• Local Perspectives on the Niqab ban: Interpreting Quebec’s Bill 94

    23Apr
    Categories: Events Comments: 1

    In early 2010, the Jean Charest government proposed legislation which, if approved, by the National Assembly of Quebec, would deny essential government services, public employment, educational opportunities, and health care to people who wear facial coverings. Join us for a panel on Bill 94 from legal, feminist, and religious perspectives, followed by a discussion.

    Speakers:

    Dr.Mona Rahman – Active member for the Islamic Society of Kingston

    Dr. Beverly Baines – Department Head & Professor of Law, Queen’s University

    Dr. Dana Olwan – Assistant Professor, Gender Studies, Queen’s University

    Time and Location:

    6:30 PM on Tuesday, April 27.  Wilson Room, KFPL Central Branch (130 Johnson St.)

    We encourage individuals and community organizations to endorse the No Bill 94 campaign. For more information or to endorse the campaign statement, please go tononbill94.wordpress.com and join the Facebook group at:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115876751763202.

    For more information, please contact nobill94kingston@gmail.com.

  • Now available, cultureSHOCK! vol.11 (2010)

    07Apr
    Categories: Media Comments: 3

    Pick up your copy of cultureSHOCK vol.11 today!  Available on campus.  You can also check out the audio tracks featuring pieces in this issue on our media page.

    cultureSHOCK! mandate:

    CultureSHOCK! is an anti-racist publication that strives to provide a forum of artistic expression for those who have been historically, and are currently, marginalized.

    cultureSHOCK! is a space for voices that are systematically excluded in the editorial process of other media and publications, which are dominated by white voices.

    cultureSHOCK! seeks to give a space to people who have been rendered voiceless and feel invisible, allowing them to express their voices in whichever style and medium they choose.

    cultureSHOCK!’s goal is to expand the singular notion of culture to include those who feel like their existence is an impossibility here at Queen’s in the culture of whiteness.

    cultureSHOCK! is working hard for change.

    The following are tracks from cultureSHOCK vol.11 (2010)

  • QCRED is seeking new board members!

    28Mar
    Categories: Uncategorized Comments: 3

    Queen’s Coalition against Racial and Ethnic Discrimination (QCRED) is seeking individuals who are passionate about anti-racism to be a part of our board! QCRED Board is responsible for organizing events and coordinating long-term projects. Monetary decisions, staff supervision, community representation, and long-term goal setting are all part of the ongoing work of the QCRED Board. No one position on the QCRED Board is more important or valuable than another, rather the Board benefits from the unique knowledge and experience each member contributes. If you are interested in working on the Board, contact us!

    E-mail coordinator@qcred.org for more info on the application process!

  • To the students of the UCSD Black Student Union,

    22Mar
    Categories: News Comments: 2

    On the day of our final event for Black History Month, aptly called “The Past Didn’t Go Anywhere”  on the racism within the criminal justice system, we received the first bits of news of the occurrences on your campus regarding racist-themed parties. Our own campus at Queen’s University has been plagued with similar incidents, minimally recognized by the administration, that remains a constant reminder of how our university disregards our identities, our struggles and our pain. We understand all too well the frustration and anger that one feels in facing a climate of ignorance, apathy and downright bigotry. Your rights to safety, respect and a sense of belonging to the UCSD campus should be honoured by the administrators and your fellow classmates.

    We, at the Queen’s Coalition Against Racial and Ethnic Discrimination, offer you our support in this fight. Through both observation and literature, it is apparent that the higher echelons of Western universities are reserved for those who do not and choose not to understand the lived experiences of people of colour. You are not alone in this fight. Your voices continue to be heard and their pain and strength are familiar. We offer you the beginnings of a network across nation boundaries to end the racism that pervades our universities.

    Real Pain. Real Action.

    In Solidarity,

    Queen’s Coalition Against Racial and Ethnic Discrimination
    Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

  • 08Mar
    Categories: Newsletter Comments: 1

    Hi Everyone,

    March is an extremely busy time of year for QCREDers! Thanks to everyone who responded to our urgent action call this week. Included below is an update regarding the situation. Additionally, there is a lot of info regarding upcoming QCRED events as well as Aboriginal Awareness Week (AAW), Pride Week AND International Women’s Week (IWW). In particular, we’d like to draw your attention to an event QCRED is working with Queen’s Pride Project (QPP) and the Queen’s Native Students Association (QNSA) on with sponsorship from CultureSHOCK! and the Women’s Centre….

