FOCUS: Family Fuse launches to help Black parents in Windsor Essex
Family Fuse aims to educate, empower and encourage Black parents in Windsor Essex (Photo courtesy Family Fuse)
Madam CJ Walker once said, “Don’t sit down and wait for opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”
Local activists Salem Berhane, Clarese Carter and Christie Nelson did just that.
“We experienced challenges, such as racism, low incomes, disabilities, education and housing. And we wanted to help tackle it all,” said Nelson.
That vision became the new non-profit organization Family Fuse. Berhane, the initiative’s outreach facilitator, said the program offers free workshops and one-on-one coaching in English, French and other languages to educate, empower and encourage Black parents.
Goals include helping parents strengthen their bonds with their children, navigate local school systems, tackle racism and harassment faced by their children and more.
“It’s going to help Black Canadian parents, guardians and caregivers . . . parent with a purpose,” Nelson, Family Fuse’s program coordinator, explained.
The organization launched early this month after receiving $253,500 in grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and partnering with numerous local organizations, including the Windsor Essex County District School Board (WECDSB), the Windsor Police Service, the University of Windsor and Youth Connection Association Inc.
Nelson said Family Fuse is unique not only in the partnerships it’s built throughout the community but also in that it is Black led. “It includes Black people with lived experiences. We are specific to Black Canadian parents, guardians, and caregivers in the community.”
This support is needed now more than ever. Derric’Ka Talbot, a local mom, says the pandemic has brought unique hurdles with online education. “It’s extremely challenging to have (my son) Carter sit at a computer for prolonged periods of time when all he wants to do is get up and play.”
Derric’Ka Talbot is helping her son, Carter, navigate his online education (Photo courtesy Derric’Ka Talbot)
And, said Talbot, “I am in no way a teacher, so I fear my setbacks and lack of educational organization can change the outcome of how my son learns . . . being a parent is more than challenging right now, and being a person of colour doesn’t make it any easier.”
Clarese Carter, Family Fuse’s community facilitator, noted that Black students face systemic biases every day. “Black students achieve lower EQAO scores in math, reading and writing, and they have two times fewer ‘excellent’ ratings from their teachers.”
Carter added, “Although 94% of Black youth ages 15–25 say they’d like to get a bachelor’s degree, only 59% believe it’s possible.”
A recent WECDSB survey called Black Student Voices Matter (BSVM) found that some students have not felt supported by school staff when dealing with issues of racism and bullying during the pandemic. Others have felt that responses to these issues have been tokenistic in nature.
One student noted, “This is how things are, but I’ve got to get on with things anyway. It gets exhausting.”
Lisa Gretzky, Windsor West’s member of provincial parliament, was present at a virtual launch for Family Fuse Jan. 6. “Having been a trustee with the school board for eight years, and being the vice chair of the board, I know there are systemic barriers within the elementary and secondary school systems. So I am thankful that (Family Fuse will) support families in our community with navigating the education system and will empower them.”
Rachel Olivero, the WECDSB’s diversity officer, agreed. “We have a journey and we cannot do it alone. So thank you (Family Fuse) for taking on this monumental task. We have to be the change we wish to see in the world.”
Carter said that Family Fuse is ready to start that change by helping parents. “Educating, empowering and encouraging parents is the key to enriching children’s educational experiences.”
After all, said Carter, “parents are vital partners in education.”
To sign up for Family Fuse’s free workshops and learn about their upcoming events, visit their website, email them at infofamilyfuse@gmail.com or give them a call at 226-506-5872.
