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Algorithmic Panic: Platformed Amplification & The Making of “Somali Fraud”
Wed, Nov 4, 8:00 PMAlgorithmic Racial Panic: Platformed Amplification and the Making of the “Somali Fraud” Viral Story This presentation examines how algorithmic media infrastructures contribute to the production and amplification of racial panic through viral political narratives. Focusing on the “Somali Fraud” story that emerged in late December 2025, it explores how a right-wing YouTube video alleging fraud involving Somali-owned daycare centers and healthcare businesses in Minnesota became the basis for a broader racialized national narrative. Situating the story within a cross-platform digital ecosystem spanning YouTube, X, Reddit, news media, podcasts, and influencer networks, the presentation draws on digital ethnography, Critical Discourse Analysis, and platform walkthrough methods to investigate how algorithmic circulation, engagement, repetition, and platform visibility shape public understandings of Somali Americans. It develops the concepts of racializing algorithms and digital colonialism to demonstrate how virality can function as a mechanism of racial formation, associating marginalized communities with criminality, welfare dependency, immigration, and contested national belonging. The presentation also foregrounds Somali American counter-narratives and storytelling as forms of digital resistance that challenge dominant representations and reclaim narrative agency. Ultimately, it argues that *digital platforms are not neutral spaces of communication but contested infrastructures* through which racial hierarchies are reproduced, legitimized, and challenged. Ahmed Ilmi https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dgds/ahmed-ilmi Assistant Professor Department of Global Development Studies University of Toronto **About the Speaker:** An interdisciplinary Black Studies scholar, Dr. Ilmi’s research focuses on cultural identity, diasporic politics, and the intersections of Blackness and Africa. He has a Ph.D. in sociology with specialization in the sociology of race and ethnicity, social movements, and social justice education. Dr. Ilmi’s research interests include African Indigenous cultural knowledges, spirituality, diaspora and transnational Islamic identities, critical development studies, and the ethics of community research. He has published widely on African philosophy, Indigenous knowledges, spirituality, gender, development, identity politics, and the education of Black boys. **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*** This is a talk with audience Q&A presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics that is free to attend and open to the public. Free refreshments will be provided at the event. The talk will also be streamed online with live chat here [to be posted]. About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai
Saturday Writing Meetup – near Bloor-Yonge
Sat, Nov 7, 6:00 PM\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.
Snap & Stroll: Night Photography TORONTO Meetup #7
Thu, Nov 5, 12:00 AM**SNAP & STROLL: NEON NIGHTS** A meetup for street photography enthusiasts to explore their creativity on the streets of Toronto at night! We'll meet in Chinatown (Dundas) outside of "Big Trouble" Bar to head out to enjoy the neon lights of the area towards Yonge Street. We'll head back to the bar afterwards if anyone wants to grab a drink and chat about photography and life. **IMPORTANT:** Event will be cancelled if heavy rains are expected. **What To Bring:** * Camera (any kind!) or even your phone * Your favourite walking shoes * Curiosity & creativity **Why Join?** * You get to explore creative angles, meet like-minded people, and see the city in a new light. Literally. * Whether you’re a pro shooter or just love the night vibe, this is your space to create. Feel free to follow our collective work on IG as we explore: @snap.stroll.society
Toronto Technology Networking Event
Wed, Nov 18, 11:30 PMFor tickets and information: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988446643438](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988446643438) **IMPORTANT NOTE: CLICKING THE RSVP AND PAY ORGANIZER BUTTON ON MEETUP DOES NOT GET YOU A TICKET/ SPOT. YOU HAVE TO CLICK THE LINK TO THE EVENTBRITE PAGE AND PURCHASE A TICKET THERE. PRICE GOES UP AS EVENT TIME APPROACHES AND MAY SELL OUT SO GET YOUR TICKET ON EVENTBRITE ASAP.** **\*This is a multigroup event so event responses are only a portion of the total number of attendees** TORONTO TECH NETWORKING EVENT. You Have To Get Tickets Here Online In Advance. Tickets Not Available At Venue Door Come mix & mingle with like minded people at this one of a kind event! This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network. Whether you're looking to expand your clientele, find new investment opportunities, discuss the latest tech trends, hire/get hired or simply connect with others you'll definitely want to be at this event. *This Event Is For Those In Or Interested In The Following Industries/Trends:* *The Latest Tech Trends, Artificial Intelligence, Metaverse/VR, Website Development, Web3, Digital Marketing, Innovation, Social Media Marketing, Tech Startups, Tech Entrepreneurs & More!