Education
Black Realities in Canada
Black Realities in Canada discusses inequity and racism in Canada from a Black perspective through the award-winning documentary The Skin We’re In. It includes a 58-minute conversation with filmmaker Charles Officer, a lesson plan, and support resources.
The lesson plan explores Black realities, anti-Black racism, resistance, and resilience.
The national conversation, recorded on November 25, 2020, remains a powerful and relevant resource today.
Learn more about the film and special guest speakers below.
This Resource Is:
- Free of Charge.
- Suitable for Grades 9 -12
- Presented in English.
Note: While the conversation is focused on racism faced by Black Canadians, parts of the discussion reference injustices that have occurred across the border as well, such as the death of George Floyd, which occurred shortly before this was filmed. Teachers should be prepared for students to have questions about these events.
About the Film
the Skin We’re in
In this short documentary, journalist and activist Desmond Cole builds on his award-winning Toronto Life cover story, taking viewers on a journey through experiences of enduring anti-Black and systemic racism faced by Black individuals and communities across North America in the 21st century.
About the guests
Please note: Guest biographies reflect their roles and achievements at the time of recording.
Charles Officer
Director of the Skin We’re in
Charles Officer is an actor, screenwriter and director based in Toronto.
Many of Officer’s films explore inequality, racism and Black experiences in Canada, especially in Toronto. His first feature film, Nurse.Fighter.Boy, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was nominated for 10 Genies. Charles’ films include the documentaries Mighty Jerome, The Skin We’re In and Unarmed Verses. Most recently, he directed the crime thriller Akilla’s Escape. In addition to directing numerous television shows and short films, he has also appeared as an actor on screen and stage.
Officer originally studied visual art and worked as a graphic designer and a professional hockey player in the U.K. before entering the Canadian film industry.
Garvia Bailey
Moderator
Garvia Bailey is an event moderator, interviewer, arts journalist, broadcaster, producer, and storyteller.
With over 20 years of experience, Bailey has helped shape a number of eminent CBC Radio and Television programmes, including Big City Small World, Metro Morning, and The National. She is a regular host and moderator for the Toronto Public Library, Hot Docs, and TOLive. With a background hosting 91.1 JazzFM’s Good Morning, Toronto, Bailey co-founded Jazzcast.ca, a community-driven platform dedicated to jazz enthusiasts.
Bailey was the 2020 RTNDA Co-Award Winner for opinion writing for her piece, “The Truth Is: I Don’t Want to Hear Your Blackface Confessions” published in The Huffington Post.
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