TESTIMONIALS

Here’s what participants and organizations are saying about the antiracism training experiences with Selam Debs:

Workshops & Keynotes

“Powerful, inspiring, humbling, and enlightening are only just a few words to describe the incredible speaking engagement Selam Debs delivered to our employees about ‘Black History and Black excellence in Canada’. While we learned and unlearned during this session, we were also moved by Selam’s beautiful singing voice, her anti-racism activism, and her authenticity. Black history and Black excellence was highlighted in ways we were never taught before by colonial education systems. We were guided to think critically about applying an anti-racism lens to the equity, diversity and inclusion work that we do at the City of Mississauga. We praise Selam for impactful and meaningful work.”

— City of Mississauga
“Thank you for the impactful presentation you gave at our Anti-Hate Symposium. You provided an intersectional lens to the hate that is prevalent in our society, connecting experiences of racism, discrimination against the 2SLGBTQI+ community and gender based hate. Your authentic and candid exploration of systemic hate and oppression challenged us to place ourselves in the trajectory of a hate free society and take action to fight for the removal of colonial systems and barriers. You motivated us to educate ourselves so we can distinguish racism from white supremacy and identify the power dynamic they create in our society. We left inspired to reflect on the important role we need to play in our respective organizations and communities to build inclusive workplaces and communities and more importantly, not to remain subjected to those in power but to relentlessly seek opportunities to name acts of oppression and demand change. Thank you for taking us on this journey and for validating the essential work those of us in Diversity Equity and Inclusion have to do everyday.”

— The Municipal Anti-Hate Symposium Team
“The impact that Selam and the AntiRacism Course has had on our organization cannot be overstated. She coached our Board of Directors and Leadership team through a deep process of learning and unlearning, which has caused us to rethink every aspect of our organization and the work that we do with our service users. Selam challenges and inspires; she brings her lived and learned expertise and a deep sense of compassion to her anti-racism work, which creates the conditions for deep reflection and real change.”

— Tyler Fainsat, Executive Director, John Howard Society of Ottawa
“Selam spoke at our branch town hall to help cultivate and advance our initiatives to build an antiracism culture. With empathy, gentleness, and compassion, Selam brought much needed perspectives that reflected current antiracist thinking. From history to terminology and even diving into her own experiences, staff raved about her ability to convey important messages to mobilize positive change that stick with us to this day. Her session was engaging and interactive. While talking about racism and its intersection with gender, socioeconomic status, Indigenous, and LGBTQ perspectives, she made it easy to understand and instilled a sense of purpose in each and every one of us to become an antiracist. We are grateful for Selam’s story and her expert approach to teaching. We highly recommend her to anyone looking to advance their antiracism learning journey learning like she has done for us. Understanding that becoming an antiracist is a lifelong journey, we’re a lot further along because of Selam. Thank you!”

— Jennifer Keyes, Director, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
“It has been a pleasure to partner with Selam Debs on Lutherwood’s Antiracism journey. We appreciated Selam’s professional and compassionate approach recognizing that employees were in various stages of learning. She took the time to really understand our needs as an organization. The Antiracism Course provided Lutherwood employees with a solid foundation and understanding of what it means to work through an antiracist and anti-oppressive lens, and it helped us to strengthen our racial literacy to better serve our diverse community. The content is broken down into small lessons that provide flexibility for employees to work through the modules when it suits them. Feedback from our employees regarding the supplementary resources available throughout the course was positive. Selam provided coaching sessions throughout the course to support employees in their learning. She helped us on our path towards a more equitable workplace. Selam’s guidance and leadership through an organizational assessment helped us identify the gaps that existed and gave us a deeper understanding of where were at as an organization. Selam’s recommendations gave us powerful insights into our employee’s experiences which is helping us shape our Equity strategy.”

— Andrea Dunn, Director of Human Resources, Lutherwood
“Working with Selam was such a pleasure. She is graceful, full of women, and the communication with her team was easy. I found her session extremely informative, and it elicited some serious reflection on my own biases and how I incorporate an anti-oppression lens to my work.”

