A Reflection on the Inaugural International Day for People of African Descent
Today, the United Nations is observing for the first time the International Day for People of African Descent, the goal of which is “to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora around the world and to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people of African descent.”¹ …
A Reflection on the Year of Floyd
On May 25, 2020, we bore witness to state-sanctioned brutality claim its latest victim. In agony, George Floyd repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe,” and cried out for his mother while Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds¹. …
The Impact of the Hearing into Justice McLeod’s Conduct on the African Community
The hearing into the complaint about Justice Donald McLeod’s conduct is nearing its end. Counsel for Justice McLeod concluded calling for evidence on February 26, 2021 with Dr. Wendell Adjetey — whose expert testimony simultaneously served as a public lecture — speaking about the origins of anti-Black racism; the historical…
Addressing the Pandemic of Community Mistrust
For the second time, Justice Donald McLeod is being brought up on allegations of misconduct, prompted by a blog post as cited in the letter of complaint.¹ With the hearings underway, there was the disconcerting revelation of the surreptitious recording of a private conversation with Justice McLeod, to which other…
An Open Letter to Black Canadians
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We are not okay and we have not been okay. As we try to cope in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our energy must still be directed to grappling with overt racism and racial microaggressions. The protests across the United States of America (USA) to…
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided here has been summarised. You should contact or visit the website of the government or the organisation for detailed information to learn about your eligibility. The supports listed are not exhaustive. It excludes supports that do not require you to take action. …
Coping during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Sincere thanks to the following Black mental health professionals who contributed to this resource:
Donna Alexander, Social Worker, Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH); Floydeen Charles-Fridal, Executive Director, Caribbean African Canadian Social Services; Keith Cunningham, Individual and Family Therapist…
A Tale of Two Reviews
The review into anti-Black racism at the Peel District School Board (PDSBR) is riddled with confusion, an absence of anti-Black racism expertise and a poor approach to stakeholder engagement. It lacks independence from the provincial government that would allow the process to freely explore the issues without political interference. …
The Performative Justice of the Anti-Black Racism Review at Peel District School Board
Recent incidents of anti-Black racism at the Peel District School Board prompted Ontario’s Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, to announce a review “to address concerns about equity, including anti-Black racism, and serious issues related to governance, leadership and human resources practices in the board”. …
Systemic Change to Address Racism
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Andrew Scheer, M.P., Leader of the Opposition
Jagmeet Singh, M.P.
Elizabeth May, M.P., O.C.
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, P.C., M.P.
Yves-François Blanchet
Dear Leaders,
Elections are an opportunity to create change. I am writing to you as…
