Stepping Into Truth: Conversations on Race, Gender, and Social Justice

Anti-Oppression, Body Positivity, & More with Ruby Smith-Diaz

Season 3 Episode 12

Ruby Smith-Diaz

As we work towards the goals of freedom and social justice one of the things that is most important is that we listen to and center the voices of young people. They are the ones who will have to live with the consequences of our actions, and our inactions.

Ruby Smith-Diaz and I discuss how she uses art to engage, empower, and inspire young people to use their voices and their creativity in service of their needs, dreams, and rights.

Beyond that Ruby and I discuss body image from the perspective of racial equity. The importance of place and so much more.

It was a fascinating and expanding conversation and I think you’re going to love it.

Ruby Smith-Diaz was born to Chilean and Jamaican parents in Edmonton, Amiskwaciy, in so called Canada. She is the founder of Tierra Negra arts, an arts based Anti-Oppression facilitation business, as well as the founder of Autonomy Fitness, a body positive personal training business, inviting people of all sizes, genders and sexual orientations to learn the joy of moving. Ruby is also the curriculum developer and facilitator for Still Here Black histories and futures in Canada, and has been busy facilitating it in classrooms in the lower mainland.

For a written transcript of this conversation click here.

Connect with Ruby:
Website
Instagram

Episode Notes:
If you’re interested in the Afro-futurism cards that Ruby talked about here’s the link to stay informed.
Ruby also mentioned the book Policing Black Lives by Robin Maynard

Credits:
Harmonica music courtesy of a friend