Nana aba Duncan is an associate professor and the inaugural Carty Chair in Journalism, Diversity and Inclusion at Carleton University’s School of Journalism. She is focused on launching the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging, a research centre which advocates, supports and participates in inclusive and belonging-focused journalism in Canada. Nana aba is the co-founder of Media Girlfriends, a podcast production company that supports more perspectives in news media. Before joining Carleton, Nana aba was a host and producer at CBC Radio for 15 years, with her last position being the host of Fresh Air, a weekend morning show.  

Debra Thompson is an associate professor of Political Science and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Racial Inequality in Democratic Societies at McGill University. Her research focuses on the relationships among race, the state and inequality in Canada and other advanced democracies. Her most recent book, The Long Road Home: On Blackness and Belonging, will be published by Scribner Canada (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) in September 2022. 

Akwasi Owusu-Bempah is an academic, author and changemaker. He is a professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto, and senior fellow and board chair at Massey College. His research examines the intersections of race, crime and criminal justice. Prior to becoming a professor, he held positions with Canada’s National Judicial Institute, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General. He frequently appears on radio and television, and publishes regularly in academic and popular forums. Prof. Owusu-Bempah’s work and commentary has recently been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Guardian and The Globe and Mail. 

Sabreena Delhon is the Executive Director of the Samara Centre for Democracy, a non-partisan charity that is committed to securing a resilient democratic culture in Canada. The Samara Centre’s bold research and programs make it a go-to resource for active citizens, public leaders and journalists. Sabreena frequently provides commentary about political participation in media outlets such as the Globe & Mail, CBC and the Toronto Star. Prior to joining the Samara Centre, Sabreena was the Principal of Signal Strategies and managed access to justice initiatives at the Law Society of Ontario.