    This FRIDAY MARCH 12th, join us for SHADES OF GAY! Kingston’s first dance geared towards Queer People of Colour and 2spirited People! This event aims to provide a space for us to dance without fear and begin community building! Allies are welcome, 19+ pay what you can at the door. Guest DJ from Toronto spinning calypso/soca, funk, afro house, salsa, reggae, old school and zouk. 9pm-2am @ AKA 75 Queen St. Be sure to check out the Red Slam collective before hand as a part of AAW, also at AKA!

    1. Update on Vagabond Theatre Situation
    2. Aboriginal Awareness Week
    3. Pride Week
    4. International Women’s Week
    5. Trans Day of Rememberance
    6. Soul Shakedown for Mayworks
    7. Moving Forward on Diversity
    8. QCRED is recruiting new board members

    ———–

    1. On Friday, the Vagabond Theatre issued an apology to ‘those offended by the original poster’. All original posters have been removed and replaced by new ones with different artwork. We are still waiting to hear a response from the administration. You can view the apology here: http://www.vagabondtheatre.ca/ QCRED has responded to the theatre company and hopes that the play achieves its goal of fostering productive dialogue around antisemitism.

    2. March 8-12th, QNSA presents…
    Love as Medicine, Aboriginal Awareness Week 2010
    Full schedule and event info can be found here: http://qnsaclub.wordpress.com/

    As a part of AAW 2010, QCRED is co-hosting a film screening and discussion of Singing Home the Bones with QNSA.

    Thursday, March 11th
    1:30-3:00 PM
    Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre

    Singing Home the Bones is an arts documentary suffused with humour and pathos that chronicles Métis poet Gregory Scofield’s lifelong striving to piece together his fractured identity. His ethnicity, his sexuality, his sense of family, his creative calling – all these elements have played a part in the process, as have the brutality and bigotry he’s had to stare down…. For Greg, the work of finding himself and of articulating what he’s found is at once serious and playful, and both moods are captured onscreen. Singing Home The Bones is structured around a fresh revelation about Greg’s ancestry, which has him radically redefining himself once again (and, here’s a hint, beading himself a buckskin yarmulke!). The film is stitched together by Greg’s voice as he chants and sings and recites his own poems, described by Joy Harjo as “so beautiful they are dangerous.”

    Facebook event: http://is.gd/9W4B3

    3. March 8-13th QPP Presents
    Queen’s 4th Annual Pride Week!
    Full schedule and event info can be found here: http://ww.queensupride.ca

    As a part of Pride 2010, QCRED is co-hosting a discussion on the intersections of race and sexuality with QPP

    Tuesday, March 9th
    4:00-7:00 PM
    QCRED Office (JDUC 343)

    Join us for a discussion on Race & Sexuality! Facilitated by the wonderful Hagar Prah, this event aims to provide a safe space to explore our thoughts, feelings and experiences relating to race & sexuality. Food will be provided.

    Facebook Event http://is.gd/9W4bU

    4. March 6-14th is International Women’s Week!
    Full schedule and event info can be found here: http://www.wedontstopkingston.com/

    Feminist Book Exhange
    Wednesday, March 10th
    7:00-9:00 PM
    The Grad Club, 162 Barrie St.
    Cost: Free Admission

    Members of QCRED Board will be performing at the Feminist Book exchange. A night of speakers and a chance to connect with members of the Kingston and Queen’s community who are committed to feminist issues. There is no cost but please bring a book (new or used) to exchange. Let’s find and support each other! Appetizers will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

    Sponsored by: Queen’s Women’s Centre


    5. Trans Day of Celebration


    As part of Pride week at Queen’s, March 11th is the Trans Day of Celebration.  This year’s celebration will feature two exciting guest speakers: Daniel Beals, a NDP federal candidate, will speak about what the NDP is doing to protect trans rights.  Aleta Gruenewald, from EGI will be leading a celebration of trans-identified people’s achievements over history.


    This event is hosted by EGI and EQuIP and will take place in Wallace Hall of the JDUC from 2:30-4:30.


    Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=361665550638&ref=mf


    6. Soul Shakedown for Mayworks


    Join us at Soul Shakedown on Saturday, March 20th to support The Kingston Mayworks Collective.  The Mayworks Collectives is a community collective of workers , students and artists who believe that bridging art and labour can bring powerful social change.  Soul Shakedown parties raise funds for organizations doing social justice work and groups that challenge the status quo of neoliberal capitalism and colonization. it strives to construct a safe space where diverse peoples can shake it out with freedom and flair.  Some come out, shake your soul and contribute to a great cause.


