Theorizing Transnational Blackness, Indigeneity and Colonial Histories in Canada
Panel discussion with Dr. Valerie Borum and Dr. Ann Lopez

This session looks at Black and Blackness as a fundamental ethical requirement that fails to settle at the fixed conceptualization of what is Black and what is not. The panellists look at how we can imagine Black and Blackness beyond sentimentalism and start asking questions about how Politics of Blackness are beyond colour coating exercises. This means appreciating Black and Blackness as acts of resistance.

Date: March 18, 2022

Time: 7:00-9:00 pm EST

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84531336072

Dr. Borum came to Ryerson University in January 2020 from the USA. She has experience as both a BSW and MSW Program Director. 

Dr. Borum completed her post-doctoral studies at the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine. She received her Ph.D. in Social Work from Howard University and her  MSW degree from Gallaudet University. While studying at Gallaudet University in  Washington, D.C., her instruction was in American Sign Language (ASL). She received her B.A. in Psychology with minors in philosophy and biology from  Mundelein Women’s College in Chicago. 

Dr. Borum’s research/scholarship focuses on the role of ethnoculture as a protective and promotive factor in health, mental health, and disability, with attention to  Black/African Americans. Dr. Borum also studies the role of ‘Whiteness’ in oppression,  marginalization, and anti-Black racism. Dr. Borum utilizes Afrocentric and  Womanist/Black Feminist approaches in her scholarship and research. 

Dr. Borum was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Dr. Ann E. Lopez is a professor of educational leadership and policy in the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. She is the Director of the Center for Leadership and Diversity and Provostial Advisor, Access Programs. Dr. Lopez is the immediate past president of the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME). Her research and teaching focuses on antiracist education, school leadership across contexts, decolonizing and socially just leadership, issues of equity in education and schooling. Dr. Lopez has published several articles and written 5 books including her most recent book entitled Decolonizing Educational Leadership: Alternative Approach to Leading Schools. Dr. Lopez is co-Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of School Leadership, Co-Series Editor, Studies in Educational Administration, and the recipient of the 2020 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.