A letter from Sheridan Student
Union Board of Directors in solidarity
against anti-Black racism. 

Like many of you, we have been reminded of the ongoing reality of anti-Black racism not only in the United States, but also in Canada and around the world.  As student leaders we feel it is important to recognize racism both here and abroad, and the effects that it has on the students we serve.

At Sheridan Student Union, our vision is to empower our student community to succeed in a changing world.  Reflecting on this, we must recognize that our world is changing, and we will all be part of leading our communities through this change.  We recognize our roles as young leaders in one of Canada’s - and the world’s – most diverse communities.

Sheridan Student Union condemns racism in all of its forms. People experience racism in many ways, and recent events focus us on the systemic injustice of anti-Black racism that must be addressed. We acknowledge the lived experiences of Black students and their families, and condemn the ongoing existence of anti-Black racism in our communities, and around the world.

As always, we remain committed to better serving the students of Sheridan College and creating a safe and inclusive space for all students. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves and commit to the long, intentional work that is required to create a lasting, positive change. 

As members of this diverse community, we ask that you join us in this commitment. 

Educate yourselves. Have difficult conversations. If you choose, participate in safe, peaceful protest. Seek out the support you need. Speak your truth. Learn how you can be a better ally. 

We see you. We hear you. And we stand in solidarity with all who aim to eradicate racism. 

Black Lives Matter.

To further our support, the SSU has put together a list of resources,
ways to get involved and continued learning:

community

Sheridan Black Students Association

The Black Students Association is a group of Black students and allies who aim to promote black excellence and representation across Sheridan. We hope to take a stand against any kind of discrimination against any of our members and allies regardless of race, religious background, gender, or sexual orientation. We hope to share Black culture across Sheridan and create an environment of togetherness.

Get in touch:

If you want to get involved, contact Stephanie Garrick, Club President at:
garricks@sheridancollege.ca

Sheridan Black Students Association is hosting a Solidarity March against anti-black racism at Sheridan

Saturday, June 13, 2020, from 12pm to 2pm at the Hazel McCallion Campus.

For more information, click here.

support

read

watch

• 13th: In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. Available on Netflix. 

• Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement: A documentary film starring Jesse Williams about the Black Lives Matter movement, and the events that led to the uprising of the movement. Available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. 

• Fruitvale Station: Fruitvale Station is based on the events leading to the death of Oscar Grant, a young man who was killed in 2009 at the Fruitvale district station of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system in Oakland. Available on Amazon Prime Video. 

• I Am Not Your Negro: This 2016 documentary is based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript Remember This House. It’s a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. Available on YouTube and Google Play Movies & TV. 

• Selma: Selma is a historical drama that is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by James Bevel, Hosea Williams, Martin Luther King Jr., and John Lewis. Available on YouTube and Google Play Movies & TV. 

listen

FOLLOW ALONG

1. @thegreatunlearn: A community of everyday human beings committed to curiosity for what is possible in the world. 

2. @theconsciouskid: An account that’s focus is parenting and education through a critical race lens. 

3. @thefreeblackwomenslibrary: This Instagram account is centred on celebrating the art, writing and lives of Black women. 

4. @rachel.cargle: Rachel Elizabeth Cargle is working on building an intellectual legacy through teaching, storytelling and critical discourse. She is also the curator behind @thegreatunlearn. 

5. @iamrachelricketts: Rachel Ricketts is a racial justice educator, spiritual activist, change maker, healer and author. 

resources and communities

GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED

A crisis or traumatic event can trigger overwhelming emotional responses. People are impacted and respond to these events in different ways. There is no reason to suffer in silence. We encourage anyone who is struggling to seek professional help.

SHERIDAN COUNSELLING SERVICES

Any students seeking comfort and support are able to access Counselling Services by calling The Centre for Student Success at:

Davis Campus: (905) 459 -7533 ext. 5400
Hazel McCallion Campus: (905) 459 - 7533 ext. 2528 Trafalgar Road Campus: (905) 845 - 9430 ext. 2557

You can also email askanadvisor@sheridancollege.ca to make an appointment with a Counsellor.

SHERIDAN STUDENT UNION EMPOWER ME SERVICE

Sheridan Student Union Health and Dental coverage includes Empower Me, which allows students to connect with qualified counsellors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues.

As a Sheridan student, you are entitled to sessions delivered in person, by telephone, by video-counselling, or by e-counselling.

Contact them at their toll free number, 1-844-741-6389 or visit the Empower Me Login page.