    Saturday, March 20, 9:30 PM

    Time to Laugh Comedy Club

    $8 at door before 10:30 PM, $10 after


    Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150105327710084&ref=ts


    7. Moving Forward on Diversity


    Queen’s community members are invited to engage in a discussion about common themes emerging from recommendations in past diversity and equity reports at the university.  The discussion will help inform next steps for working on diversity and equity issues. What actions can we take and what is the best way forward from here?  The discussion will be hosted by Adnan Husain, Arig Girgrah and Gordon Smith – members of the Diversity.


    Bring your lunch and top it off with light refreshments and drinks provided.


    Thursday, March 25th, 12:00PM (Noon)

    Richardson Hall, Room 340


    8. QCRED is recruiting new board members


    Queen’s Coalition against Racial and Ethnic Discrimination strives to be an anti-oppressive non-hierarchical coalition of students, staff and faculty that work to create an anti-racist climate on the Queen’s University campus. QCRED works towards community wellness for historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Through education, community organizing and commitment to struggle across differences, we seek to responsibly reflect, represent and serve our various communities.  If you have an active interest in engaging in anti-racist dialogue and action, QCRED may be a good place for you.  Please visit our website at www.qcred.org for more information on our organization.


    If you have any questions, feel free to email coordinator@qcred.org

  • Urgent action responding to antisemitic poster on campus

    04Mar
    Categories: Uncategorized Comments: 2

    Dear friends, allies and concerned students,

    The local Jewish radio show “radio 613” reported on and informed QCRED early on March 3rd that they had found posters around campus depicting a Nazi flag with the swastika replaced by the Star of David to promote a production of the “Merchant of Venice”.

    QCRED condemns those responsible, Vagabond Theatre, for making a deeply offensive and racist comparison. This act evokes the historical and body memory of the Holocaust and regardless of the intent, directly marginalizes those who are forced to carry this legacy.

    As a group that puts anti-racism above all other politics and remains a space that works for the liberation of marginalized peoples, we see the ramification of these posters as both reflecting and reproducing antisemitism. Further, Vagabond Theatre is profiting from the use of hateful imagery to evoke a response. This is shameful and unacceptable. Along with the posters, QCRED is deeply concerned about reports that the play itself involves the portrayal of Jewish characters with horns, false noses and Nazi-inspired armbands.

    Regardless of the play’s goals and intentions, Vagabond Theatre’s promotional material continues to hurt and affect students across Queen’s campus. QCRED is thus requesting Vagabond Theatre to issue an official apology and for all posters to be taken down immediately. Furthermore, QCRED calls on the administration to take a firm stance by condemning this incident and undertaking an investigation into the actions of Vagabond Theatre.

    To view an image of the poster: http://twitpic.com/16hpwj

    If you would like to pass on your own concerns to the principle or Vagabond Theatre you can contact them at:

    principal@queensu.ca

    vagabondtheatre@hotmail.com

    In solidarity,

    QCRED

  • Black History Month 2010

    01Feb
    Categories: Uncategorized Comments: 4

    BHM in Kingston is a collaborative effort among many campus and community groups. The events listed below represent the work of many. We look forward to your attendance!

    See the BHM Facebook group for updates, links and event information:

    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=268275672769&ref=ts or check out opirgkingston.org

    February 2010 Black History Month Launch
    Wallace Hall, JDUC
    Tuesday February 2nd @ 12pm

    Black History Month 2010 will open with Professor Katherine McKittrick delivering a talk on race, representation and science. Prof. McKittrick is an Associate Professor of Gender Studies and Cultural Studies at Queen’s teaching in the area of black studies, critical race studies, and cultural geographies.

    We look forward to acknowledging, remembering, and creating history with you.

    Light refreshment and snacks will be provided!

    BHM Calendar:

    Black History Month Launch w/ Keynote Speaker Katherine McKittrick
    Tuesday, February 2nd @ 12pm – Wallace Hall in the JDUC (University and
    Union) – Light snacks and refreshments provided.

    Feb Fete
    Wednesday, February 3rd @ 4:30pm: Leonard Cafeteria. Free w/ meal plan
    or $12. Contact: acsa.queensu.ams@gmail.com Join the African & Caribbean
    Students Association (ACSA) for a celebration of Caribbean culture,
    food, music and art.