— Hamzia Bawa-Zeba, YWCA Canada
“I had the privilege of having Selam (virtually) visit our College. I was deeply engaged by Selam’s knowledge and expertise the entire hour and 30 minutes that she spoke. Her ability to explain challenging topics with conviction and compassion is incredible. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for the work she is doing and thank her for sharing her personal experiences and expertise with us. I left the talk reminded about my privilege and whiteness and I rededicated myself to identifying and deconstructing instances in our institution where white is considered the norm. If you are unsure about how you can do more to challenge racism and white supremacy or if you are struggling to understand structural racism and its effects on our society, attending Selam’s anti-racism workshop is a must.”

— Sarah Cahill, Social & Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph
“Powerful, inspiring, humbling, and enlightening are only just a few words to describe the incredible speaking engagement Selam Debs delivered to our employees about ‘Black History and Black excellence in Canada’. While we learned and unlearned during this session, we were also moved by Selam’s beautiful singing voice, her anti-racism activism, and her authenticity. Black history and Black excellence was highlighted in ways we were never taught before by colonial education systems. We were guided to think critically about applying an anti-racism lens to the equity, diversity and inclusion work that we do at the City of Mississauga. We praise Selam for impactful and meaningful work.”

— City of Mississauga
“Selam takes time to understand the context of the group she is working with and designs her antiracism workshops to create space for everyone. No matter where the group is at on their journey of building knowledge and understanding of antiracism in relation to their own identity and the environment and people around them, Selam brings an expertise that calls people into important conversations with both directness and care.”

— Kathryn, University of Guelph
“I just want to say thank you so much for sharing your expertise from your years of research and work in this field as well as the stories from your personal life. You gave us lots to reflect on and have provided a great inspiration for us to reflect on these questions personally, within our organization and within the community.”

— Lorie Fioze, Municipality of Kincardine
“We hired Selam to do a session for parents at our school as part of our parent education series. Selam has a way of delivering critical, thought-provoking information with compassion as well as with the urgency that is needed to inspire moving into action. We appreciated the way that she brought unique, relatable examples and held space for learning and more importantly, unlearning. I so appreciated the approach of not just delivering a didactic “presentation” but included opportunities for deep reflection and calls to action as well. Selam and her team were great to work with in all ways, and I’d highly recommend her to anyone and everyone

— Renee, Parent, British Columbia
“For myself, Selam’s workshop reinforced the notion that we should continuously work on and question ourselves as antiracist individuals. In other words, as I most definitely consider myself as antiracist, when listening to Selam’s talk I realized I use vocabulary that I didn’t even know was white-centered. Topics such as harmful vocabulary and key quotations from the talk (such as “treat others how they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated” and “If you talk to us nicer, maybe we’ll give you what you need.’) I have always felt embarrassed and annoying to others for how much I care about antiracism, but listening to Selam’s talk encouraged me to continue raising my voice and doing the necessary work. I plan to speak to our Antiracism and Discrimination Committee about being more intentional with our approach, as it’s not our job to ensure that the White population is comfortable with the topics we discuss. Moreover, I am looking forward to doing some research on the relationship between Indigenous sovereignty and anti-Black racism to potentially partner with our school Indigenous Cultural Alliance for an event, as I was not previously aware of the relationship between these 2 phenomena.”

— Kyra, Bishop’s University
“Selam brought great energy and important information to the team, as a black woman her message was heart warming, a timely reminder of the role my ancestors played in the development of North America and the importance of being true to self and sharing and reclaiming our culture. I would surely recommend this session to other organizations.”

— Kim, Food Banks Canada
“Selam presentation was very good and powerful. The content was very informative. I learned a lot about the history, culture, education, the way of life, the hard work.”

— Participant from Food Banks Canada

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The Antiracism Course

“Your work and course was a huge life changer. I was already invested in this work before but your course exposed me to so many truths and helped me unlearn, hold myself accountable and choose spaces where I know I belong (vs trying to fit into spaces I'd outgrown). You are doing the lord's work!"”

