Recommendations and Activities:
5.2
5.2
2024 Update
- Engaged a Special Advisor on Public art to:
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- Expand and continue the initiative of commissioning large scale public art by Black artists celebrating Black excellence and experiences.
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- Channel and integrate art commissions by Black artists or existing artworks by Black artists into the various Campus building and renovation processes as well as special occasions.
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2022 Update
- Coordinating Art Installation Project to celebrate Black excellence and experiences in Canada.
Other Efforts:
Campus-wide operational group
- Leading campus-wide operational group to implement commitments of U of T’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force.
Leadership Tables
- Organizing leadership tables to support and promote Black faculty and staff.
Created new senior position
- Created new senior position of Special Advisor, Anti-Racism and Equity.
Created Office of Black Initiatives
2024 Updates
- Created the Office of Black Initiatives, resourcing the team with two new full-time staff positions and seven work-study students to advance commitments of U of T’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force.
- Leveraged our operational group against anti-Black racism to advance campus-wide initiatives, including work to start the Black Opportunities Fund, celebrate Black stories in institutional communications, and promote accountability through the Black inclusion and excellence dashboard.
- Organized the Black Leadership Advisory Committee to enable professional development of Black staff.
- Launched our Black @ UTM website as a new first stop for Black events, resources, and belonging.
- Designed and delivered Black-centered student and community events, including Black on the Shelf, Pages of Colour, and the faculty and staff Welcome Back Social, among many others.
- Collaborated with CSE on two new awards recognizing leadership in Black excellence and belonging.
- Worked with conference services and hospitality provider to expand campus menu to reflect the diversity of African, Caribbean, and other Black-centered cuisines.