From an undergraduate's perspective, this talk expresses the personal experience witnessed in regards to lack of diversity throughout Alexa Potashnik's academic career. Potashnik presents a call to action, "diversify the academy and decentralize 'whiteness' from academia." This call hopes to ensure an increase of diversity at university campuses across the country.


Alexa Joy Potashnik is the Founder of Black Space Winnipeg, Host of Raw Colours on CKUW 95.9FM, local vocal percussionist known as MC Woke and the former Racialised Student Commissioner with the Canadian Federation of Students - MB. Alexa's work involves creating safe spaces for people of colour while challenging white/male privilege, dominance, and supremacy through grassroots activism. Alexa continues to push against the status-quo, ensuring that there are constant platforms for the abjected voices in society to be seen and heard.


Alexa Joy Potashnik is the Founder of Black Space Winnipeg, Host of Raw Colours on CKUW95.9FM, local vocal percussionist known as MC Wokeand the former Racialised Student Commissioner with the Canadian Federation of Students - MB. Alexa's work involves creating safe spaces for people of colour while challenging white/male privilege, dominance and supremacy through grass roots activism. Alexa continues to push against the status-quo, ensuring that there is constant platforms for the abjected voices in society to be seen and heard. This year Alexa was the emcee for the Women's March On Washington - Winnipeg, an event that drew over 3,000 Winnipegers to the heart of downtown, demonstratin solidarity for social justice. On May 6, 2017 in association with the CCPA (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives) and Black Space Winnipeg, Alexa was honoured to introduce Dr. Angela Davis at her lecture, Freedom is a Constant Struggle. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx