1.14 “Our children are experiencing racial harm in the education system” with Charline Grant

In our fourteenth episode of Public Good, Shannon and Stephen are joined by Charline Grant from Parents of Black Children. Charline Grant led the fight to take on the York Region District School Board to defend and advocate for her children and others against systematic racism. Her efforts led to: provincial changes in education; increased accountability and transparency around finances; and equity training within the York Region District School Board. Charline is a recipient of the Courage Award from the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the President’s Award from the Association of Black Law Enforcers. Charline is the Chief Advocacy Officer of Parents of Black Children. https://parentsofblackchildren.org/ In this episode Charline begins by outlining her road to advocacy, a journey that began as a result of the way her own children were treated in the education system. Stephen and Shannon ask Charline about her work with Parents of Black Children. Specifically, they inquire about the group's mandate, advocacy and list of demands. Charline speaks about the way Black students are streamed, over-disciplined, and policed within the school system. She also speaks about the lack of representation in the official curriculum. This is an incredibly powerful interview that is a must listen for anyone in the education system--at any level.