By Beatrice Morrison – Contributor

On Jan. 27, the Anti-Racism and Discrimination Committee (ARDC) held its Anti-Racism Uncorked event, a speed-dating conversation activity aimed at promoting anti-racism and creating a safer space for meaningful discussions. Hosted at the Gait, the event welcomed all members of the Bishop’s community.

The Antiracist Deck, created by Ibram X. Kendi, inspired the event’s unique format.  Each participant had four to five minutes to converse about different prompts, sharing their personal experiences, insights and ideas. More than 45 students, staff and faculty members were in attendance for the event. Attendees included Principal Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, SRC representatives and other members of the staff. During the event, participants enjoyed free wine and canapés provided by Sodexo as they switched from one prompt card to another and from one participant to the next. 

Martin Rourke, the manager of communications for athletics and recreation at Bishop’s, noted that there was “a great mix of students, staff and faculty” at the event. “I appreciated the format and ability to interact with people from various backgrounds. The conversations were thought-provoking and valuable. Kudos to the ARDC for a well-run event.” Rourke also shared that he was looking forward to more initiatives of the sort in the future. 

The ARDC’s primary objective with Anti-Racism Uncorked was to encourage constructive conversations about racial justice and enhance engagement in the subject among the Bishop’s faculty and students. The aim was also to create a comprehensive impact on the Bishop’s campus, making racial justice a constant consideration in everyone’s mind. Emily Whalley, the co-lead of the ARDC, expressed that “the most important part of the event was the people who attended. [Usually], conversations about race and racism are held by students and faculty separately, but our community isn’t separate. We all work, learn and play together on this campus, so we should all engage in this conversation together.”

The ARDC hopes to continue organizing such events in the future to contribute to the Bishop’s community and educate students and faculty members on anti-racism.

Beatrice Morrison is a member of the Anti-Racism & Discrimination Committee.