EDID Awareness Week

EDID Awareness Week 2023

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID) Awareness Week 2023 took place from October 2-6, with events and activities that shared education and awareness on the importance of decolonization, the realities of racism, disability rights, and faith systems, celebrating our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and shining a light on other equity-denied groups. Planned in collaboration between Western University, Brescia, Huron and King's, this year's theme was "Honouring our Ancestors by Coming Together to Work Towards Reconciliation and Equity."

Throughout the week, 10 King's alumni and the current King's University College Students' Council President participated as speakers at various events, sharing their voices and experiences in meaningful conversations.

Following the film screening of "Down: Canada's Black Caregivers," Moses Latigo '09 and Tanya Hansler '08 were part of a panel that shared their lived experience of navigating the world of parenting a child with a disability. The film examines how we can raise awareness and reduce the stigma of raising children diagnosed with Down's Syndrome.

Skylar Franke '13, Sunday Ajak '23, and Laura Crowe, King's University College Students' Council President, shared a virtual stage with internationally known and revered advocate, activist and author David Suzuki. Environment Equity with David Suzuki was part of a King's Author Series hosted by the Cardinal Carter Library, The Write Place at King's, the King's University College Students' Council, and King's EDID Office.

Bangishimo '13 shared their experiences creating space for the Indigenous, Black and Racialized communities using photography to amplify these stories.

Rob Ventresca '93 participated on a panel about the history of antisemitism, how it manifests today and hopes for the future.

Siham Elkassem '15, '16 and Nusaiba Al-Azem '15 were part of a panel of experts that discussed ways to
disrupt Islamophobia and Xenophobia in our systems and city.

Following a presentation by King's professor Dr. Jane Sanders on Disproportionate Suspension and Expulsion from School: Acknowledging the Expanded Systemic Racism, Inequity and School and Community Violence, Moses Latigo '09 and Michelle Young '96 participated in a panel that looked at the disparities in disciplinary actions faced disproportionately by Black, Indigenous, male-identified students, students requiring educational support, and those residing in lower resourced communities.