    Afro Beginnings Coffeehouse
    Friday February 5th @ 6pm: Common Ground (Queen’s Centre 2nd Floor)
    Pay what you can/Entry by donation. Contact: acsa.queensu.ams@gmail.com

    Marvelous Masks Workshop with Artist Aida Sulcs
    Sunday February 7th @ 1:30pm: Agnes Etherington Art Centre. $4 adults,
    $2.50 seniors, GA members and children free.
    Suitable for children 6+, with adult accompaniment. Space is limited.
    Please call 613-533-2190 to reserve.

    ACSA and CultureShock! Art Installation / Display
    February 8th – 12th, 11am-5pm in the lower JDUC (University and Union).
    Contact: acsa.queensu.ams@gmail.com
    Black History Month themed art displays.

    Africa Days **
    February 9th – 10th, Room 202 Robert Sutherland Hall (138 Lower Union). Contact:
    acsa.queensu.ams@gmail.com
    Panels on research projects in Africa. Various topics, discussions, guest speakers; internship opportunities; admission to panels is free.
    African drumming workshops Feb 9 $10 (JDUC), dinner event Feb 10 $20 (Ban Righ).
    http://quic.queensu.ca/about/africadays.asp

    ** please note the updated description!

    Workshop for Youth
    Tuesday February 9th @ 5:30pm, Ban Righ Centre (32 Bader Lane).
    Co-presented by ISKA and Ban Righ Centre.
    To register contact Gamila at 613-533-6000 ex 78119 or Tanea at 613-544-4661

    Autobiographical Workshop with Dianah Smith
    Saturday February 13th @ 1pm, JDUC Room 352 (Primarily for people of
    colour due to space; RSVP 6at3@queensu.ca)
    Designed for the curious, this writing workshop will focus on how
    autobiography is a way of creating history of experiences of race and
    racism.

    Works in Progress
    Monday February 15th @ 7pm, Robert Sutherland Building, Room 202 (138
    Union St). Contact 6at3@queensu.ca
    Works in progress will feature several graduate student presenters
    discussing their current black-focused projects at Queen’s.

    Each One Teach One
    Tuesday Febraury 16th @ 5:30pm, John Orr Room in the JDUC (University
    and Union). Contact coordinator@qcred.org
    EOTOs give racialized students a chance to share thoughts in a safe,
    positive and race-violence-free space. Food provided.

    Afro-Brazilian Ancestrialidade
    Thursday February 18th @ 1pm. Mackintosh-Corry Hall Room B204. Contact snid@queensu.ca
    Alexandre Da Costa will present his paper on the role ancestral
    knowledge plays in Afro-Brazilian social movements.

    The Past Didn’t Go Anywhere: Anti-Black Racism Following the 2005 Boxing
    Day Shooting
    Thursday February 18th @ 7pm: Dunning, Room 11. Contact 6at3@queensu.ca
    Valarie Steele speaks about the backlash following the shooting death of
    Jane Creba on her family, her community and her life.

    The Massive Radio Show
    Every Monday at 7pm, listen to QCRED’s blend of anti-racist music and political spoken word on CFRC 101.9 FM

    Black History Month Films
    Wednesday February 3rd – 7:30pm – BHM presents Good Hair – Dunning, Room 12;

    Thursday February 4th – 7pm – Art as a Verb in Africa – AgnesEtherington Art Centre;

    Saturday February 6th – 5pm – Reelout presents Paris is Burning – Ellis Auditorium ($10);

    Sunday February 7th – 7pm – BHM presents Malcolm X – Dunning, Room 12;

    Thursday February 11th – 7pm – QCRED presents black/womyn – Dunning, Room 14;

    Sunday February 14th – 7:47pm – 747 presents I am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang – AKA (75 Queen St);

    Sunday February 21st – 7:47pm – 747 presents Tar Angel – AKA (75 Queen St)

  • QCRED statement for Haiti

    24Jan
    Categories: Uncategorized Comments: 1

    “We need to act, not because Haiti is some nation of perennial victims we need to have pity on.

    We need to act because Haiti is a nation of heroes.

    And we need to repay them for what they’ve given us.”

    Jay Smooth

    http://tinyurl.com/ykqlcv7

    QCRED would like to extend its support to the people of Haiti, those in Canada as well as those Haitian members of the university community, in the aftermath of such devastating destruction. We would like to emphasize the importance of understanding how Haiti is situated in regards to both the earthquake and centuries of external intervention. As a nation with such an important legacy in the history of resistance to colonization and oppression, we feel that it is imperative for those of us who are able to assist to do so immediately.

