The Skin We're In

1. Canada's history of anti-Black racism persists in modern policing and institutions

White supremacy is never personal, never individual, never isolated. The historic problems I explore in this book are not a matter of some police being too rough, or some government programs being too poorly funded. They have nothing to do with the political leaning of a particular government or the intentions of powerful people. We're talking about a system of power that seeks to benefit white people above all others.

Systemic racism in Canada. The roots of anti-Black racism in Canada trace back to the country's history of slavery and colonialism. This legacy continues to shape modern institutions, particularly in law enforcement and criminal justice. Police carding practices disproportionately target Black individuals, while racial profiling remains prevalent across the country.

Institutional barriers. Black Canadians face systemic barriers in education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Despite Canada's reputation for multiculturalism, studies show persistent wage gaps, higher unemployment rates, and lower educational outcomes for Black Canadians compared to their white counterparts. These disparities are not coincidental, but rather the result of deeply ingrained racist policies and practices that have evolved over generations.

Denial and minimization. There is a tendency in Canadian society to downplay the existence and impact of anti-Black racism, often by comparing it favorably to the United States. This "racism lite" narrative serves to obscure the very real challenges faced by Black Canadians and impedes meaningful progress towards racial equity.

2. Black communities in Canada face ongoing struggles with police brutality and surveillance

When police speak about their roles in taking civilians' lives, they tell us that their violence, although regrettable, is inevitable.

Disproportionate use of force. Black individuals in Canada are more likely to be subjected to police violence, including fatal encounters. High-profile cases like the deaths of Andrew Loku and Abdirahman Abdi have highlighted the urgent need for police reform and accountability.

Surveillance and carding. Police practices like carding (street checks) disproportionately target Black communities, violating privacy rights and eroding trust in law enforcement. Despite public outcry and some policy changes, these practices persist in various forms across Canadian cities.

Lack of accountability. Investigations into police misconduct often fail to result in meaningful consequences for officers involved in violent incidents against Black individuals. This lack of accountability perpetuates a culture of impunity within police forces and deepens the distrust between law enforcement and Black communities.

3. Activism and community organizing are crucial for advancing Black rights in Canada

Black people just can't win in this white supremacist construct called Canada, which only exists through the ongoing genocide and subjugation of Indigenous peoples and the theft and destruction of their traditional Indigenous territories.

Grassroots movements. Organizations like Black Lives Matter - Toronto have been instrumental in raising awareness about anti-Black racism and pushing for policy changes. Their actions, including protests and direct interventions at public meetings, have forced conversations about racial justice into the mainstream.

Intersectional approach. Effective activism in Canada often involves coalition-building between Black communities and other marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples and LGBTQ+ individuals. This intersectional approach recognizes the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression.

Challenges and backlash. Activists face significant pushback from institutions and segments of the public resistant to change. Media portrayals often misrepresent or delegitimize protest actions, while some politicians and public figures attempt to discredit the movement's goals and tactics.

4. Immigration policies and deportations disproportionately impact Black Canadians

Canada knows its efforts to restrict Black immigration to the United States, and by extension to Canada, are good for bargaining. We may not have invented this global game of restricting Black people's movements, but we know how to play.

Historical context. Canada's immigration policies have long been shaped by racist ideologies, with explicit efforts to limit Black immigration dating back to the early 20th century. While overt racial discrimination in immigration law has been eliminated, systemic biases persist in policy implementation and enforcement.

Deportation risks. Black immigrants, especially those from Caribbean and African countries, face higher risks of deportation due to various factors, including over-policing and racial profiling. The case of Abdoul Abdi, who faced deportation after growing up in the Canadian child welfare system, highlights the intersecting failures of multiple institutions.

Temporary status and precarity. Many Black immigrants in Canada exist in a state of precarity, with temporary work permits or refugee status that limit their rights and access to services. This vulnerability can be exploited by employers and makes it difficult for individuals to fully integrate into Canadian society.

5. Canada's education system perpetuates racial inequities and discrimination

Never have I been more grateful for flowers. The spring blossoms are finally here and I'm their paparazzo. No garden within two feet of the sidewalk escapes my glance, and I compulsively snap pictures on my phone.

