May 16th, 2022

Statement on Anti-Black Racism Shooting in Buffalo

About 13 months ago, I wrote a blog entitled no more anti-black racism. Earlier this year, I wrote about hate. The recent shooting in the Buffalo, New York, supermarket, motivated by hate and racism targeted Black people and it is reported that 10 people were murdered and several wounded. I am deeply saddened to be writing again about the urgent need to eliminate anti-Black racism and hate in all its forms.

Amidst mourning and protests, people are outraged that planned, deliberate violence against Black people continues to happen. I share this outrage.

Humber condemns all acts of hate. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and anti-racism to creating an environment in which everyone belongs and feels welcomed. Our community must continue our work to advance EDI and anti-racism throughout the College and beyond our neighbourhood and our borders.

Our recently launched EDI Framework and Strategy demonstrates our promise to speak out against injustice and to pursue the elimination of all forms of racism.

It is long past the time for anti-Black racism to end and all forms of racism and hatred to end. We are committed to making it happen.

The racist shooting in Buffalo will, no doubt, have an impact on the Humber community, particularly Black students, faculty and staff. Support is available for students and staff who may need it.

Students are welcome to access the team at The Black Student Support and Engagement program for specific community support and referrals in a safer space, and employees are welcome to reach out to the Black/African Employee Resource Group.

If you are looking for mental health counselling, you can contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre for support. You can also connect with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion.

If you would like to access services outside of Humber, below is a list of mental health services that support racialized communities:

We stand in solidarity with Black students, faculty and staff at Humber and the communities we serve. We will continue to lead courageously by always opposing and condemning hate in all forms and building on the strength of our values and the diversity of the Humber community.