Dear students of the Black Studies and Gender Studies Programs,
As the world celebrates Eid this weekend, we are writing in full solidarity with the people in Sudan, where a deadly power struggle and militarized violence, paved and backed by global powers, is ongoing. You can read about what’s happening in Sudan here and here.
We want to let our Sudanese students and students from the region, those who have family and loved ones in the region, and all our Black and Muslim students know that we are here to support you. Please know that you can reach out at any time and ask for support/accommodation during this terrible time.
We also call on our colleagues and the Queen’s community to inform themselves about what is happening in Sudan and to accommodate students and colleagues in the best way we can.
Please find Black Mental Health lists and resources here (many counselling staff also consults virtually or over the phone, as well as in person), and a link to the Student Wellness Services at Queen’s in case you would like to reach out for support:
https://blackmentalhealth.ca/mental-health-provider-directory/
https://www.blackmentalhealthday.ca/resources
https://www.queensu.ca/studentwellness/
Civilians in Sudan are in urgent need of emergency medical relief and life-saving and life-affirming care. It is people on the ground who provide emergency medical care, share food and water, while supporting those fleeing and opening their homes, calling for safe routes and evacuations. Please donate to community emergency fundraisers if you can and/or share information on these to support people engaging in mutual aid on the ground.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/fundraising/54eec65b-b4ad-45a5-a62d-674ab8e81144
https://sapa-usa.org/sudan-war-crisis-emergency-relief/
If you are aware of further emergency support structures (links, etc.), we can also share these and call on the Queen’s and Kingston community to do their part in support of people on the ground.
We stand with the people of Sudan who want a civilian-led government and a people’s democracy with no military involvement, and all those who struggle against the global (U.S. and Western lead) military industrial complex and are building peaceful and non-violent futures.