The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) released its new report entitled, “Building Black Businesses in Canada: Personas, Perceptions & Experiences,” which aims to explore the financial needs of Black-owned Businesses in Canada.

“The fight against anti-Black racism is not a singular isolated event. It’s a journey. This research is the first step I took on this journey to pave the way for a better world for our children,” says Sabrina Clarke Duffy, founder of On Point Insight, and the lead on a new study on racism in North America.

In an effort to prevent incidents of racism, the Parents of Black Children (PoBC) launched a new online tool for educators and school staff across Canada on March 2, 2021. The tool will allow PoBC to track incidents involving anti-Black racism perpetuated against students and employees in school compounds. The idea is to document stories of racism that often go unnoticed, or are swept under the rug by school authorities. The new system will foster more transparency and accountability, and enable data-driven policy change. 

(PHOTO: Rodney Diverlus photographed by Robin Pueyo) Building on its successful fundraising at the height of the pandemic in Toronto, BLM-Canada has launched the Canada Black Mutual Aid Fund nationwide. These are micro-grants offered to Black people across Canada, who have experienced hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Prime Minister has a media availability for you tomorrow at 8:30 am,” said the voice on the other end of my phone. I was momentarily stunned into silence because no one on my team had requested an interview with Justin Trudeau. 

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, launched an interactive virtual timeline for Black History Month. The timeline project is said to be the first initiative for preserving and developing a permanent archive of Toronto’s Carnival history, a key chapter of Black history in Canada.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the businesses stay online, which is a key part of their viability and sustainability, and we're working hand-in-hand with local businesses to hear their concerns and address their needs." - Nadine Spencer (President of the Black Business and Professional Association)

“Black lives are so incredibly valuable and no effort must be lost to reduce the risk; you come from a culture where respect for others is a permanent value so protect your elderly because elders are encyclopedias for family and community and we have lost too many elders in the past year. The loss is immeasurable.” Dr. Akwatu Khenti, Chair of the Black Scientists’ Task Force on Vaccine Equity

Dunia Nur is the president of The African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC), which aims to “address the needs of African Canadians most affected by the perpetuation of poverty, civic apathy, structural, and systemic inequity.” ACCEC does this by focusing on advanced programming for racialized youth, who are overrepresented in the justice system. Through data governance and civic engagement, ACCEC works to see Black Canadians be better served in all institutions. 

The last year has taken its toll on the mental health of all Canadians, and research shows that racialized youth have been the most impacted by the decline in mental wellness. The Africa Centre is addressing this mental health crisis through a new counselling initiative in partnership with the Alberta Black Therapists Network (ABTN). Black Albertans will have access to free, one-on-one counselling right from their living room.