— Surabhi Veitch, The Passionate Physio
“This course gave me a completely new outlook on racism and what it means to be an anti-racist. The material shines a light on the institutional white privilege I didn’t know existed and the fact that I AM unconsciously racist as a result. This awareness has allowed me to start the process of unlearning and taking accountability for my biases.”

— Sarah
“The Antiracism Course with Selam Debs is exceptional helping us think critically about the terms inclusion and diversity, shift our language, and continue our everyday work to decolonize our thinking and propel us into action to create the communities we want to live in for future generations. As a proud trans guy I have tremendous respect for the incredible work Selam is doing to make much needed change to fight against systemic racism, transphobia, homophobia, discrimination, and oppression. THANK YOU!”

— Jordan Applebaum, Vice Principal, Toronto District School Board
“Selam brings an honest, open, experienced perspective to her course. She manages to balance the sometimes hard content with grace and fortitude. She provides clarity, relevant learning opportunities, and creates a safe space for deep work.”

— Kate
“I think more deeply. I think more holistically and critically about everyday local, national, and global events and increasingly see the inequities, structural issues, colonialism, and white supremacy existing and contributing to the issue at hand. Once you see it, you can’t un-see it and it propels me to act.”

— Sarah W.
“Selam’s course helped me dissect that for myself and is an excellent guide for engaging challenging, uncomfortable conversations with yourself.”

— Scilla
“There were much needed gems throughout. I really appreciated the work book component to reflect and really sit with what was shared in the videos to take the next step of taking action. I have accepted my capacity to cause harm and grown more confident in accepting my responsibility to unravel systems of oppression within me and around me. Thank you for wrapping words around hard things that must be heard and acted on for racial justice and human rights.”

— Megan L.
“The reflection questions and prompts were really thought-provoking and helped to form the basis of actionable steps forward. I also think it was so important that Selam's antiracism course focused on Canadian issues, as many antiracism authors and courses focus only on the U.S. The course expanded my understanding of how to be an antiracist. Selam has a way of holding space without judgement, encouraging us to lean into the discomfort and challenging our thoughts, motivations and actions. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have taken this course and to continue on this path.”

— Sandi
“This is values work and that was also a key take away for me, it was really helpful for me to grasp this to be able to move from being a performative ally to being actively anti-racist. I still have lots to learn and unlearn however I can say that I have taken active anti-racism actions and will continue to do so. I won't wait for the 'right moment' to present itself anymore. I now know that I was 'not racist' before because I didn't want to have uncomfortable conversations with others (even if I didn't really know those people) and that discomfort leads to death for Black, Indigenous and Racialized people. How can I continue to choose discomfort when that leads to death? I can't. Being 'not racist' is harmful, I need to be and will be anti-racist.”

— Kim M.
“I needed conversation around the terms - reading a definition did not provide me the depth that I needed, for full comprehension. I sought here, and received, a solid foundation for competent discussions - where I won't be so easily dismissed. I did learn early on in the course that my desire for 'perfectionism', is bound to my white privilege - and so I revised my thinking accordingly. Having said that, there's a Confidence to my speaking out that I gained here.”

— Gamble V.
“The most valuable part of the course was the hard truths and push to start engaging in tangible actions. As well, providing tangible actions and the workbook questions to encourage reflection, help challenge biases, and make goals towards dismantling the system. The coaching session were very valuable - to listen to Selam and to talk with others. It was uncomfortable and necessary. It was valuable to understand the concepts of centering whiteness and seeing whiteness as the norm. That is disgusting and yet I have been unconsciously believing that white is default. A lot. I learned so much about the history of racism and the present day racism in canada. I really appreciated the focus on Canada. I can think more critically about my day to day actions (what I hear, what I see, what I choose to watch, how I choose to act) through an anti-racist lens. I am now seeing racism everywhere I go and it is uncomfortable but necessary.”

