and speaking of the power of women of colour for community building...

I am still reeling from the Shades of Power dinner last night. The event was a volunteer-organized fundraiser to raise awareness about women of colour's mental health. Funds were raised to support Across Boundaries, a mental health centre providing support to people of colour in the GTA.

I was moved and inspired by the courage and energy of the women of colour who performed, shared experiences and organized the event. The speaker and performers' words reflected the painful realities of the health inequities experienced by women of colour in Ontario and beyond -- the impacts of racialized and gendered violence, migration, racism, displacement, isolation, navigating the mental health system, housing, legal system, mothering and family relationships, what it means and takes to feel good and beautiful as a woman of colour -- and the beauty and joy of the support systems of community, friends and family.

This event was organized through the initiative, passion and energy of volunteer Mya Vijendran. Thank you, Mya, for this incredible event!