Women of mainly African Caribbean descent gathered at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at U of T Tuesday to share personal and professional stories as women around the world observed International Women’s Day.
The event titled What’s Our Story? was organized by Mary Wright, a community activist, writer and poet.
Participants shared very candid and touching stories they faced during their journey living in Canada.
Wright who moved to Canada from Jamaica in the 60s talked about living in a shelter with her four children in 1972 and the racial discrimination she faced living in mainly white neighbourhoods.
Dr. Marilyn Patricia Johncilla talked about her experience and obstacles she faced as a student pursuing higher education here and wrote a book titled Healing through Mapping, My Indigeneity, Poetry, Art and Further Voices of Resistance on my Journey.
She is the founder of Canadian Academy for Diversity Leadership, lecturer at U of T trainer, author, mentor, coach and researcher.
She teaches at the university’s transitional year program for students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. She also teaches an introduction to sociology course at two city locations. Students who complete the program get a university credit.
A therapist who grew up in the Galloway neighbourhood also shared stories in the form of poetry and the struggle she faced as a Black kid living in social housing and mainly white surroundings.
International Women’s Day, originally International Working Women’s Day, is celebrated on March 8.