Solidarity and the Diaspora: Towards Liberation! Nubian Book Club Summer 2024 Series

BY PAUL JUNOR

It is now seventeen years since the Nubian Book Club (NBC) has been influencing: young learners, early readers and veteran learners through the power of literature. The launch of its Summer 2024 series was under the theme “Solidarity and the Diaspora: Towards Liberation.” Since it started, the NBC has been a vital platform and valuable space where students, parents, educators and community members come together to “Inspire and be inspired” through the power of literature. It is described as an “Intergenerational community initiative that encourages minority youths, their families and community leaders to engage in rich dialogue about literature to support the advancement of the participating youth.” Since its inception, Donna Cardoza, a community worker with the TDSB has opened her home as a place where there is much feasting.

On June 1^st, 2024, there was an email addressed to educators and community members, which asked for input regarding the update of the website. It states, “As valued members of our community, we would sincerely appreciate your support in this endeavor and invite you to share a few lines about your experiences with the Nubian Book Club, and the impact it has had on our community and beyond. Your valuable insights and endorsements will not only enrich our website but also inspire others to join and benefit from our collective journey in literature, learning and lived experiences.”

The sessions and themes for NBC 2024 that were held in July are listed below:

Session 1: Thursday, July 4^th, 2024

The theme,” Solidarity for Collective Liberation,’ was discussed. The keynote speakers were Dr. Camille Logan (Associate Director, School, Curriculum and Instruction, Student and Community Engagement at Peel District School Board) and Dr. Vidya Shah (Associate Professor at Faculty of Education at York University). The article discussed During the session was “Wanna be an ally?”

The first session opened up with the question, “What does being an ally mean to you?”  There was a diversity of responses that were provided. Joanne Geddes writes, “Being an ally is earned, it’s showing up.” Ansar Dualeh notes, “Supporting by listening, learning and taking action.” Madge Logan states, “An ally is not just standing on the sidelines. It is someone who will take action.” Rita Francis said, “To stand behind, beside or in front when needed.”  Jean Janzen writes, “Being an ally means to me letting go of self and embracing the world as one and doing what is right. Being an ally means recognizing historical inequities and doing the work to undo them in order to move forward in a better way.”

There was the recitation of the poem, “Wanna be an ally” from different individuals of the group. Each facilitator of the breakout session was asked to write in the chat their contribution to the poem; either one line or a stanza.

Dr. Logan and Dr. Shah share their personal reflections of what the poem means. Vidya shares, “As a living text, the authors invite you to contribute extra verses, or write another version of the text.” Camille and Logan spoke to the significance of “spirit injury.” “Do it only if you feel that our pasts, presents and spirits are entangled.” The group questions for reflections were:

• What connections/thoughts/ideas come to mind when with this portion of the poem?
• How might we acknowledge this reality when engaging in work that challenges discrimination, racism and all forms of oppression?

Session 2: Thursday, July 11^th, 2024

The theme “Solidarity in Community across the Diaspora” was discussed. The keynote speakers were Pierette Walker (Vice-Principal with the York Region District School Board), Prince Duah (Superintendent with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board) and Ramon San Vincente (Principal with the Toronto District School Board).

Session 3: Thursday, July 18^th, 2024

The theme was “Many Hands Make Work Light.” The keynote speaker was Patricia DeGuire (Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission).