Description

In this episode of the Educational Equity Podcast, student host Jahiem Thomas is joined by a panel of Black advocates, students and professors who share their lived experiences, insights, and reflections on the meaning and significance of Black Joy in education through a podcast conversation titled, ‘Melanin Magic’. Panelists include:

• Coleen Dudley – Coleen is a first-generation Guyanese-Jamaican Canadian and recent high school graduate with a bilingual French diploma. She currently works as a Community Animator Assistant with TNG, where she previously served as a Peer Leader, supporting youth programs and creating safe, engaging spaces for community connection. Coleen is passionate about advocating for Black youth and athletes, especially those who often go unheard. She took a gap year to focus on personal growth and gaining hands-on experience before beginning her studies in Behavioural Analysis and Entrepreneurship at York University.
  
• Dr. Alana Butler – Dr. Alana Butler is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University. She joined Queen’s University in 2017 and currently teaches in the Bachelor of Education program as well as the Graduate Studies program. Her research interests include the academic achievement of low-socio economic students, race and schooling, equity and inclusion.

• Dr. Janelle Brady – Dr. Janelle Brady (she/her/hers) is an assistant professor in the School of Early Childhood Studies, Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Her community-based research explores Black motherhood through Black feminist frameworks and Black childhoods through community-orientations. She is an active member of her local community and a scholar-activist who is part of provincial and grassroots political mobilization efforts. Janelle’s co-edited book publication, Critical Schooling: Transformative Theory and Practice which aims to bridge pre-existing research-practice gaps through decolonial research.
  
• Holidae Robinson – Holidae Robinson is a first-generation Black Canadian and recent graduate of Humber College’s Pre-Health Sciences program. She graduated high school with honours and received multiple awards for bringing Black joy to her school community. Holidae is passionate about amplifying Black voices, celebrating identity, and building joyful, inclusive spaces.
  
• Tiasia Robinson – Tiasia Robinson is a first generation Black Canadian that has just graduated from Westview Centennial SS. She will be attending Brock University for a nursing undergrad as she aspires to be a paediatrician. Tiasia has always been driven to speak up for her community and in doing so has gotten many opportunities to explore and represent the Black community.
  
• With host, Jahiem Thomas - first generation Black Canadian, graduated from Newtonbrook Secondary, He will be attending Centennial College to pursue becoming a mechanic. Jaheim has always been a shy person who doesn’t speak up often but has recently been finding his voice.

1. What does Black Joy mean to you?
   
2. In the face of historical and systemic barriers, how does Black Joy serve as a catalyst for resistance, thriving, and transformational change?
   
3. How does Black Joy shape pedagogical practices that combat anti-Black racism and foster Black student flourishing?
   
4. How can schools move beyond just addressing barriers and actively foster environments where Black students thrive?
   
5. Can you share how your understanding of Black Joy has evolved over time, particularly as you’ve navigated different stages of your educational journey?