The realities of being black in Canada in 2020 

When we as black people can heal and learn to coexist and value each other the way other races value their own this won't matter as much. As a black man I am targeted by EVERYBODY black, white all other races even black women and I'm sure black women feel the same. I encourage anyone reading this to read the Willie Lynch letter and pray that we can begin to heal as a people. Violence in black communities seem to be at All time highs. We have truly been divided and conquered systematically. Lets pledge to treat each other better so that we are stronger together

Fun fact: People forget or are unaware of the fact that Canada had the slavery system‼️There’s also a Black history museum in Nova Scotia 🌟

I live in the United States, and I’ve always thought that Canadians were not as racist as Americans. Thank you for sharing this with your audience. It’s a conversation that we need to have regularly.

I applaud Cityline for bringing this topic up in Canada!! In the US, we see overt racism every day. Oftentimes, it’s the micro aggressions happening to the people I love that breaks my heart. I’ve seen young people, full of hope, feeling that their lives matter, over time, be shattered by a constant beating of racism.

I live in the US and can relate to much of what you are discussing. Micro-aggressions are a huge challenge. Thank you for tackling this topic that makes many people uncomfortable, yet is so necessary. We need to keep the dialogue going to move forward.

I don't need a month...Black people are apart of society and our contributions and history should be reflected in the society...school system etc

And then Black people standing up for themselves like this is seen as playing the victum, so upsetting

I have been to Vancouver and Toronto. I felt more discriminated against because I am American than Black. People asked me if I voted for Trump. Which I did not. I’m know racism is in Canada but it’s not like here in the US where you have to worry about the po po.

I loved this. I have always wanted to move to Canada and wondered about race relations. More importantly I think it is important to be honest about the struggles we all face everywhere. Nothing in this made me want to not visit Canada or think that ALL Canadians think a certain way...it was just information. Not all information is information you need to act on, but it is important for information to make you think.

Awesome topic: Racism in Canada!! Of it exists... As an indigenous women, minorities do not get a voice or platform. It’s hard to even step outside the door most day. Indigenous people are hated. It’s getting worse everyday.

Thank you for covering this topic. I hope you guys do more segments like this. As a person of colour living in Canada I can definitely relate to the things that were said. I agree, the burden of change should not just be put on the shoulders of POC. Great discussion!

Really interesting video, and I really liked the black Canadian perspective. I’m a black American and we don’t really hear about black Canadians and their similar struggle (possibly worse since I’m just assuming there are fewer black people there and Canada is not “known” for its racism like the US is so people may not think it’s an issue)

Racism in Canada exists, it is just more subtle

There are scumbags everywhere and in every country, we do not all think like that!

White lady is nervous. Shes like wtf am i doing here...lol

Indeed ~ this conversation needs to be bigger, longer, more. Any day. Any time. Thank you, Tracy for sharing this topic with us. As a white woman who married a West African and is now raising a young girl, I crave these conversations. You’re the best! Knowledge is power. We have become more comfortable talking about body shapes, gender, learning differences. Please, can we normalize melanin as a safe and thoughtful conversation topic? Keep sharing your awesomeness with us all!

This was superb! So good to see Canadians being honest and speaking out about this issue.

Unrelated, I found Black Canadians who spoke French fluently flawlessly perfect and rich in tone.

Good show and glad to see/hear white ppl speaking truth! More with her mindset can truly transform our countries. PLEASE Stop touching Our Hair- we do not ask or desire to touch Yours.

This comment section doesn't pass the vibe check of Canadians being "nice"🤡🥴

If that can offer any hope, know that a lot of us (white peeps) are constantly learning on how to be better allies and having the tough talks with relatives and "friends" and segment like this one provides us with more knowledge and also proper terminology to better challenge racial bias, ignorance, and racism witnessed in our environment.

In Los Angeles, many, many, many African Americans work in the Library system from Librarians to Social Workers, to General Workers to Security to Maintainance to trash details to teachers, to landscapers. As an African American, I do feel WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST LIBRARY SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD!

Wow. So timely. For me personally “white women” has been the worse of putting their woes and misery onto me. So refreshing to hear truth and honesty!

