In 2020, Centennial College released the Anti-Black Racism Institutional Report, which documented structural, cultural, and systemic barriers faced by Black students, faculty, and staff. The report provided actionable recommendations and underscored the need for sustained institutional commitment to dismantling inequities in teaching, learning, and working environments.
As part of the College’s continued response, the position of Professor, Anti-Black Racism and Critical Race Education was established. This role leads initiatives that advance anti-racist pedagogy, strengthen equity-focused teaching and learning, and foster inclusive environments where Black communities can thrive. Consultation and collaboration with faculty and staff are central to this work.
Anti-Black Racism and Critical Race Education Portfolio Launch
The inaugural portfolio launched with a Centennial College wide Black Faculty and Staff Meet and Greet session. This session focused on intentional, relationship-centred gathering for Black faculty to connect with one another outside of moments of crisis, consultation, or institutional demand and prioritized early relationship-building, trust, and visibility across Faculties and the College as a necessary foundation for sustainable and accountable anti-Black racism and critical race education work, in alignment with the Anti-Black Racism Task Force Report (2022).
Designed exclusively for Black faculty, the gathering recognized the distinct positionalities, lived experiences, and intellectual labour they navigate within postsecondary institutions shaped by anti-Black racism, and demonstrated support, psychological safety, mutual recognition, and community-building as a relational starting point grounded in connection and collective presence and responsibility.
Establishment of a Black Faculty and Staff Community of Practice (CoP)
The launch of the portfolio launch conversation and dialogue resulted in a shared commitment to establish a Black Faculty and Staff Community of Practice (CoP).
This CoP is envisioned as:
- An ongoing space for dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration
- A mechanism for knowledge-sharing and collective problem-solving
- A foundational structure to inform future consultations, professional learning, and institutional strategy
Curriculum and Program Development and Review Resources
During the inaugural year in the new portfolio, the Professor of Anti-Black Racism and Critical Race Theory Education has developed an Anti-Black Racism Engagement Plan which outlines the key components to be included in all new program developments and reviews.
The engagement plan is grounded in Centennial College’s institutional commitments outlined in the 2021 Anti-Black Racism Task Force Report, aligns with the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education (2021), and upholds Canada’s obligations under the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015 - 2024) and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy (2024 - 2028).
Informed by these policy frameworks, the plan provides guidance to foster meaningful engagement with Black communities and perspectives during new program development or review. It also draws on Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles of Black Cultural Values): unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith to offer a holistic approach to building equity-centered programs.
Addressing Anti-Black racism is not only a matter of social justice but also a commitment to educational excellence and institutional integrity. Every discipline, whether technology, business, health, design, or social services, operates within systems shaped by racial inequities.
Embedding Anti-Black Racism Learning Outcomes and lens in program development, enables students to:
- Develop critical racial literacy and ethical awareness.
- Recognize and challenge systemic discrimination.
- Engage in inclusive, equitable, and justice-oriented professional practice.
Anti-Black Racism Engagement also celebrates the brilliance, creativity, and contributions of people of African descent across disciplines, cultures, and generations. It ensures that learning environments reflect both the struggle against systemic racism and the rich traditions of resilience, innovation, and community-building that define the African diaspora.
Initiatives and Resources to advance anti-racist pedagogy and strengthen equity-focused teaching and learning
The Professor of Anti-Black Racism and Critical Race Education in collaboration with College-wide faculty and staff hosted the Future of Black Excellence Symposium which honoured Black History Month and celebrated Black Excellence in education at Centennial College.