* This event is a great place to network with potential business partners, investors, industry professionals and new clients.... Or just come on out and make some new friends! We've witnessed countless business connections and friendships form at our past events.This event is a fun and easy way to connect with others in a relaxed, low pressure environment. There are no speakers or sales pitches. It's just a place to come mingle with like minded people. **ICEBREAKERS TO WIN PRIZES!!!** At the beginning of the event our host will hand you a sheet of paper with icebreaker questions that you can use to get to know the rest of the people at the event. The icebreakers are optional but most people love them because they really help you get to meet people. *An email we received about one of our recent events: "Thank you so much for throwing such a great event. The crowd was really great and everyone was super friendly. As a busy professional I don't get that much time to get out and meet people so it was nice to be in such a relaxed environment. Event well done!" - Daniell* *QUICK NOTE: WE WILL HAVE ABOUT 3 OTHER INDUSTRIES AT THIS EVENT (ie. Finance, Real Estate) BUT W E WILL HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE FROM THE TECH INDUSTRY IN ATTENDANCE AND WILL INDICATE YOUR INDUSTRY ON YOUR NAME BADGE SO YOU'LL EASILY BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THOSE IN YOUR INDUSTRY.* **FAQ:** HOW MANY WILL BE ATTENDING? It ranges from event to event. We expect between 30 and 50 people to sign up. CAN I ARRIVE LATE? Absolutely. Arrive any time you'd like. CAN I COME ALONE? Yes, about 75% come on their own. WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE? While we don't have a dress code we ask that you please look neat/presentable. What you wear to work or what you'd where for after work happy hour drinks is fine. CAN I PAY AT THE EVENT DOOR? We do not accept payment at the event door. We also change the venue at each event and don't give out the location to those who don't sign up. You must pre-pay online. HOW LONG DOES THE EVENT GO? The event is 2 hours long. You can arrive any time you'd like. ARE THERE DRINKS? Yes, there's a full menu of great drinks you can order at the bar. IS THERE FOOD AVAILABLE? Yes you can order food. The venue has a food menu and great appetizers available to order. WHAT IS THE AGE RANGE? Anyone of any age who wants to network is welcome WHO ATTENDS THE EVENT? Professionals of all sorts and ages IS THERE A REFUND POLICY? If you need to cancel, please email us and we can transfer you to a future event. However we do not offer transfers if you cancel on the day of the event or don't show up. For tickets and information: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988446643438](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988446643438)
⭐Toronto AI Social Walk | Founders Builders & Business Owners
Sun, Nov 8, 9:45 PM**🔥Everyone is talking about AI. Let's talk about what we're actually doing with it.** At our last Founder Walk, something unexpected happened. The conversation kept coming back to AI. One person was exploring AI agents for businesses. Someone else was thinking about automating workflows for small and medium-sized companies. We talked about using AI to evaluate employee onboarding, browser agents that can operate websites for you, AI-generated music, investing, software development and where actual business opportunities might be emerging. Nobody planned an AI discussion. It just happened. **🚩Important: Meetup RSVP ≠ confirmed spot** **Keep your Meetup RSVP as Going so the event stays visible here. You will get link to a short application after you RSVP.** So this Sunday we're leaning into it. **⭐Toronto AI Walk⭐** A small group of founders, builders, professionals and curious people walking Toronto's waterfront and talking about: **What are you actually using AI for?** **What have you built?** **Which tools are genuinely useful?** **Where is AI still overhyped?** **What business opportunities are appearing?** **What workflows should already be automated?** **What will become possible if today's AI gets 10× better?** This is **not a presentation or AI conference.** There are no speakers. No panels. No sitting through someone's 45-minute pitch. And you don't have to be an AI expert. We're deliberately keeping the group small enough that everyone can participate. **Some of the conversations from our last walk** 1. One attendee was exploring creating custom AI workflow systems for small businesses. 2. Another wanted to better understand how AI could solve problems outside the traditional technology industry. We discussed using AI to evaluate sales training and employee onboarding, AI browser agents, automation, music, investing and entirely new businesses. This week we'll use a few prompts to take those conversations further. 📍Meetup Location: Simcoe Wavedeck sign **📅Sunday schedule** **🕛4:45 PM — Arrive / check in** **🕛5:00 PM — Introductions** Tell us who you are, what you're working on and one interesting way you're using—or want to use—AI. **🕛5:15 PM — Walk begins** We'll rotate conversations and introduce a few AI discussion prompts along the route. **🕛Around 6:15 PM — Official finish** Many stay afterwards to network. Some people may grab food or a drink afterward. **🏃Running late?