As a Pakeha [european decent] from New Zealand. This is my personal take on this . I think many of us may unknowingly be micro-aggressive towards people of colour without realising it. Which is possibly why we don't think we are racist. Many of us do believe sincerly that we are not part of it. It often is never right someone put hands on your hair [personal space and it's not accetpable,. My personal space includes my wheelchair]. vThanks for sharing this. Its a conversation I will have with me, to start with,

This was very necessary ! I love my country, but my fellow Canadians are blind to racism, especially when they are not directly affected.

I was taught growing up to not see colour. I wasn't told to describe people as black or white. Now I'm educating myself and realizing we aren't at a point as a society to say things like that, and I'm still uncomfortable saying terms like "black" and "white". But there are black people and white people and those are valid facts that come with societal burdens and responsibilities. As a white person you need to stand up for your black brothers and sisters in the face of adversity. We are not equal. But we will change the system and make us so.

Real racism is proven in the workplace around here, sadly especially if it’s a high paying job, they feel like you don’t deserve to be there or have that pay grade... envy & extreme haterism...no common sense to just let ppl be and provide for there families in peace lots of circumstantial mental anguish when in such a toxic work setting, then coupled with having enough mental energy left to do your job adequately...smh

The difference between Canada and USA is Americans are brave enough to face racism and Canada doesn't like to face racism

The more west you go the more rasicm there. Go to Toronto or Montreal. Really if you find a diverse city in Canada it’s not that racist. IF YOUR ANYTHING EXEPT ASIAN IN VANCOUVER DO ME A FAVOR DONT GO!! And if your a native in Canada honestly move out to like Australia. It’s sad but you have to deal with racism everywhere.

The had black performances because they wanted someone to actually watch the Oscars

Thank you. This was well-done.

You NEVER have Asian individuals or groups on TV in distress over racial inequality. Sure, we encounter it from time to time, but how often do we stand on our soap box and complain? We get up, work and work and reach to levels of success and integrate into society to our potential. Not in the need of social or economic assistance due to racial suppression, especially in Canada. I think it's easy to fall under the pretense that we don't succeed or have certain opportunities due to the colour of our skin - it happens - however, sometimes success comes from who we are and what we are capable of doing. Old proverb says, 'quit looking for that hand to lift you up, use your own hand to find the branch that will lift you and get you going.'

As a brown with an accent, it’s double whammy for me. mixed race couples , love ya folks. Will there ever be a time in the future people stop judging based on skin colour? SMH

It's good to have this discussion. The Black population in Canada came from the very brave people in the US who fought for their freedom and had to come all the way North. And also more recent Black immigrants from the West Indies. It's a different dynamic than the US, but there are shared parallels. Very glad they specifically mentioned BLACK WOMEN being denigrated. Keep it up!!!

African Canadian are the BEST....

Thanks so much for addressing this topic. I'm from Central America hold dual citizenship speak Spanish and English and French fluently the amount of racism I've experienced as a Librarian in the USA is so unreal a so called progressive professional field yet I am faced with their nonsense thanks for helping me understand their behavior and to correctly label their actions.

Great job Tracy and guests!

if you live in a population where your a minority it's a porblem lots of racism here in cambrige,on

Hiii. So I plan on moving to Canada in maybe 3-4 years or so after I finish highschool? I’m black and I live in America, and I was wondering if there’s police brutality and racism towards blacks in Canada? The thought of being targeted because of my race terrifies me, and I don’t want to be around this. Also I don’t want to get into any trouble with anyone, considering the fact that I’ll be a woman, alone, but would my race or gender play a big part in my safety? If anyone could help me out, that’d be great. Thank you!

People forget that a BLM co-founder is a Torontonian!! So clearly we have racism against black Canadians. Some Canadians will say "yeah but it's way worse in the States!" *SO WHAT?!* Does that mean we shouldn't try to address the problem???

this episode is even more relevant today. Please continue the dialogue

This really put things in perspective of me. As an African American woman I was interested in moving to Canada because you hear so many great thing but to see that I still will be facing the same things is definitely a wake up. I know it happens everywhere I was just hoping it would be better and more tolerable.

It’s usually the Eastern European immigrants that are very obvious with racism in Canada. The Anglo Canadians are more subtle especially with high paying jobs.

