Grand Erie District School Board tackles equity with a bold new video series: the Anti-Racism Project
DM&C partnered with Atomic Spark to uncover personal stories that echo educational experiences across Ontario
To help wrap up the 2022-2023 school year, the GEDSB launched a new anti-racism video series. The set of 6 videos highlights the effects of racism on students, teachers, and staff at the board. While some of the stories are shocking and disturbing, they reveal the true and often hidden feelings of members of the GEDSB community.
In 2021, DM&C was engaged by Brantford-based video company Atomic Spark to interview the participants. GEDSB systems leaders, educators and students shared personal stories that were relatable, touching, sometimes sad and hopeful. It’s a way for the GEDSB to admit where there is work to do, directly tackle issues of racism, discrimination and equity within the Board and to also reinforce its position on anti-racism.
Our team consulted on the process by conducting research and interviews with senior leaders, educators and stakeholders to shape narrative truths and recommendations that would later inform the creation of Grand Erie District School Board’s Anti-Racism Project.
“I think that there’s a significant enough proportion of students of colour who have not had a good experience, that I can say ‘We have to do a better job’.”
– Wayne Baker, Superintendent of Education
The Anti-Racism Project video series will serve as a resource for leaders, educators, staff, stakeholders and students as the GEDSB confronts its own history of discrimination and works towards creating safer and more inclusive school environments for all learners. We are proud to have contributed to these meaningful conversations happening at the Grand Erie District School Board.
“…Grand Erie… is ready to make some changes, ready to acknowledge that there needs to be change. I still believe that it’s going to take some work, that we have some people that we might need to support to help them see why it’s so important to have a change. But I feel that we’re on a good trajectory right now.”
– Liana Thompson, Superintendent of Education
The interviewees consisted of GEDSB staff members, students, teachers, and parents.
The videos created for the Grand Erie District School Board’s Anti-Racism project is part of a larger strategy to take a decisive anti-racism stance in policies, practices and leadership.
Project team:
Dayo Kefentse – Managing Director
Natassia Morris – Project Manager
Nthabiseng Selelo – Report Design
Aryana Singh – Web Copywriter
In partnership with:
