On Thursday, February 25, Toronto-based abolitionist, storyteller and Black Lives Matter organizer Ravyn Wngz will be leading a talk titled Black History is in the Now. The talk is hosted by George Brown College’s (GBC) Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services and will start at 12:00 p.m.

“I think we’re in a time period where we have an opportunity to look at what has happened, how we got to this place now, and to actually make some huge structural and operational changes within how we relate to each other but then also how we talk about history, how we talk about intersectionality within Blackness and Black history,” says Wngz.

Ravyn Wngz is one of Toronto’s most prominent anti-racism activists, working with groups like the Outrageous Victorious Africans Collective and Black Lives Matter Toronto. She also co-founded ILL NANA/Diversecity Dance Company and Black Lives Matter Canada.

“A lot of my work is about political education,” says Wngz. “Finding ways creatively through talks, through dance and performance, to bring people into a place of action.”

In Black History is in the Now, Wngz will share her journey about becoming an activist due to her own intersections and talk about Black Lives Matter as an organization, covering what they have done and what they want to see happen. She will also discuss defunding the police, abolition, and answer questions from students. It is one of many GBC events honouring Black History Month, including several from the Black Student Success Network and the Student Association of George Brown College.

“There are so many people who understand that there is a problem. Who understand that there are inequities, but haven’t yet figured out how they, themselves, will be a part of changing that,” says Wngz.

Wngz says she is not entering the space with specific goals or objectives, as she wants to be flexible to what the space requires at the time. But she does think being in a college setting opens up a unique opportunity.

“I think there’s a way those spaces [colleges] can get you into a space of theory. Into a space of thought and intellect,” says Wngz. “And that is necessary, that’s important, and what’s also important is taking that intellect and turning it into action. Embodying your practices.”

The talk is being hosted by The Office of Anti Racism, Equity, and Human Rights Services. To register, students are asked to email diversity@georgebrown.ca or Nicole.voisin@georgebrown.ca.

“There’s no such thing as a perfect activist, and so what does that look like to allow yourself to make mistakes, allow each other to make mistakes, and to actually grow from them,” says Wngz.