Wow, very interesting discussion. Many Canadians know about America but, many Americans do not know about Canada. Especially Africans Americans who do not know that Canada has African-Canadians too and other people of color also. Similarly, Canada and America are very related in just about everything. I know me being a American, if I was not a American. I would want to be a Canadian. Having been station at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota and Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. I am familiar with the weather in Canada. The mistake I made was not to travel to Winnipeg, having spent over 6 years in North Dakota, I regret that so much especially during the summer time. Wishing our Canadian brothers and sister great blessings. As well as all Canadians too. I know there are still discrimination in both societies of America and Canada but, it dwindles everyday. From US Air Force Security Police Military Veteran and US American Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Police, now retired. GOD sped to Canada and GOD bless America.

proud to be black

This is nice to know but I still want to move to one of my favorite cities in Canada. I've had enough of visiting and hating to leave and the US, well, I'm pretty much over it.

I'm trying to find information on weather being black and wealthy in Canada: is it worse or better than American. I'm not really concerned about name calling. In America you can be in serious danger being wealthy and black because of the american perception of wealth, cops tend to harass you unless you involve yourself with the political backing of your town. Going to meaningless functions and black tie events and donations to mayor's and goveners. I'm tiered of paying for my freedom is Canada different when it comes to this?

Good for you Tracy !

I appreciate the Liberian speaking out. I never thought it was predominantly white & how it runs skin deep.

I’m American, I was very curious about what’s happening in Canada in the black community

What I came to realize in life is that people don’t really like you, they like your talent/skills. take your time to be skilled in something and people will hunt down your skills. this applies mostly to all people based on statistics. if you are white and you ain’t skilled, you will be fired. as simple as that. businesses want to make money. so if you are black and you have what it takes, businesses will hunt you down since they will realize that they need your skills. I have learned that from Thomas Sowell and it has freed my mind as a young black man. I am a scientist ( I aspire to be the best one ) and I have started to reap what I sow. stop trying to make people feel sorry for you. work hard, get skills that are needed in the society and the rest will take care of itself. Also, you gotta hold yourself on high standards as a human being and you will be a blessing to the community. have a wonderful day y’all. love one another. we are the same race ( human race ) with simply different skin colors. just like FLOWERS of different colors. we need to change our mindset and things will be better for sure.

Thank you for telling the truth--racism exists in Canada as well!! Micro and Macro aggressions are real--Thank you for exposing

I basically just insult the troll's comment, usually done with some information to educate them on their ignorance. Eventually, they get fed up with me and beg to me to leave them alone.

Guest what, here in Britain, librarianship is 97%. Same problem different country.

I am a South Asian, living in Toronto for past 20 years. I work in IT industry and I have never felt racism at my work place. All my colleagues and superior were very nice to me and I always felt that Canada is a better place than country of my birth. But I am not black, so I have not had same experience. I think best thing for all minorities is to be a model citizen and be a winner in life. Everybody likes winner.

When one outwardly personifies that they actually like themselves, one attracts more of the same. Looks ridiculous to argue a point against ppl you work so hard and spend so much money trying to look like.

I live in downtown Toronto and were being attacked 20 to 60 times a day from fire truck and ambulances horns and sirens Their horns and sirens are meant for highways not residental communities with schools churchs and senior's They started 2 year ago after the vaccines They use their sirens betwern 10pm.and 8am and keep us up all night Some crazy group said sleep is not a human right when it is Sleep Food Clothing Shelter All a human right Without it a person will die Please help us get a lawyer All lawyers said they wont defend us Please get us a lawyer Sleep is a human right Please help us before they do the same to you or your loved ones or people in other countries do it to your loved ones

I actually think Janelle Monae included those characters to make a point. I don't think it gives them a pass. the lyrics of the song even speak about the issue. This is my perspective as an African American. I appreciate the perspective, but I think a message was actually being sent. This does make me want to learn more about how racial scenarios play out in Canada - we share a continent, but the cultures are difference.

Micro-aggressions, hair touching, people saying the words ‘dark’ and ‘kind’?!?!?!? I was unaware with all the segregation and non-diversive alienation occurring in Canadian libraries that this problem was destroying the fabric of the white continuum in my society. I must be be blinded by the systemic neglect and destruction of the indigenous culture of the people surrounding me.

