Knowledge Mobilization With Black & Racialized Communities on the Topic of Use-Of-Force in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area | Kojo Damptey
When and Where
Speakers
Description
Join us for this seminar presented by the CrimSL Research Cluster for the Study of Racism and Inequality.
A light lunch will be available from 12 noon to 12:30 pm prior to the seminar.
This is a free event, however, space is limited and registration is required.
Abstract
This seminar presents use-of-force data from police services in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to show racial disparities in policing. Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities have long identified these disparities in Canada. While their concerns were often dismissed, the Ontario government mandated in 2020 that police collect race-based use-of-force data under the Anti-Racism Act, 2018.
After five years of data collection, the issue of racial disparities in use of force experience persists. Specifically, Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities continue to face a disproportionate amount of extreme use of force compared to White communities. Analysis of use-of-force data from 2023 and 2024 shows that racialized youth, Indigenous men and women, uniquely suffer from extreme use of force at higher rates. This pattern highlights a severe and targeted impact on racialized communities. Taken together, these findings underscore the urgent need for the provincial government and police services to develop and publicly commit to concrete policy and transparent accountability measures to address ongoing disparities in their interactions with Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities.
About Kojo Damptey
Kojo Damptey is a sessional instructor for the African & Black Diaspora Studies program and a PhD student in the School of Social Work at McMaster University. He is an interdisciplinary decolonial scholar-practitioner and musician dedicated to fostering a world free of injustice.
As a decolonial scholar, Kojo integrates his academic insights and artistic talents to challenge and dismantle systemic oppression. His academic work revolves around the broad discipline of African & Black Studies, particularly around governance, African Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Black politics, and politics in Africa and North America.
Accessibility
Please note that our Centre Lounge and CG 265 seminar room are on the second floor of the Canadiana Gallery building, with stair access only as there is no elevator. If you have any access needs or if there are any ways we can support your participation in this session, please email crimsl.communications@utoronto.ca and we will be glad to work with you to make the appropriate arrangements.
Notice of photography and videography
Photography, audio and video recording may occur throughout this event. Therefore, by attending, you hereby authorize the University of Toronto to take your photograph, video and/or record your voice and grant the university all rights to these sounds, still or moving images in any medium for educational, promotional, marketing, advertising or other such purposes that support the mission of the university. If you do not consent to this, please speak with a university representative upon your arrival.
Questions?
Email us at csri@utoronto.ca.