At the forefront of helping Humber River Health achieve its strategic directions, embracing equity, diversity and inclusion is of high priority. In pursuit of this objective, Humber is proud to have launched the Introduction to Anti-Black Racism eLearning Module made available to the Hospital’s Leaders.

Dr. Akua Benjamin, Professor Emeritus and former Director of the School of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University first coined Anti-Black Racism. According to The Schedule II Network (TSTN), it is defined as “policies and practices rooted in Canadian institutions such as, education, healthcare, and justice that mirror and reinforce beliefs, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping and/or discrimination towards people of Black-African descent.” 

Through the Introduction to Anti-Black Racism eLearning Module and supplementary learning path, Leaders will be introduced to key concepts in anti-racism and necessary tools to engage in critical reflection and dialogue about anti-Blackness in Canada, past and present, including; 

• The historical and ongoing implications of Anti-Black Racism in Canada, 
• The varying levels of Anti-Black Racism, 
• The impact Anti-Black Racism has on health outcomes, and 
• What Anti-Black Racism looks like and how to address it.

This eLearning Module aligns with Humber’s 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan, which incorporates the need to address racism, with a focus on Anti-Black Racism. 

At the end of the course, a Certificate of Completion will be provided to those that answer 80 per cent of the assessment questions correctly. Leaders will also have the opportunity to provide their feedback on the course, which may be used to further enhance the module and inform areas for continued learning.  

To address Anti-Black Racism in a meaningful way, it is important to remain educated on the historical legacy of Anti-Black Racism and its various forms in the lives of Black Canadians. Education and capacity building on Anti-Black Racism and its adverse effects on Black Communities is a key starting point to developing effective leadership and building an equitable and inclusive Hospital.  

While the Introduction to Anti-Black Racism eLearning Module is currently only accessible by Leaders, the course will be available to all staff, physicians, and volunteers on October 16, 2023. The launch of this module will include group-training sessions for units to engage in critical reflection and dialogue on learning outcomes.  

Through serving a diverse community, Humber River Health is committed to ensuring an inclusive place for everyone, while embracing each other’s unique cultures, identities, and characteristics.