You’ll get hell no matter where you go in the world. Utopia doesn’t exist. There’s always someone who thinks you’re not good enough.

To me the biggest problem of people of African origin is not racism. Infact if you called a child who knows colours very well and ask that child to mention the skin colours of that panel there will be brown, pink and barge. Back to my point, people of African origin have failed to be honest with themselves thats the biggest problem. The biggest problem to solve is the family problem. African men and women majority have failed to raise up responsible children because half of the time they are absent from home. Don't tell me they are absent because they have to look for money to feed children. Let us tell our children to stay away from gangs, be at home latest by 6 pm, start recording high grades at school meaning they will be spending much time with books, wait to have sex until they are legally married, start opening businesses and build corporations like Indians and Chinese do. Then this racism issue will just disappear on its own. As long as people of African origin continue to possess the mentality that other races owe them a good life, the problem of racism won't end. I live in Africa and am an African but I see my brothers and sisters North America or Europe majority live very careless lives. Yesterday I was listening to BBC news a chief police officer of African Origin saying on average there were about 65,000 murders within the African Americans community annually. Where is racism in all this. Can't we be ashamed of ourselves. When last did you hear of such statistics in Asian communities in America or Europe. I agreed with Prime Minister about systematic racism but in my view thats not a priority for the African communities. Number 1 is raise responsible children and not weapon fleaks. Number 2 raise responsible children. Number 3 raise a responsible family then we can sincerely address this racism issue because if there are no trouble makers from our homes but only graduates, business owners, responsible youths who do not abuse substances then if we are treated unfairly it can be vividly seen that someone is discriminating against our race.

I’m sorry but the people that we need to fight for in Canada is the indigenous First and foremost. I am an immigrant myself and to me blacks and immigrants Do not compare to the indigenous not at all. In the US definitely but not in Canada

I am different but I do not want to be told I am different..."it others you..." I am confused as I thought that is why diversity was pushed so hard...

I am Canadian and am sick of this BS, just more Privileged black woman needing something to rant about.

You and your panel are young. Hopefully, you will thrive, prosper and survive to be the change that is necessary. Oh, yeah February, Black History Month, is the shortest month of the year. Short changed again!

I just find the film industry so frustrating. As a woman I just feel that it's a white male dominated industry. The Oscars just reinforced my consistent frustration. Films are predominantly aimed at white men, big block busters that make maximum profit, celebrating the male archetype. Men review films, men analyse the profit made and then decide more films for men need to be made. I feel so under-represented in films and I can see how much worse this is cross culturally. I was talking to a student of mine who has gone on to do film making at uni and raised this with him after some discussions on our favourite films. He hadn't really thought about the need of different audiences to see films that reflect their own backgrounds, ideologies etc. Hopefully the new generation of film makers will bring with them a more authentic and fresh approach to film making.

Honestly the thing about white people touching curly hair, is not meant to be treating you as a "pet". I think it's more the inate instinct humans have to be curious, and wanna touch new things they're not familiar with.Literally I would just be curious about the texture.And I just love touching every surface that looks new. But you are right, one needs to respect people's personal boundaries :S

Fun Fact : In Canada racism is not only towards black canadians, it is for anybody who is absolutely not white and lastname doesn't start with Mac/Mc. You can be Italian, Portugese, Greek, Indian and still be discriminated... Canada is definately not an immigrant friendly country that's why equal amount of people leave Canada as come here... Just fyi, Great place if you have a lot untaxed/illegitimate money overseas and need somewhere to park...

I am tired of blacks looking for equity and equal treatment from a people that showed little signs of change.

I use to let racism bring me down. But now I understand that I’m Everything in God’s eyes, which allows me to enjoy my life more without being overwhelmed by projection and mistreatment from others upon me. I think we should stand up against racism but at the same time don’t let it dictate your mind and emotions.

I enjoyed this It’s refreshing to hear that people are becoming more aware of the things people do that seem small, like touching your hair without asking. That definitely makes me feel like a dog

People dish out negativity because one their in pain themselves or 2 their ignorant...and the simple fact that people call themselves white and or black( two polar opposite words) is false and needs to be changed...

Great job Tracy! You have done a much better job discussing the topic of racism than many of the so-called experts. Thank you!

