Language plays a powerful role in shaping what is tolerated, ignored, challenged, or normalized in schools. Harmful language doesn’t exist in isolation—it affects school climate, student safety, and a sense of belonging.

On June 4th 2026 at University of Toronto Schools, our live podcast conversation featured four panelists who discussed the role of language in both reinforcing harm and creating the conditions for more respectful, inclusive, and courageous school communities.​ Hosted by Asante Haughton and Kritika Sharda, the discussion explored what responsibility different community members hold, and what it takes to build environments rooted in dignity, accountability, repair, and inclusion.

About the Hosts:

Asante Haughton has emerged as a leader in mental health. A veteran of the speaker circuit, Asante has presented across the globe, including doing TEDx talks telling stories detailing how family trauma impact mental health.

Kritika Sharda is a Contributing Writer at The 44 North Magazine, and a Program Facilitator with Unsinkable Youth. Sharda is a recent graduate of McMaster University Health Sciences in Ontario and also co-hosted last year's live podcast event.

About the Panelists:

Delux Yogarajah is a youth worker, psychotherapy student, and founder of Finding Your HeART (FYH), a community initiative supporting Black and racialized youth through art, storytelling, and mental health programming. By combining youth culture—particularly sneaker customization—with art therapy, he has carved out a unique pathway for young people to access mental health support through creative expression. With extensive experience in youth violence prevention across Toronto, his work focuses on building leadership, healing, and opportunity for youth to feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Tracey Kayy is a Multidisciplinary Artist, Caseworker, Mental Health Practitioner, Educator, and Equity & Diversity Advocate who uses her musical creations to heal, empower, and inspire through enlightenment. Through music and poetry, she brings attention to realities that are often overlooked, creating space for reflection, healing, and meaningful dialogue. Known for her powerful presence and ability to connect deeply with others, she often leaves audiences feeling inspired and renewed. Over the years, she has worked with a number of notable organizations and remains passionate about strengthening communities while creating opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.

Diara Jones is a Grade 12 student at the University of Toronto Schools. Co-lead of the Black Equity Committee, she has worked to create a safe and inclusive environment for Black Students, while educating the broader school community on racial injustice and how to promote an environment of equity. This year she helped lead the Black Equity Committee in presenting a school-wide assembly on Digital Blackface and the exploitation of Black culture in pop media. Additionally, the committee hosted the annual Black Student Affinity Network Conference, connecting Black Students across Independent Schools in the GTA. She will be pursuing a degree in Architecture at the University of Waterloo in September 2026.

Safeyyah Imam is a high school student, advocate, and public speaker. Within her school she leads many affinity groups and committees - ranging from the Black Equity Committee, to Sustainability Club. In her community, she engages in youth access initiatives like Hart House’s Youth Advisory Council, and Culturelink’s Newcomer Orientation Week - planning and running events that give students community. In and out of school, her impact lies in creating spaces for marginalized youth in the best way she can; using her voice and leadership.

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• Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box
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• Email us at editors@the44north.ca

Thanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.

A candid, compassionate and hopeful conversation with Media Producer , Speaker and Activist Cal Campos, Senior Editor Mikaela Brewer, and 'Life Outside the Box' hosts Asante and Abbigale.

Activation Warning: This episode discusses mental health, including discussing suicide and suicidal ideation, loss, and grief. Our discussion may activate folks with similar lived experiences, beyond what feels safe to spend time with. Please engage with this podcast episode how/whenever it feels safe for you.

Resources:
Ontario non-police mental health services
Canadian Centre for Suicide Prevention + research roundup
Toronto Community Crisis Service - Call 211
Call & Text 988
ANCHOR (Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response)

Statistics:
Per year, a range between 1/10 - 1/20 have considered suicide (5-10% of the population) & ~4,000 die. The number of total deaths per year has increased, but deaths per 100,000 have decreased from ~12 in 2000 to ~9 in 2023. These statistics are not necessarily inclusive & are categorized by M/F (CSP Cross Canada Statistics, 2023)
Trans & non-binary communities: 30% reported suicidal ideation & 4% reported a suicide attempt (Santos et al., 2025), though this is a decline.

Support the show

• Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box
• Follow us on Facebook @the44north
• Email us at editors@the44north.ca

Thanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.

"It's [the 'manosphere'] an appealing message, because on the surface the message is, what we're offering is freedom. We're offering you freedom to be a man again, to be a young dude–it's okay, you don't have to watch your language, it's not so tense[...]. But the reality is, it's a bait and switch. Because they sell you freedom, but when they pull you into the movement it's restrained. It's, 'you have to act a certain way. It's the only way to be a man. You can't act like this, you can't look like this. That's 'weak', that's 'soft'."

In this powerful conversation with speaker, writer and facilitator Jeff Perera, our hosts take a deep dive into the influences that shape our ideas of gender and masculinity; as well as how to build and train your emotional muscle and develop emotional literacy. There are so many pockets of practical wisdom in the episode, don't miss this one!

Support the show

• Follow us on Instagram @the44north_ or head to our website at https://www.the44north.ca/podcast-life-outside-the-box
• Follow us on Facebook @the44north
• Email us at editors@the44north.ca

Thanks for listening! And let's keep the conversation going on Youth Mental Health.