    Often in circumstances that require immediate action, we are quick to ignore the historical context in which they are situated. In regards to Haiti, it is important when we are considering taking action that we inform ourselves of how and why this nation ended up where it is today.

    Haiti is a nation that has taught the world what freedom means. The battle for independence from the colonial rule of France as well as the struggle for emancipation from slavery defined the ensuing 200 years of Haitian history. In 1804 Haiti became the first republic ruled by people of the African diaspora. Resultantly, Haiti has since struggled to resist ongoing forms of colonization both physically and economically by countries such as France, the United States as well as Canada. Attempts to deny Haitian people their sovereignty are most blatant in the areas of debt and aid.

    Even after being forced to pay reparations to France for over 140 years totaling what would today be considered $21 billion dollars (US), Haiti has an accumulated external debt of over $1.3 Billion (US).

    In recognizing the extreme circumstances that Haiti is placed in not only in regards to the tragic earthquake but the history of impoverishment that has been imposed on it by imperial powers and western economic interests, we impress the importance of standing in solidarity with the people of Haiti. While it is crucial that aid reaches the Haitian people at this time, it is imperative that it not be tied to attempts to control the nation by outside forces.

    It is also important that aid not be caught up in the language of needing to ‘save’ the Other, as is often the case in development rhetoric. Following the earthquake, we have already seen many Canadians decide to go down to Haiti themselves to assist in the provision of aid. We have also witnessed the deployment of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP to assist in rebuilding the region. In response to this we ask, who better to control aid than the Haitian people themselves? How is the militarization of Haiti in this period improving safety when previously military intervention has been the source of such violence? As Canadians we must understand that the historical role of our nation in Haiti causes our bodies to represent ongoing colonization in the region. We must also question our motives for wanting to help the nation of Haiti through removal of healthy Haitian children. How is a nation supposed to rebuild itself when an entire generation is missing?

    We must be careful not to disenfranchise those whom we seek to assist through reproducing narratives of enslavement. We need desperately to understand our roles as individuals situated in Canada during this crisis.

    Rather than participating in the dialogue of victimization, we must understand how we ourselves are indebted to the nation’s peoples for showing us the fire of resistance.

    It is because of this that we must take action.

    QCRED encourages donating to the following organizations:

    http://www.haitiaction.net/

    In association with the Haiti Action Committee in San Francisco/Bay Area, this fund delivers resources directly to grassroots organizations in Haiti. It was founded in 2004 following the coup d’etat that forced the elected president of Haiti, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, from office and imposed a two-year regime of human rights violations whose consequence continues today.

    http://www.msf.ca/

    In carrying out humanitarian assistance, we act as witnesses and will speak out, in private or in public, about the plights of the populations in danger for whom we work. In doing so, we seek to alleviate human suffering, to protect life and health, and to restore and ensure respect for human beings and their fundamental human rights.

    http://www.yele.org/

    Founded by Haitian-American artist Wyclef Jean, this organization works toward community development to make differences in education, health and the environment on the ground in Haiti.

    http://www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/article/takeaction/globalactionalerts/1074.html

    IGLHRC has sent funds directly to SEROvie to allow their services and supplies to continue to reach their LGBT and HIV-affected clients in Haiti. We are also providing funds to groups such as Colectiva Mujer y Salud, a feminist Dominican organization that has crossed the border into Haiti in order to assist with direct relief to our communities and to the many other victims.

  • Each One Teach One Tomorrow

    18Jan
    Categories: Events Comments: 5

    Join us on Tuesday for a discussion on racial profiling and security. As always, your thoughts, your experiences and questions are welcome!

    Each One, Teach One (EOTO) is a bi-weekly event currently held on the Queen’s campus that provides students from historically marginalized groups an opportunity to share their thoughts in a safe and positive space. The goal of the event is just to let students vent and feel safe from racial violence in a specific space. Food is always provided and everyone attending the EOTO is reminded to respect each other and their space.

    Dinner will be provided!

  • A short history of whitewashing Asian Characters in Hollywood

    08Dec
    Categories: News Comments: 0

    There’s been a history of casting white people for Asian characters, the latest case being “The Last Air Bender”, where all four leads are filled by white people.  This kind of reminds me of white artists covering black artists songs (without paying royalties) and getting famous for them.

    ie Elvis’s Hound Dog is a cover of Big Momma Thornton’s song by the same name.

    Racialicious has  good summary

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