06/27/2026
This week, the KNB team participated in the Beyond Bias: Building Allyship and Healing Across Communities workshop, hosted by the Kingston Anti-Racism Working Group.
One thing that stayed with me is that meaningful change begins with honest conversations. They may feel uncomfortable at times, but they also create space for understanding, healing, and growth.
As an immigrant, I've come to appreciate that building truly inclusive communities starts with a willingness to learn from experiences different from our own.
Every conversation like this broadens my perspective and reminds me that allyship is an ongoing practice... not a destination.
Bias isn't always loud or intentional. Sometimes it's built into the stories we've inherited, the systems we've grown up in, or the experiences we've never had to question. Becoming aware of those layers isn't about guilt; it's about responsibility. It's about choosing to learn, to listen, and to become better allies to one another.
One question I left reflecting on is:
How do our own experiences, assumptions, or privileges influence what we see, and what we may not see, when it comes to anti-Black racism?
I believe these conversations matter because awareness is the first step toward meaningful action.
By understanding where bias comes from, we become better equipped to challenge it with empathy, curiosity, and courage.
I'm grateful to be part of a community that is committed to creating spaces where these discussions can happen with respect, openness, and a genuine desire to build stronger connections.
This work reflects the values that KNB strives to foster: respect, connection, and inclusion. It reminds us that creating a stronger community is something we all have a role in.
The conversation doesn't end with one workshop. It continues through our willingness to keep listening, asking questions, reflecting, and taking action.
My hope is that these conversations continue to grow throughout the Kingston community, helping us create a future that is more inclusive and compassionate, where everyone has the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and valued.
With Gratitude,
Mariana 💛
