
Did you know that while Black individuals make up 4.3% of the Canadian population, they account for only about 2.3% of practising physicians? Or that while 6% of university students in Canada are Black, only 1.9% of faculty members identify as such? Did you know that 80% of Black Canadians report experiencing workplace racism?
In honour of Black History Month, the SACE Office of McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC) and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), invites you to a series of activities aimed at addressing racism when it is present, fostering inclusion and celebrating the contributions of Black communities in health research.
Date and Time: February 21, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Location: Cruess Auditorium, RI-MUHC (Glen Site), 1001 Décarie Blvd., Block E
Register now to join the event!
Program:
10:00 A.M. – Webinar (hybrid): Fostering Anti-Racist Practices in Research Labs
- Led by Dr. Bukola Salami, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Health of Black and Racialized People, University of Calgary.
- Discover practical strategies to fight racism in scientific environments.
11:15 A.M. – Film Screening: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (90 minutes)
A powerful story shedding light on the ethical challenges of research involving Black population and the legacy of Henrietta Lacks.
1:00 P.M. – Refreshments and Networking Break
Enjoy Caribbean-inspired snacks and refreshments while connecting with fellow attendees.
1:30 P.M. – Panel Discussion (hybrid): Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
- A dynamic conversation bringing together Black researchers, patients, government leaders, and allies.
- Explore systemic challenges and actionable solutions to combat racism and advance equity in health research.
- Celebrate the contributions of Black communities in research and research administration.
Panellists:
Dr. Bélinda Bah, Director of the Observatory of Black Communities in Quebec
- John Davids, Research Coordinator at the BCRC
- Diane States, Patient Advocate and Lived Experience Advisor
- Sylvain Beaudry, STI Community Worker at the Tiohtià:ke Indigenous Health Centre
- Dr. Pascaline Kengne Talla, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences at McGill University
- Audrey Sika Mvibudulu, Master’s Student in Educational Leadership at McGill University
Moderator
Seeta Ramdass, Associate Director, Office of Social Accountability and Community Engagement (SACE)
These activities take place during work hours. Your participation and questions will enrich these meaningful discussions and actively contribute to our mission of equity.
The Institute: Together Toward Inclusion
Sources:
Equity, diversity and inclusion at Canadian universities: Report on the 2019 survey” (2019). (Retrieved from https://www.univcan.ca/media-room/publications/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-canadian-universities-report-on-the-2019-survey/
Raza, D., & Tharao, W. (2023). Advancing racial equity in Canadian health care: A focus on Black physicians. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 195(4), E168–E170. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.221542