** Don't give up on coming. Approved guests can join our Sunday Walk WhatsApp group. Once we're moving, we'll share our live location so late arrivals can catch up. **❓Who should come?** You might be: * building with AI; * using AI inside an existing business; * working in technology; * exploring an AI startup; * trying to automate your work; * curious about where the opportunities are; * simply interested in learning from people experimenting with it. You do **not** need to be an AI expert. Come curious. Bring one thing you've learned and one thing you're trying to figure out. **No hard selling.** **💌RSVP: [https://superr.ca/msevent](https://superr.ca/msevent)** We're also using the Superr Social WhatsApp Community to announce upcoming walks, dinners, sports, activities and other casual gatherings first: 👉[https://superr.ca/mwa](https://superr.ca/mwa) #TorontoEntrepreneurs #TorontoFounders #FounderWalk #EntrepreneurCommunity #TESSocial ***📸Photo, Video & Audio Notice:*** *By registering for or attending this event, you acknowledge that photos, video and audio recordings may be captured during the event. You consent to Superr / TES Social using your image, likeness, voice and comments in event recaps, social media, promotional materials and other community content. If you prefer not to be photographed, filmed or recorded, please let the host know before the event and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.*
Bloor Street, Toronto. All of it. (19.6 km)
Sat, Nov 14, 5:30 PM**Attendance policy is enforced for this hike**. See below for details. Back by popular demand, we're doing a mega hike along Bloor Street in Toronto. We'll trace the entire Bloor subway line and beyond. See how the landscape densifies from golf courses to strip malls to parks to gentrified neighbourhoods as we approach the Don Valley. The restaurants along the way highlight the cultural diversity of Toronto from 5 continents. You need to be in decent shape and have a voracious appetite to do the entire route. However, as with other hikes, you are free to join and leave at any point. Those who complete the entire route will be eligible to buy a commemorative T-shirt (expected price \~$23). There are several restaurants to choose from at the end of the hike: Japanese ramen, Mexican tortas, Egyptian koshari, and Brazilian steaks. Further on at Chester station are even more options: Iranian, Indonesian, and Greek grilled meats. We're not making reservations, so find a group of like-minded people and grab a table. For reference, here's a [map of all our past hikes](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1_FpYriQNv5okUB-oiCODi56uiRDgPGI&usp=sharing). We've covered a large chunk of Toronto and neighbouring cities. **Highlights** Segment 1: Markland Wood 1. Markland Wood Golf Club (depart 12:30pm) 2. Mississauga-Toronto border / Start (or end) of Bloor Street 3. Bloordale United Church 4. Matt's Burger Lab 5. Highway 427 6. Stari Grad / Zayzoun / Frenchie’s Doughnuts (depart 1:45pm) Segment 2: The Kingsway 1. Bonimi 2. Kingsway Fish & Chips 3. Old Mill 4. Chebureky House / Momo Ghar / Janchenko's Bakery (depart 3:05pm) Segment 3: Bloor West Village 1. The CakeSmith 2. Former Runnymede Theatre 3. Marvelous By Fred 4. Ohana 5. Andrea's Cookies 6. Thai Nyyom 7. 9 Mile Jamaican Cuisine / Momoheart / Chito's / Ruru Baked (depart 4:25pm) Segment 4: Bloorcourt Village 1. Bakerbots Baking 2. Komi Banh Mi Bar 3. Nosso Talho 4. Szechuan Noodle Bowl 5. Ambassador Pizza 6. Filosophy / Levant Pizza 7. La Bella Managua / Lalibela / Vit Beo 8. Christie Pits Park 9. PAT Central 10. Hodo Kwaja / Dessert Fox 11. Pizzeria Fornace / JJIN Toast 12. Eva's Original Chimneys / Cong Caphe (depart 5:45pm) Segment 5: Downtown 1. Souper Hot Pot / Myeongdong Gyoza Kalguksu 2. Trinity-St. Paul's United Church 3. Woojoo Bunsik / Zaad / The Daily Dumpling Wonton Co 4. University of Toronto 5. Koerner Hall / Royal Ontario Museum 6. Eataly 7. One Bloor 8. Yuzuki 9. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company / Rogers HQ 10. Church of St. Peter and St. Simon 11. Prince Edward Viaduct 12. End (or start) of Bloor Street at Broadview Ave (arrive 6:55pm) **Neighbourhoods** Markland Wood > Bloordale Gardens > Eatonville > Islington - City Centre West > The Kingsway > Bloor West Village > High Park North > Junction Triangle > Bloordale Village > Bloorcourt Village > Christie Pits > Koreatown > The Annex > Yorkville > Upper Jarvis > St. James Town > Playter Estates **Map** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ESqH0dQk3idaJYpGztKGE8UVoR5wFX8&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ESqH0dQk3idaJYpGztKGE8UVoR5wFX8&usp=sharing) **How it works** Hike starts punctually. Late or can't join at the beginning? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints. We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way. The end of the hike is the only time when we can enjoy a leisurely meal. **Attendance policy** Please check in with an organizer when you arrive. 24 hours before the hike, we'll note down who is on the confirmed list. Those that don't show up will be marked as no-show. Repeat offenders will be banned. Please change your RSVP if you can no longer attend. If you got off the waitlist less than 24 hours before the event, you won't be considered a no-show.
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