Overview
The Pickering Public Library Anti-Black Racism Working Group (ABRWG) is a community-based group, focusing on Library services with a lens of anti-Black racism. Consisting of appointed community volunteers, the ABRWG reviews community feedback and identified priorities and collaborates with library staff to create and implement action plans for improvements and enhancements to library services as well as internal processes. Recommendations and action plans focus on addressing identified systemic discrimination impacting the library experience for community members who self-identify as Black.
Current Members:
- Romina Diaz-Matus (Co-Chair)
- Teronie Donaldson (Co-Chair)
- Bernadette Hood
- Charmain Brown (Co-Notetaker)
- Marsha Hinds Myrie
- Nicole Facey (Co-Notetaker)
- Samantha Adebiyi
Library Staff Liaisons:
- Sabrina Yung
- Shobha Oza
What's New?
April 4, 2024: Members of the ABRWG collaborated with the Library staff liaison to facilitate a hybrid presentation at the Public Library Association 2024 Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Using a combination of video recordings and live facilitating, the presentation covered the history, framework, and measurable outcomes of the ABRWG. Modelled after a presentation previously offered at the Ontario Library Association 2023 Super Conference, the presentation titled: Anti-Black Racism Working Group – Placing Lived Experiences At The Centre Of Redesigning, offered the attendees an opportunity to hear from both the Working Group and Library staff about how the group came to be, what strategies have been created through this collaborative learning journey, and ultimately what impacts the work has had on the library thus far. With over 200 attendees from public libraries across North America, conference goers had the chance to ask questions and explore PPL's unique working group approach.
Terms of Reference
The ABRWG Terms of Reference outlines the working group's responsibilities, structure, and purpose.
To view and/or download the ABRWG Terms of Reference, please click here, opens a new window
Contact
Inquiries and communication to the ABRWG should be directed to abrwg@pickeringlibrary.ca.
