The Anti-Racism Data project, helmed by SEARA (Sector Equity for Anti-Racism in the Arts), will be led by Joseph Mwesigwa Ssendikaddiwa and Natasha Mhuriro.
The Anti-Racism Data Project will survey experiences of race-based harm and examine historical initiatives to combat racism in B.C.’s arts sector through sectoral policies, governance, and employment demographics. Findings from Joseph and Natasha’s research will be used to advocate for BIPOC artists and cultural workers at both policy-making and funding levels.
Joseph Mwesigwa Ssendikaddiwa is a seasoned researcher with extensive experience in community development and social justice, particularly within the field of public policy and health. He holds a Master of Science in Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University and has dedicated his academic and professional career to addressing disparities among marginalized communities. Joseph uses mixed methods and approaches in research including the use of administrative and internet data along with qualitative community-based research methods.
Natasha Mhuriro is grateful to live work and learn on the occupied territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ Peoples. She holds a master’s in public policy from SFU’s School of Public Policy. Her research interests encompass a range of current public policy solutions, including access to safe, affordable housing options for racialized communities, and the use of disaggregated race-based data to address systemic inequities. More recently, her research examines the racialized demographics of senior governance positions within public Canadian corporations, identifying barriers to achieving equitable representation. Driven by a deep-rooted commitment to challenging colonial injustices, Natasha’s work seeks to transform the systems that govern society. She is continually inspired and guided by the teachings and lessons from the Black women in her life.
Please join us in welcoming Joseph and Natasha!
