Black Lives Matter-Toronto Denounces anti-Black Racism against children in the TDSB

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2015 /CNW/ - Black Lives Matter - Toronto and Black community members with big, beautiful Black hair will demonstrate outside of the Toronto District School Board's Headquarters today to protest the treatment of a 13-year-old Black girl who was disciplined by her principal for wearing her natural hair at Amesbury Middle School.  This story has provoked a strong, emotional reaction in Black communities across the city who are appalled that such racist behaviour would be tolerated within the TDSB. This is just one example of the many ways Black children are subject to anti-Black racism in their classrooms and school.

"A child from our community was told that aspects of her natural body are unsuitable not only for a place of learning, but in eventuality for the workplace" said Yusra Khogali, an organizer with Black Lives Matter-Toronto. "We are appalled at the abuse of power that has taken place by Principal Tracey Barnes, and at the inaction of the Toronto District School Board."

The organizers of this demonstration have compiled a list of demands to the Toronto District School Board. They include calling for the removal of Amesbury Middle School Principal Tracey Barnes, unless there is a public apology for her actions. They also include mandating anti-racist training for all levels of staff at the Toronto District School Board.

"This young Black girl was shamed for her Blackness within a larger context of systemic anti-Black racism in the TDSB. This racist, humiliating experience has  a toxic effect on Black children and communities in schools across Toronto," said Alexandria Williams an organizer with Black Lives Matter-Toronto. "We are outraged as families, parents, students, and all who wish to see our children nurtured and be treated with basic dignity and respect."

Black Lives Matter-Toronto is the Toronto chapter of #BlackLivesMatter, an international organization and movement fighting police and State violence and anti-black racism.

SOURCE Black Lives Matter Toronto

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