Trolls will be trolls, it's rather disturbing and unfortunate that there are some really sad people in this world. I don't know which is worse, the blatancy or secrecy

The white ladies body language shows she does not get it all the way

Two thumbs up, racism is nothing more, than a reflection of self imposed insecurity. So stop going for the hype, it's nothing more than a distraction tactic. Keep thinking and growing, power to our people.

While others including Blacks do face lots of racism in Canada it is First Nations that face the most by Inuits, Europeans, Metis, Far Easterners, and other Non First Nations

thank you for this. trust me when I say keep open to each other and have these talks while you still can. or you will be us in America lol

8:24 I'm confused...how does complimenting a woman on her hair become racism???

Great segment, guests and Tracey.

Racism in Canada is different from USA. In the USA its more racism as a generic term to describe discrimination against ethnical state while in Canada its more about cultural discrimination. From my own experience its still better to be black then arab or indian for a simple raison is that black people like europeans share many cultural similarities like drinking alcohol, eating pork and sometimes smoking weed. So to be considered a good citizen you need to have these features regardless or skin color. Another thing is that Canada is a multiracial friendly country but not multiculural. Meaning a black wearing european clothes is good but a black person wearing traditional clothes on the streets in bad

So basically systemic racism exists and will continue to exist therefore we will keep having these conversations....the END!

I haven't experienced a lot of racism here though? Idk if it's because I'm asian and not black or if it's just a newer gen :/

We are Global African Indigenous people!! Love and Unity is the best key for us all together!!💯 Also Giving thanks to the Great Mother's/Goddesses and Great Father's/Gods and the Ancestors and Guardians!! Saying from Snefer aka Bashiyr!!🤴🏿👸🏿

Everywhere white ppl think racism happens somewhere else 😭😂 same in Germany

Now allow me to express a different perspective as a black man living in the states. I took some time to educate myself on the issue of racism and slavery. I would advise all people to sit down and learn facts about the issue. don’t be driven by emotions but by facts rather. Please read the following book and you will thank me later. “ Race and culture” by Thomas Sowell.

TO ALL AFRICAN DESCENTS [CARIBBEAN AND USA], WE MUST IMITATE FOREIGN BLACKS [“CITYLINE”] AND THANK OUR GRAND CREATOR FOR SUCH FEDERATION!! ENJOY!! 😹😹

Ahhh Thank you for this!!!!

Before black people in Canada complain talk about the residential schools That is equivalent to the slavery that happened in the US. Stop holding on to somebody else is coatatiks for god sake it’s not about you not in Canada at least

Canada, the most inclusive and fair country on the planet. "The realities" of being privileged for simply existing in this country. Have you guys ever wondered that in 2021 we arent systemically a racist society and perhaps racist and ignorant people exist in all societies and will continue to exist until the end of mankind?

God is good

Sometimes I wonder why my ancestors were slave owners but after watching this video now I understand

That man on the panel is so handsome ❤

"microaggression" touched her hair. Good to know that when I'm travelling and people of other ethnicities in countries that don't have many white people get curious, do things like touch my kids blond hair, that such actions are "microaggressions", not just people showing normal human curiosity. All I'm seeing is: "I'm a victim, a victim I tell you!"

That's true it's why I can't have a public social media accounts.

I didn't know Canada was racist its worse and your country looks so beautiful

I grew up in the worse Inner City Black Communities in the U.S. called Ferguson, MO. As a white male I have many Blacks as friends who have "risen above" the extreme lack of education in the inner city areas. Many, many, many inner city communities DON"T SUPPORT ANY TYPE OF EDUCATION AT ALL! I CELEBRATE Black History Month with pride, support and give back to my community as much as I can.

Ahh love this discussion. Btw if those are extensions, I wonder what kind of hair Sis In the blue print shirt is wearing? I see why the white man touched her hair…even though that’s irritating 😠

I am Cypriot and maybe I do not understand certain cultures. But why do people differ because of skin colour. And why we see people as black or white. We are the same in different shades of beige to brown.I do not see white or black in skin.It is not natural. We humans come in different shades. sizes, skills and talents. By the way I am a shade light to medium if anyone is interested.

I like Black Panther in 2019 and still bump the sound track