— Kelsey D.
“History, having been raised in Canada we really don’t learn anything about the black experience we are even behind the United States with our understanding of that experience Salems explanation and teaching of accurate history made it easier to discuss these realities of experience and situations with those who unfortunately do believe that anything other than white is less than or non-deserving we need to be educated accurately on experiences and situation in order to change them thank you so alarm for all your work and patience educating those that really should’ve been educated by the system that’s been failing us. History, having been raised in Canada we really don’t learn anything about the black experience we are even behind the United States with our understanding of that experience Salems explanation and teaching of accurate history made it easier to discuss these realities of experience and situations with those who unfortunately do believe that anything other than white is less than or non-deserving we need to be educated accurately on experiences and situation in order to change them thank you so alarm for all your work and patience educating those that really should’ve been educated by the system that’s been failing us.”

— Hope K.
“The contextualization to Canada or Turtle Island was a particularly valuable aspect of this course because it was the first time I had heard a lot of this, or that it had been examined as closely. I always left the modules having learned something new, prompting deeper reflection and feeling compelled to further my learning. Thank you, Selam, for all of your time, knowledge, and graciousness for making this course. I think more deeply. I think more holistically and critically about everyday local, national, and global events and increasingly see the inequities, structural issues, colonialism, and white supremacy existing and contributing to the issue at hand. Once you see it, you can't unsee it and it propels me to act.I think more deeply. I think more holistically and critically about everyday local, national, and global events and increasingly see the inequities, structural issues, colonialism, and white supremacy existing and contributing to the issue at hand. Once you see it, you can't unsee it and it propels me to act.”

— Sarah W.
“I think the historical background about racism in colonialism in a Canadian context was very helpful. Also, learning about whiteness were most valuable. I’m more conscious of how whiteness is centred in my life and how I can steps to combat that. Also, just a basic understanding of white supremacy and that every action is either racist or anti racist is a huge paradigm shift for me.”

— Kathleen J.
“The container for learning. The way that we are able to move through the course on our own schedule and also have live check in’ with Selam to apply our learning… this was what helped me sink the learning into my bones. I have a better way to name my experience, break with white solidarity, and lean in to these important conversations of anti-racism and how to embody this work.”

— Fiona P.
“For me, the most valuable part of the course was the lesson on ways to apply the work to actively become Anti-racist. I also found the historical aspects of Indigenous and Black experiences extremely valuable. It was eye opening to look at historically (and on-going) racist policies.I feel better equipped to enter discussions about Anti-Black and Anti-Indigenous racism. I also feel better equipped to identify and challenge systems and policies that are covertly racist in my organization.”

— Julianna R.
“I found Selam speaking to be engaging, inspiring, informative and challenging in a very constructive way. That included the recorded sessions and the coaching sessions. Even though I am an antiracism educator myself, I gained some important insights into ways antiracism and colonialism works. The course motivated me to bring discussions about race and internalized racism into my extended family (we are BIPOC).”

— Thérèse S.
“Seeing life and Society from a new perspective and how what I’ve seen as the norm is actually white supremacy. The new lens from which to approach things. More aware of my whiteness and how it shows up, more mindful of the spaces I’m in (switched jobs), intentional about the Instagram accounts I follow, businesses I support. Ongoing journey of how to practice yoga and engage in “wellness”.”

— Kiara E.
“Learning how to not centre my own experience when learning about racism and the systems that continue to perpetuate racism.I now realize that nothing is going to change until the people who have the most privilege (white folx) start to speak up and implement change, providing platforms for BIR folx to be heard, honoured and supported. I’ve changed my language for within every class that I teach and I no longer tolerate racist remarks or jokes, speaking up and calling people in immediately.”

— Greg P.
“The different categories of content for each module and the approachability of Selam Debs to ask questions in aim of making brave spaces. I see much of the world around me and within me from this lens of antiracism and it really forces me to unpack assumptions more intentionally and in an action oriented way.”

