Meet Erica Russell, one of six incredible humans who along with Joshua Dyer, Charmain Emerson, Paul Taylor, Angelina Williams, and Akinkunmi Akinnola form The Drake’s Black Community Council. Established in the spring of 2021, the council has been actively advising, shaping, and providing feedback on our EDI commitments, initiatives, policies, and opportunities. We caught up with Erica, a Prosci-certified Change Practitioner, who speaks candidly about what a racially just workplace looks like, reminds us that representation matters, and shines a light on some of Toronto’s change-makers.
+ What does a racially just workplace look like to you?
A safe space that promotes real and meaningful conversations about race where I am no longer expected to be the cultural ambassador who translates or addresses the needs of my fellow black colleagues. We shouldn’t be shouldering burdens that are not ours to carry.
+ What are you working on right now personally/professionally that has you excited?
I have been working on creating a small community garden for my low-rise building consisting mostly of flowers and a few vegetables. We have a few families with young children, and it’s a great opportunity for them to contribute.
+ What Toronto change makers are inspiring you and why?
I have been closely following the career of Esmaa Mohamoud who’s an incredible multidisciplinary artist whose work investigates black body politics and the societal construct of Blackness particularly in athleticism. I also follow Siphesihle November, the youngest company dancer of the National Ballet of Canada, he’s a breathtaking performer and is so important to the representation of black dancers in ballet. Both of these ground-breaking artists are constantly breaking down barriers in their fields and are a constant inspiration to me.
+ What tools have helped you along your journey?
Constantly challenging myself to speak up. Trust, seek help and confide in my circle of women of colour because they are my support system. Keep showing up despite sometimes feeling like my work was going unnoticed. Investing in myself.
+ Where do you believe, we must begin to advance Black leaders?
I believe it’s essential for organizations’ recruitment agents or committees forgo their own bias at a hiring level, representation does matter. One of the main reasons I wanted to apply to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery was because the Director was a black woman which is uncommon in the art world. We should also be focusing on talent retention and ensuring a culture of inclusivity in order for black folks to thrive and grow in these opportunities. Organizations need to commit to community investments, formal and accessible mentorship programs because building trust and relationships is key to the advancement of black leadership.
Erica Russell is a Canadian-Gabonese arts administrator, currently based in Toronto working as a Bilingual Program Manager at the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Previously, she worked as the Donor Programs Officer at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery after working for over three years as the Executive Associate in the Director’s Office. Erica holds a Master’s of Science in Modern and Contemporary Art from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and an Honours Bachelor’s degree in History and Arts Administration from the University of Ottawa. Erica is also a Board Member at Black Artists’ Network in Dialogue (BAND) gallery and cultural centre, Mercer Union: a centre for contemporary art and at New Music Concerts (NMC).