Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson will be the keynote speaker at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) third annual Symposium on Anti-Racism. The event, happening on March 21 at KPU Surrey, aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Hosted by the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities (OEIC) at KPU, the symposium aims to discuss and encourage confronting racism, and to share research, scholarship and creativity focused on anti-racism topics and initiatives.
Born and raised in Nanaimo, Anderson is B.C.’s first Black MLA in over 30 years. He also serves as the Parliamentary Secretary for Transit and the Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole.
“Representation isn't just about words, it's about action,” says Anderson. “I'm honoured to be a keynote speaker at this year's Anti-Racism Symposium with the KPU community, sharing my journey as a city councillor, commercial lawyer and now MLA.”
Prior to his election to the Legislative Assembly, Anderson was the youngest person ever elected to Nanaimo City Council. He has served as chair of the Vancouver Island University board of governors, and volunteered with the Canadian Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee, Literacy Central Vancouver Island, and the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools Foundation.
“Breaking down barriers to political participation is about shaping a future where diverse leadership is the norm, not the exception,” says Anderson. “I look forward to a conversation that inspires hope for politics in B.C.”
Dr. Asma Sayed, Vice-President for Equity and Inclusive Communities at KPU, says the symposium is a full day event that will include remarks from Jessie Sunner, MLA for Surrey-Newton and Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. The OEIC’s first anti-racism toolkit, developed with KPU’s Teaching and Learning Commons, will also be launched. Available as an open access book, the toolkit equips instructors to implement anti-racist teaching practices in all programs and courses at KPU.
“We are excited that we are able to provide this opportunity for learning, discussion and dialogue,” says Sayed. “Unfortunately, racism is embedded in our social and institutional structures and systems, and we must all work to dismantle these colonial structures and foster anti-racism.”
KPU’s Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities is committed to actively promoting an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment that enables every member of KPU’s diverse community to belong.
The Symposium on Anti-Racism will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the KPU Surrey Conference Centre. It is open to KPU students, faculty, staff and community members. To register, click here.