Hello Brothers/Sisters,
As Black History Month kicks off, the AWOC committee is encouraging its members, staff and employees to participate in the many planned activities dedicated to BIPOC mental health. So, what do we know about the BIPOC community and the specific mental health issues they encounter?
We know that systemic racism and discrimination can take a toll on mental health. We know that intergenerational trauma, microaggressions, imposter syndrome, unsafe environments in and outside of the workplace have also been identified by BIPOC people who may experience racial trauma, which is a result of racism, bias or even exposure to racism presented in the media. All of these experiences contribute to the mental health symptoms of anxiety and depression, or other health issues expressed by those in the BIPOC community.
We also recognize that everyone’s story is different in terms of specific challenges or how the symptoms might appear, however, when you understand these elements, as well hear these stories we could start to address how can we approach the important conversations in the workplace around mental health struggles experienced by our BIPOC employees.
Attend Black History Month events throughout February!
Throughout the month of February, we’re celebrating Black history month and recognizing the incredible and lasting impact and achievements of the Black community. Please join us for these virtual events hosted by various organizations throughout the Niagara region, Halton, Oakville, Toronto and Windsor-Essex that are open to members, employees and administrative staff.
All events are listed with Eastern Time. Select the event title for more information or to register. Upcoming events include:
February 1st: Virtual event hosted by The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) through Eventbrite.com where you may join in acknowledging the impact of medical practices on Black health and overall wellbeing. It is a Free event between 6:30pm – 7:30pm EST.
Click here to Join!
 | ASALH’s Black History Month Festival Opening Tickets, Tue, Feb 1, 2022 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite Eventbrite – Association for the Study of African American Life and History presents ASALH’s Black History Month Festival Opening – Tuesday, February 1, 2022 – Find event and ticket information. www.eventbrite.com |
February 5th: Virtual event hosted by The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) through Eventbrite.ca where you may join in examining our economic, political, cultural and social structures to address systemic injustices. It is a Free event between 10:30am – 12:30pm EST.
Click here to Join!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-history-month-reception-tickets-240601604877?aff=erelexpmlt
 | Black History Month Reception Tickets, Sat, 5 Feb 2022 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite Eventbrite – The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) presents Black History Month Reception – Saturday, 5 February 2022 – Find event and ticket information. www.eventbrite.ca |
Wellbeing Waterloo Region has created a 30-Day Challenge to learn, reflect and practice mindfulness surrounding Black mental health. These activities will help expand your knowledge to systemic barriers to equity, unconscious bias, social inclusion and various forms of privilege.
Click here to Join!
http://www.wellbeingwaterloo.ca/blog/30-day-challenge/
 | 30 Day Challenge A daily practice challenging barriers to equity. www.wellbeingwaterloo.ca |
*Stay tuned for a few more events throughout the month of February!
Constance Brown
AWOC Chair/RJA