— Lana H.
“Learning about whiteness & white privilege helped me to better identify my biases and blind spots to break out of some of my patterns of silence and turning away from discomfort. I have much better tools for creating change in myself and having conversations with others about racism where before I would opt-out of conversations when they got uncomfortable for me.”

— Danielle A.
“The course has helped me to continue to develop an anti-racist lens. And I look at the world differently as a result of having this lens.”

— Dinah M.
“I loved the videos (that can be reviewed before and after classes) and the discussion with other learners. In terms of content, the most important part of the course for me was learning the extent of the white supremacy delusion and how deep it permeates into our systems. I intellectually knew there is systemic anti Black and anti Indigenous racism but the way we learned the content gave me a better understanding and made me realize that we have a lot to learn. It has made me recognize (on a daily basis - moment by moment) of my positionality and unearned opportunities that I have had over my lifetime. It makes me acutely aware that this needs to change and it begins with me, my family/friends and community. There is no time to wait.”

— Sandy F.
“I became more aware of my privilege, ignorance, and blindness, and how I've been complicit.My awareness, and willingness to step up, call people out and in. To be an advocate, and use my privilege to benefit racialized folks.”

— Jill S.
“There are two things to share: First, I think I've gotten better at identifying where white supremacy is operating (it is operating in more places than I would have previously thought) and second, I feel more comfortable in my whiteness than I did before. With that comfort comes an ability to call out and call in racism when I observe it - I've learned that whiteness is an essential tool in dismantling white supremacy and I'm learning how to use it that way. I learned something important in each module, but the second one on whiteness and white privilege were especially helpful. I think it was around this time that I stopped promoting "diversity and inclusion" and started reframing it in terms of anti-racism and anti-oppression. The topics from this module are ones I will explore more deeply, for sure.”

— Todd
“I came to this course in part because I'd harmed a woman of colour in an interaction we'd had, and while I likely can't mend that with her, I committed to ensuring that I do my best to never let it happen again. I cannot speak highly enough about the work Selam has done to underline the urgency but also the opportunities for change. She gave us space to unlearn and make mistakes but unapologetically held us to account. I have been profoundly affected by the work I've done with Selam and her amazing team, and I am incorporating it daily both in the way I live my life and in the way I show up for my clients and colleagues in my professional capacity. Everything about this course was invaluable, but the live coaching and accountability and also learning and becoming fluent in naming what we seek to dismantle-antiracism , white centring, white supremacy- language that is typically "shocking" , were highlights for me.”

— Elsa

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Yoga Sessions

“The Restorative Yoga session with Selam Debs was truly incredible. I have never felt so seen and cared for during a yoga class. Selam took her time with us – guiding us in reading our bodies and inviting us to trust ourselves as we engaged in the practice. I truly enjoyed connecting with my body, grounding myself, and being provided space for rest, community, and healing. And knowing that her work is rooted in anti-racism and decolonization makes the practice much more meaningful and relevant to me as a Black woman. Thank you for leading such a beautiful session.”

— Alexis, University of Guelph
“Selam is an incredible educator, facilitator and guide. Whether she is teaching you about racism or guiding you through a restorative yoga practice, her approach is something I have yet to experience elsewhere. Selam has this incredible way of using movement and meditation to empower our innate ability to self-regulate, to know ourselves, and to heal. I have been blown away by Selam's approach, and how much space she creates for the ways in which we experience our bodies in the world, while also helping us to connect back to our bodies and move through the world with more grounding and ease. I've never experienced yoga like I experienced in Selam's class, and it transformed my understanding and relationship to the practice. Thank you Selam for all that you do.”

— Tameera, University of Guelph
“Few people show up in my Yoga Teacher Training program as well-equipped as Selam is, with the brains and braun to take on such a life-changing challenge plus the life experience and wisdom to handle the growth we do with grace. Selam is one of those rare gems, open to what life has to offer, intelligent, capable, joyful, and a pure delight to work with and know. If you’re looking to “get the right people on your bus” as James Collins advises, work with Selam. You’ll find her professional, creative, brilliant, and connected to her passion. It’s a privilege to be part of Selam’s journey as a Certified Yoga Instructor. “You are water to dry souls on your path, Selam Debs. I’m so grateful to have you in my life.””

