Canada is diverse. Canadian media is not.
New journalism conference centres voices, experience of racialized journalists in Canada
Toronto, Ontario – April 13, 2021 - The Canadian Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) and Canadian Journalists of Colour (CJOC) share a common goal: for the media industry to be equitable and truly representative of Canada’s racial diversity and commitment to multiculturalism. It is the vision for the inaugural RISE Conference: a journalism conference focussed on journalists of colour and reimagining an equitable future for the media industry.
"We heard from racialized journalists across the country about the need for a conference like this," said Nadia Stewart, executive director of the CABJ. "We’re excited it’s finally coming together."
Speakers include journalists, writers, and thought leaders sharing their experiences and insight. The sessions and workshops are wide-ranging. Everything from concrete actions being taken to increase diversity in newsrooms to student activism to data journalism, entrepreneurship, and self-care.
“This conference will centre BIPOC journalists in Canada and the issues of greatest importance to them,” said Cherise Seucharan, member of the CJOC executive team. “We hope RISE will lead to greater collaboration, innovation and equity in the industry.”
RISE is a conference by and for journalists of colour and everyone is welcome to attend. If you want to be part of building a new future for the Canadian media industry, this conference is for you.
CABJ and CJOC are also delighted to have Camille Dundas and Connie Walker joining us as keynote speakers for the inaugural edition of RISE!
Camille Dundas is a speaker, advocate, and storyteller. She is co-founder and editor-in-chief of byblacks.com, an award-winning online magazine focussed on telling Black Canadian stories, making her the perfect person to speak about how to build a successful independent media platform.
Connie Walker is an award-winning Cree journalist from Okanese First Nation in Saskatchewan. Throughout her career she has worked to amplify the voices of Indigenous people and tell the stories of murdered and missing Indigenous women. She currently works at Gimlet Media and is the host of the investigative podcast Stolen: The Search for Jermain.
For tickets and more information, go to www.riseconference.ca.
Media inquiries:
Nadia Stewart
Canadian Association of Black Journalists
604-612-2134
Cherise Seucharan
Canadian Journalists of Colour