Disproportionate discipline. Black students in Canadian schools face higher rates of suspension and expulsion compared to their white peers, often for similar infractions. This "school-to-prison pipeline" pushes many Black youth out of the education system and into contact with the criminal justice system.

Curriculum biases. Canadian school curricula often lack adequate representation of Black history and contributions, perpetuating a Eurocentric worldview. When Black experiences are included, they are frequently limited to discussions of slavery or filtered through a white lens.

Streaming and low expectations. Black students are disproportionately streamed into lower academic tracks, limiting their future educational and career opportunities. This practice is often rooted in racist assumptions about Black intellectual capabilities and potential.

6. Media representation and public discourse often reinforce anti-Black stereotypes

The false promise of objectivity in journalism reinforces white supremacy. My activism is my writing, and in the fight for Black life, I am by necessity an actor and critic at the same time.

Biased reporting. Mainstream Canadian media often perpetuates negative stereotypes about Black communities, particularly in crime reporting and coverage of protests. This biased framing shapes public perception and can justify discriminatory policies.

Lack of diverse voices. Black journalists and media professionals are underrepresented in Canadian newsrooms, limiting the perspectives and experiences reflected in news coverage. When Black voices are included, they are often expected to conform to white-centric narratives and standards.

Social media activism. Black Canadians have increasingly turned to social media platforms to share their experiences, challenge mainstream narratives, and organize for change. While these spaces provide important outlets for marginalized voices, they also expose activists to online harassment and surveillance.

7. Black LGBTQ+ communities face intersectional challenges and erasure

BLM-TO didn't ask permission before stopping the 2016 parade, so the fact they appeared a year later without notice wasn't at all surprising. The Canadian public was still upset by a Black activist group's insistence on expressing dissent at Pride.

Invisibility and erasure. Black LGBTQ+ individuals often face erasure within both Black and LGBTQ+ communities, struggling to find spaces that fully embrace all aspects of their identities. This invisibility extends to media representation, support services, and community organizing.

Heightened vulnerability. The intersection of racial and sexual/gender discrimination leaves Black LGBTQ+ people particularly vulnerable to violence, poverty, and health disparities. These challenges are often exacerbated by limited access to culturally competent support services.

Resistance and celebration. Despite these obstacles, Black LGBTQ+ Canadians have created vibrant communities and cultural spaces, such as Blockorama at Toronto Pride. These initiatives celebrate intersectional identities and push for greater inclusivity within broader LGBTQ+ and Black movements.

8. Child welfare and criminal justice systems fail Black youth in Canada

Abdoul Abdi was scheduled to be released from prison in Dorchester, New Brunswick, on January 4, 2018. Asha had been told that Abdoul would be sent to a halfway house in Toronto where he would live under strict supervision while he reacquainted himself with life out of prison.

Overrepresentation in care. Black children are disproportionately represented in Canada's child welfare system, often due to systemic biases and racist assumptions about Black families. Once in care, these children face higher risks of negative outcomes, including lower educational attainment and increased likelihood of criminal justice involvement.

Criminalization of youth. Black youth are more likely to be perceived as threats and criminalized from a young age, leading to higher rates of arrest and incarceration. This early contact with the criminal justice system can have lifelong consequences, limiting future opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization.

Lack of support services. There is a critical lack of culturally appropriate support services for Black youth in Canada, particularly those dealing with mental health issues or trauma. This gap leaves many vulnerable young people without the resources they need to thrive.

9. Black Canadians continue to resist through art, culture, and grassroots movements

Never have I been more grateful for water, for the sun to dry my feet on the other side, for loving friendship, for life.

Cultural preservation. Despite historical and ongoing attempts at erasure, Black Canadians have maintained rich cultural traditions and created new forms of expression. From music and literature to visual arts and dance, these cultural practices serve as both a form of resistance and a celebration of Black identity.

Community-building. Grassroots organizations and community initiatives play a crucial role in supporting Black Canadians. These efforts range from mentorship programs and educational support to legal advocacy and political organizing.

Intergenerational activism. Young Black Canadians are building on the legacy of previous generations of activists, using new technologies and tactics to push for change. This ongoing struggle for equity and justice demonstrates the resilience and determination of Black communities in the face of persistent systemic racism.

Last updated: August 21, 2024