Middle school students have Courageous Conversations about racism with top Ottawa athletes
Diversity, inclusion, and racism were all topics of important discussion for middle-school students in Ottawa, who took part in with a group of professional and high performing athletes Tuesday.
The admiration for some of city's premier athletes is obvious, by the cheers of more than 400 students at Frank Ryan Catholic School. Taking Center stage were three Ottawa Redblacks players, including quarterback, Jeremiah Masoli, along with GeeGee's varsity basketball star forward Brigitte Lefebvre-Okankwu.
The group is here to share raw, personal stories, of prejudice they have faced and of perseverance through hardship, to encourage the next generation.
"It is hard to talk about," says Masoli, who shared with the students his recent experience where he was faced with racist comments. "That's exactly why we're here to let them know they should speak up and that they're right and they are not alone in speaking up and we got to look out for each other ... And showing them that there are things you can do. There are tools and support systems that you can reach out to and get support for whatever you are going through."
The Ottawa Redblacks Courageous Conversations program provides students, in grades 6 to 8 an opportunity to engage in open and honest discussions about racism, inclusion and equity.
"If I can pour and invest some knowledge into these young people and have these conversations that I didn't have at their age that means our future is already looking bright," said event host, Stefan Keyes of CTV Morning Live. "And understand that we are not alone with what we are experiencing and that they can see adults still going through it and it can resonate with them. I think it's hugely important."
Students asked tough questions to the group of athletes, about overcoming intolerance and microaggressions, topics Kene Onyeka, addressed.
"These are the conversations that bring us closer together and I think this is exactly what we need," says the Redblacks defensive lineman. "Because I think it's very, very important to the victims of racism and bullying and whatever else to feel like they have that support."
For Redblacks defensive back Alonzo Addae, his goal is to empower and champion the group of youths and to provide a sense of hope.
"It's realizing that vulnerability is really strength in a lot of situations," he says. "Being out here and putting ourselves out there for these kids to sympathize and relate to what's happening."
It's also a teaching moment, learning to have the strength to say something if you see something.
"It's showing that you are not alone, and that you have strength to stand up against racism against discrimination," says Lefebvre-Okankwu. "Being a role model being a guide it's just really big for a younger generation, so I'm really happy that I was part of that and if I can just have an impact on one person's life and that's so important to me and that's perfect."
The Courageous Conversations program is offered for free and educators can register online to have the interactive event scheduled for their school.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.