Janelle Joseph honoured with CALS award for pioneering work in leisure studies

Janelle Joseph, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, has been recognized with the Emerging Leisure Scholar Award from the Canadian Association of Leisure Studies (CALS) for her significant contributions to the field of leisure studies.

As someone whose research is largely focused on the contributions of Black and racialized athletes – and the systemic failure to recognize and centre their contributions to sport and physical activity in Canada – it is important to Joseph to ensure new generations of all backgrounds are represented in the lab and in the field of study.

Joseph says she has a particular appreciation of the CALS recognition because it comes from the world of leisure – which historically has not been known for research on racial equity or racialized communities. 

“For thousands of years, racialized communities have been participating in sport, recreation and leisure practices in Canada. Understanding our experiences is essential to both knowledge of Canadian cultures and dismantling of racial oppression,” she said. 

The four main priorities of Joseph’s research out of her IDEAS Lab are Indigeneity, diaspora, equity and anti-racism as related to sport and the moving body.

Joseph is proud to spearhead explorations into previously undocumented fields of study, particularly those that align with her Antiguan heritage. 

She has also authored or co-edited three books related to race, sport, education and Black communities in Canada.

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