Resources for Black community members

Ryerson acknowledges how painful and difficult the last couple of weeks have been for Black community members. In challenging times like this, access to mental health services has never been more important. Ryerson Today compiled a list of resources available to Black community members with the aim to facilitate connection and support.

For Ryerson faculty and staff 

Peer-to-peer support (ongoing events): Black Faculty and Staff Community Network

Ryerson’s Black Faculty and Staff Community Network is comprised of staff and faculty who self-identify as Black with an aim of fostering mutual support and building community among Black employees at the university. 

The network is hosting ongoing and online gatherings for Black employees to come together. To get involved and/or join the next event at the end of June, please complete the  (google form) registration form (external link) . 

If you have any questions, contact Nikki Waheed (chair, Black Faculty and Staff Community Network and manager, experiential learning, Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching) at nikki.waheed@torontomu.ca. 

Peer-to-peer support event: Muslim Employee Community Network Safe Space

Ryerson’s Muslim Employee Community Network offers resources to Black Muslims on campus facing anti-Black racism and/or Islamophobia.

On Friday, June 12 from noon to 1 p.m., the network is hosting an online safe space for members impacted by recent events to share among their peers. Register to join the Zoom meeting (external link) .

If you have any questions, contact Farhan Zia or Imran Ali (co-chairs, Muslim Employee Community Network) at muslimnetwork@torontomu.ca. 

For Ryerson students 

Peer-to-peer support: Brave Space Discussions for Black-Identified Students 

Students will be provided an online space to share their unfiltered feelings about topics relevant within the Black community. Topics discussed will include but not be limited to police brutality, anti-Black racism and discrimination. This event is hosted by Ryerson University, Student Life and Campus Engagement and takes place weekly on Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  (google form) Register for Brave Space Discussions for Black-Identified Students (external link) .

Counselling: Centre for Student Development and Counselling 

The Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) is offering dedicated appointment times for Black-identified students looking to connect with counselling support at Ryerson. Students will be offered the option to speak with one of the two Black-identified, cis-women counsellors, Eden Abraham and Krystal Warner, at the CSDC. If you know of any Black students who may be seeking support at this time, please encourage them to contact the CSDC front desk at 416-979-5195 or via email csdc@torontomu.ca. 

Students are welcome to note that they are Black-identified and to express a preference to work with a Black-identified counsellor if they so wish. This will help ensure that their appointment will be prioritized. All counselling appointments are offered via telephone or video at this time.

External resources (non-Ryerson led) health and well-being resources

OnePeopleTO (external link) : Healing and wellness studio, founded and owned by Ryerson staff member Sheena Ewan, case coordinator, Spanning the Gaps program at The Chang School. OnePeopleTO is committed to serving alternative wellness to BIPOC Toronto & supporting communities. 

Across Boundaries (external link) : Provides community mental health, addiction support and in-house programs from anti-racism/anti-Black racism and anti-oppression frameworks specifically for racialized communities. 

Black Youth Helpline (external link) : Serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools.

I Rise Yoga (external link) : Sliding scale accessible yoga classes that prioritizes BIPOC communities. 

Liberate Meditation (external link) : Meditation and mindfulness app for BIPOC communities.