities and experiences of Muslim youth in a post-9/11 world. This presentation provides a unique and comprehensive examination of the challenges faced by Muslim youth in the face of heightened anti-Muslim racism and the impact on their faith and identity.

 

Dates: Sunday 21st May, 4:30 pm, 11:30 pm

Monday 22nd May, 6:30 pm

Wednesday 24th May, 4:00 pm

Saturday 27th May, 6:00 am, 5:00 pm

Location: AFROGLOBAL TV INFO

2472 on Bell Fibe | 708 on Rogers Cable | 886 on Eastlink | 884 on Ignite | 2701 on Telus

Western University celebrates the inauguration of its Black Scholarships in honor of James Jenkins, Lieutenant-Colonel Kenneth Jacobs & Carmeta Thelma Hodges with keynote address by The Honorable Dr. Jean Augustine

Watch Event of Youtube

Date: May 24, 2023, 12 to 1:15 p.m.  Location: Zoom (Virtual)

Lydia X.Z. Brown, advocate, organizer, attorney, and writer. Join Lydia and gain insight into intersections of racial justice, disability justice, and Queer/Trans Liberation. Explore the impact of systemic violence, reflect on access, and learn strategies for promoting equity and justice. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge with Lydia X.Z. Brown. 

The 519 will be providing our Western community with a virtual workshop surrounding the topic of creating SAFE Queer and Trans Inclusive Spaces. This session will provide tools to engage in allyship and work together as a community to promote and uplift the 2SLGTBQQIA+ community at Western and beyond.

 

Western acknowledges and celebrates Black History Month, and encourages the campus and London communities to listen, learn and discuss.

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to host a number of events throughout February and March celebrating Black excellence. These events are free of charge, but advance registration is sometimes required. Please see event descriptions for more information. Everyone is welcome to attend.

View the full lineup of Black History Month events 

Samra’s work is deeply shaped by their Muslim faith, their experience as a refugee and an immigrant and their queerness. Unpacking the impact of all of those lived experiences informs their perspective and allows them to create work that explores the impact of those experiences on their life. In Samra’s talk, they will explore some of these ideas explored in their best-selling memoir We Have Always Been Here, including sharing stories of Queer Muslims around the world through a visual language and connecting the dots between their familial relationships and their identity.

View the full webinar

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to invite Dr. Brian Carwana, Executive Director of Encounter World Religions, to facilitate a discussion with local Faith Leaders, Pastor Sandie Thomas, Rabbi Seth Goran and Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal. These leaders will discuss how their communities of faith support members of the LGBTQ+ and help them feel included and valued. Rabbi Seth Goren: Hillel Ontario's Chief Executive Officer and PhD student at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. Pastor Sandie Thomas: Senior Pastor of Spiritual Blessing Lighthouse ministries in London ON and a church to serve her community in the Black Creek and Tretheway area of Toronto. Imam Abd Alfatah Twakkal: One of the founding members of the Council of Imams and the intercultural community relations coordinator at the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration in London.

View the full panel discussion

On May 17, 2020, we observed the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia. The focus was on breaking the silence – examining the many ways we must tell our stories, claim space, establish our voices, and ensure we are heard. This presentation will draw attention to the continued resistance needed in your organization where 2SLGBTQIA+ members of our community may remain “invisible” due to a myriad of reasons. In this workshop we examine the ways we must work at ensuring 2SLGBTQIA+ members are seen and heard. Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (ABC) has been an educator for over 25 years, presently at the University of Toronto and Queens University. He is also an author, workshop facilitator, and motivational speaker.

View the Webinar

This session will highlight the need for action against Islamophobia in our community. It will encourage attendees to consider tangible ways to demonstrate their solidarity with Muslim-identifying people. Participants will be prompted to think critically when demonstrating Allyship and will be offered practical considerations when intervening.

Our Guest Speaker, Rumina Morris is an Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression, Equity and Inclusion expert providing consulting and coaching services to leaders and organizations who are committed to affecting change. She has spent over 17 years in leadership positions where she has managed diverse teams in the human services sector and currently serves as the City of London's Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression.

View the full webinar

Amy Go, President of the Chinese Canadian National Council, will connect historical anti-Asian racism to the present context of systemic inequities experienced by Chinese and East Asian Canadian communities. Amy will highlight Chinese Canadian communities to generate discussions about identity development and building a sense of belonging within communities.

View the full webinar

As we celebrate Asian Heritage Month in Canada, it is critical to reflect on what this celebration means for Asian and non-Asian communities. Samya Hasan, Executive Director of the Council of Agencies serving South Asians (CASSA), will explore the colonial role in forming the Asian and South Asian identities. What does this mean for South Asian communities and non-profit and charity organizations serving these communities today? The session will also reflect on the state of the non-profit sector related to South Asian, other racialized, and immigrant communities. How has the pandemic impacted the role that the non-profit sector plays? Finally, the session will highlight the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians' (CASSA) 2022 South Asian Heritage Month campaign and the focus on mental health in South Asian communities.

View the full webinar

Black History Month is celebrated every February to honor, recognize, celebrate, and discuss the legacies of Black people in Canada and around the world. 

Western acknowledges and celebrates Black History Month, and encourages the campus and London communities to listen, learn and discuss.

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to host its inaugural virtual speaker series celebrating Black excellence. These events are free of charge, but advance registration is required. Everyone is welcome to attend.

View the speaker series website and videos