— Asia Nelson, Pranalife Yoga
“Recently widowed, my mother was living alone for the first time in her life and experiencing a lot of anxiety in the evenings. I came from Texas for a visit and a friend recommended Selam for private in-home yoga lessons for my mom and me.My mom had never done yoga, and the prospect of her sitting still long enough to learn the basics was daunting. My hope was that she might learn some tools to calm her mind and not be so anxious when it was quiet… I scheduled six consecutive sessions and before the end of the first one, we had a breakthrough. Selam helped my mom connect with powerful emotions in a nurturing environment: we laughed, we cried, we stretched. Selam is perceptive, compassionate and generous. The impact of our time together persists and I’m grateful we found her.”

— Barb Armstrong
“This woman, Selam, is an angel , walking among us. She is a teacher, a student of life,and a healer, and if you are lucky enough to be in her presence - you will know the embodiment of kindness.”

— Peggy McIntosh
“Selam and her studio offer an immediate sense of peace and calm as soon as you walk through the door. Her kindness and passion for her practice shine through in each class which is thoughtfully and intentionally planned to meet her students where they are, from the movements to the cues she gives.”

— Lindsay Egan
“I just love Selam's classes! Her angelic voice, rhythmic sequencing, and soothing energy leave you feeling like you've floated away on a cloud to heaven. A smart, wise and powerful woman who advocates for everyone around her to feel truly seen.”

— Sarah Ann
“Selam is a true gem! Her energy immediately warms the room. It is a pleasure to learn and practice along side her!”

— Christine Cummings
“Selam has a wonderful aura of power and kindness, and it comes through in her beautiful teaching. Her studio is gorgeous with lots of natural light, easy to access, and the variety of classes and workshops offered are a great resource.”

— Meagan Walker
“One of my favourite teachers ever! Selam is knowledgeable, passionate and very present with her students. She creates a deeply calming atmosphere, allowing me to feel completely removed from the outside world. Her love for yoga and teaching and every person that shows up to share time with her is tangible. She sets herself apart in the yoga community in significant ways.”

— Sarah de Poray
”Selam speaks From the heart during her classes. A rarer quality than you might think. Her teaching is powerful yet relaxing and transformative. It's exactly what I need to shift gears and approach the rest of my day in a new light.”

— Russel Jennison
“Selam is a true gem! Her energy immediately warms the room. It is a pleasure to learn and practice along side her!”

— Cathy Benjamin
“Best Yoga teacher ever! Truly concerned for my well being. Also... stretches me beyond my (limiting) capacity- thank you!”

— Kimberley Snider
“Selam’s class is hands down transformative. Her velvety voice encourages you to sink deeper into your soul. The guidance is deliberate and effective, allowing you to feel safe as you explore your own body. I feel completely at peace.”

— Sarah Kraatz
“Selam is a very compassionate teacher while guiding you through the moves and making you feel very comfortable in doing so. Challenging you to reach the best flexibility you can do at the moment and pushing you further to build your strength and endurance in all yoga positions.”

— Nyssa McDonald
“Selam is a wonderful teacher. I love the way she sequences a class - there are levels of difficulty and challenge that you can choose for yourself to have as hard or as relaxed a class as you'd like. She creates such a "zen" environment as well throughout the class, as well as at the end of class with the closing shavasana and essential oils, breath, and meditation. It's just an all around excellent class and studio. I will keep coming back and have sent many friends and family members as well!”

— Sarah Eby
“I recently joined the studio and liked my classes. One day I happened to be the only person having signed up for a morning class and Selam still showed up and conducted the class with the same interest and professionalism solely for my benefit. Thank you”

— Simona Pruteanu

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