The black deaf community is wholly shaped by two marginalized communities: deaf and African-American. For women, the prejudice may reach an intersectionality of three, experiencing sexism, racism, and communication barriers. The history of prejudice and segregation against black folk invented a dialect of American Sign Language (ASL), known simply as Black ASL. The discriminatory practices…
In February 2014, London-based, award winning journalist, Reni Eddo-Lodge published a blog titled, “Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race.” It explained the vastly recognized frustration that people of colour experience describing struggle to those who can’t wholly relate and refuse to listen. In the blog she explains, I cannot continue to…
White. Black. Mexican. Asian. Native American. Middle Eastern. Indian. What do these words really mean? And more importantly, why do we use these labels to differentiate between ourselves?
In the spring of 2014, Twitter erupted with a cunning media campaign that got #WeNeedDiverseBooks to trend globally. Beginning with support from authors who were hoping to “raise [their] voices into a roar that can’t be ignored”, the campaign caught like wildfire. However, almost a year later, I can’t help but fear that the movement has fallen out of…
Saturday August 3rd was the annual Calgary Color Me Rad event at the WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. It was a day to transform and add some sparkle into everyone’s lives. Volunteering there, I had the opportunity to see the color stations set up around the park to splash runners. The actual “color” is actually cornstarch…
Everyday superheros don’t wear capes or spandex, but they still manage to save the day – be it from cancer, boredom, or pollution. We all have those people in our lives who are so passionate and amazing at what they do – that someone should really give them an award! (Or maybe that person is…
The 2012 summer Olympics is only 54 days and 59 minutes away (as I’m typing this)! But you don’t have to wait that long to take part in the action. In fact, you may get to meet and greet potential medalists for the low price of two 4-hour shifts as a volunteer! What? You haven’t heard? Our…
The day you’ve been training for all season – all your life! – finally arriving The smell of the outdoors Lacing up your ratty, trusty runners Pulling on your team singlet Good old warm up: karaoke and A/C kicks When the officials call your name Peeling out and putting on your number sticker The anticipation…
Like many graduating high-schoolers, I will be applying for post-secondary education this year. In fact, compared to some of my colleagues, I am already one of the late ones to apply. This rush to grab available spots in universities is perhaps why one of the newest articles in Maclean’s magazine has caught my eye. The…