By Karen Kelly
Photos by Jaime Sadgrove
Black on the Ballot, an event hosted by 杏吧原创 University鈥檚 School of Journalism and Communication in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, featured not only a celebration of Black History Month, but an in-depth discussion about the experiences of Black Canadians in public life.听
Black on the Ballot panelists, from left: Balarama Holness, Garvia Bailey, Nana Aba Duncan (Associate Professor, Journalism), Angela Simmonds, Erin Tolley (Associate Professor, Political Science)
鈥淭he stories you hear tonight reflect a broader narrative about Black experiences in professional spaces and public life,鈥� said Journalism Professor , the evening鈥檚 moderator and director of the Mary Ann Shadd Centre for Journalism and Belonging. “What鈥檚 important is that this work moves us from being subjects of others’ stories to being the authors of our own narratives.鈥�听
The event, which took place Tuesday February 11, featured a panel discussion with , the founder of Montreal in Action and Mouvement Montr茅al; , a former MLA and Nova Scotia鈥檚 first Black Deputy Speaker; and , co-founder of Media Girlfriends and producer of the .听
The event also included welcoming remarks from 杏吧原创 President Wisdom Tettey and Political Science Professor , the Canada Research Chair in Gender, Race & Inclusive Politics.听听
杏吧原创 University President Dr. Wisdom Tettey delivers opening remarks.
Prior to the panel discussion, Tolley shared highlights from her , which was drawn from 鈥�archival research, a national survey, and in-depth interviews with Black candidates and legislators.鈥�听
鈥淭he research report provides the most comprehensive account of Black Canadians鈥� experiences in politics that has ever been produced. It provides recommendations for increasing the number of Black Canadians who run for office and improving their experiences once they get there,鈥� she said.听
The findings of the report resonated with both Simmonds and Holness, who shared their experiences as politicians in Nova Scotia and Montreal, respectively.听
Angela Simmonds, the first Black Deputy Speaker in Nova Scotian history and former MLA for Preston, speaks at Black on the Ballot.
Simmons shared the challenges she faced as a Black woman canvassing door-to-door, where she encountered racism from prospective voters. She also described the lack of support she received from her political party as the Deputy Speaker. Simmonds now heads a private firm that specializes in equity and inclusion in the workplace.听
Holness described his efforts to bring Montreal鈥檚 disparate Black communities together as a candidate while also sharing a vision that extended beyond becoming Montreal鈥檚 鈥渇irst Black mayor.鈥� He recalled how, while his candidacy was focused squarely on reforming Montreal tax policy, major media outlets often ignored the issues he was campaigning on to highlight his race.
Balarama Holness, Founder of Mouvement Montreal and Bloc Montreal, speaks at Black on the Ballot.
Both share their story on the Black on the Ballot podcast, which was produced by Garvia Bailey. She described her guiding principle to create a safe space for Black interviewees to share their stories honestly.听
To learn more, listen to here.听
Read the research report here.听
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in Faculty In The News, General, Journalism Events, Journalism News
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