On Saturday, contributors showcased photographs to spark dialogue on dismantling systemic racism in New Brunswick at Fredericton’s Charlotte Street Arts Centre.
The event was organized by the Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre, a non-profit organization that aims to support migrants in New Brunswick.
Titled ‘Like the Air We Breathe,’ the project was a collection of photographs that aligned with recommendations made in a 2022 report on systemic racism in New Brunswick.
The report was written by Manju Varma, New Brunswick’s Commissioner of Systemic Racism from 2021 to 2023.
“Some of these stories are difficult to read, but it’s an understanding that we have to have, that we have to think about every day,” said Varma in a speech during the event.
Twenty photographs and the unique stories behind them were displayed by 11 artists at the event, which was attended by around 40 people.
Topics displayed through presented photographs included the difference in treatment of international students, the silencing of migrants and their culture, how the justice and education systems can view migrants differently, as well as the importance of hope and community in the face of systemic racism.
Seven contributors spoke at the event, giving further details about the background of their photographs. Varma said that seeing New Brunswickers share their stories was “brave.”
“Projects like this one are all examples of organizations, of community, making change … really, it’s people like you that take these photos, tell these stories, and advocate for others,” she said.
Among the contributors was Himanshu Sharma, an international student who attends the University of New Brunswick in Saint John.
Sharma’s photo told the story of a coming together of international and domestic students through the Diwali festival, where he and his roommates hosted a party to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights.
“We invited all people, not just people who shared the same culture, so we all could learn what it is about and also share their own stories,” said Sharma.
“I feel like when there is no dialogue, there’s no understanding of what is common. Even when we are talking about how we are different, talking about the differences can give us commonalities.”
His story resonated with Cecilia Pérez Plancarte, a Université de Moncton alum who moved to New Brunswick from Mexico in 2021.
“Today’s venue saw different pictures, not just about the recommendations, but of people’s stories that are more impactful to see than just listening to them,” said Pérez Plancarte.
“It’s actually hopeful to see something like this happening,” she said. “I’m happy to see all of these different perspectives, we’re actually more powerful when we connect the dots and understand that all of this is happening because of the systemic racism that affects all of us.”
This curated display told from many different perspectives contributed to a sense of community, according to Pérez Plancarte.
Varma agrees with this sentiment, expressing the increased importance of community to create change.
“What’s impressed me is the community hasn’t said, ‘Okay, we’re going to wait and see what the government does,’ they’ve just said, ‘How can we work in this space?’” she said.
“Stories are definitely a part of the fabric of who we are, and I think it goes hand in hand with advocacy, because by sharing stories, we can see the connection between people.”
Jonas May is a recent graduate of St. Thomas University, with a Major in Journalism and Digital Media. He was last year’s news editor of The Aquinian.
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