A Message from OSCA/ACOSO President, Nicole Trotter

 

Hello OSCA/ACOSO family,

I first want to apologize for my late response to tragic events that happened in America around racism and police brutality. OSCA /ACOSO stands with the Black community here and abroad to support the fight against racism. 

The weeks before writing this blog, I was gripped with grief, fear, pain, anger, and past trauma around race and racism that I personally face daily but also the many stories and lives that have been taken or affected by this hate. I felt defeated and lost alongside the Black community. I was grieving a pain much deeper than I could explain. My grief started to increase: every night after I would leave my son's bedroom, I would break down in tears, wondering how a world we live in could be so cruel and knowing that he is not ready for it. 

At the young age of five, my son had already experienced his first racist incident. At the time, we chose not to bring up the pain and facts of racism. Now that he is 7 years old, we have begun the courageous conversations that we felt we needed to prepare him, but also help to spark his leadership to hopefully help create a world ready for change.

After these difficult discussions with my son and with Black elders in the community, I knew that I could not sit at home and cry any longer - that was not solving anything. One elder shared; "Now is the time Nicole, when the whole world is watching.  We may never get another opportunity like this to help evoke true change”.  That statement propelled me into action.  I connected back with the Black Youth Helpline blackyouth.ca with whom OSCA/ACOSO partnered last year. In the fall of 2019 I had the honour of sitting on their consultation committee and attended an important strategic planning meeting to share my voice and ideas for our Black youth in Canada. I am honoured to be invited back to the table to continue our discussions and help the community come up with more plans to support Black youth and families. 

I also connected with a close friend who was organizing a peaceful rally in Cambridge, Ontario. I simply asked what can I do to support you, and she just needed me to help and stand beside her through it all.

Over the last few days I have helped to organize rallies, attend protests and marched in my own local rally in Milton Ontario; to show support, to protest, to ask for change and, most importantly to be heard. I know it’s not much but it is a start. 

Unfortunately, racism is alive and well not only in the USA but here in Canada too. We all have a responsibility to make this world a safe place for all and help to break down those systems. 

You may ask what can I do to support?  Here are some small suggestions: 

1)    Educate yourself about the past and the harmful effects of racism. Look into the lives lost and hurt due to violent acts, police brutality and unfair justice.

2)    Check in on your Black colleagues, students and families. The grief is real and not a single incident response but an overwhelming pain of past trauma of many incidents both personally and globally. Ally-ship is a verb and they need to know that they are supported and heard.

3)    Support local and national organizations that are committed to change and supporting the black community like the Black Youth Helpline and others listed below.

4)    Use your influence and platform for change. It is now time to support and have deep, rich conversations that not only evoke change but also have a direct call to action.  Listen to those sharing their pain to have a better understanding of how racism has infiltrated their homes and hearts.

Again I believe it is all of our responsibility to do something, say something and stand for something, and the moment is NOW!

Cambridge families rallying for peace

Nicole Trotter’s son standing up for change

 
Teachers and administrators join the fight against racism