Panel 2: The Imperative for Racial and Economic Justice

Conference Registration

The recent months have shined light on structural inequities that have wracked societies across the globe for decades.  Since the killing of George Floyd, the recognition of systemic racism in institutions of government and society has rippled outward from North America to the rest of the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has had an especially pronounced effect on those of lower socioeconomic status, who may not be able to afford top-of-the-line medical care or the ability to work from home. This panel will discuss the barriers to entry for youth of certain racial or socioeconomic backgrounds in activism, provide calls to action for movements of racial and economic justice, and explore whether there can be a unified vision for racial and economic justice that transcends national context and jurisdiction.

Panelists

  • Habon Ali

    Opportunity for All Youth As a member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, Ali was actively involved in the creation of Canada’s first National Youth Policy and the development of Canada’s Service Corps. She is passionate about community building, youth participation, social determinants of health, reducing health inequity and healthy public policy.
  • Francesca Désulmé

    Outreach Coordinator, Apathy is Boring Growing up in Haïti, Désulmé developed a strong desire to see positive changes happen in her community. She dreams of a world where people's intersectional identities could coexist in harmony with a preserved environment.
  • Alcinda Honwana

    Centennial Professor and Strategic Director, Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa, London School of Economics and Political Science Honwana’s is one of the most influential scholars in the fields of youth and conflict, youth socio-economic transitions, and youth political protest and social movements. Her widely cited work on youth in “waithood” has greatly contributed to shaping current youth studies in Africa and the global South.