Photo credit; CBC news

At times, you can feel helpless or begin to think that your contributions don’t make a difference, but taking small steps to make the world a better, more understanding place can pave way for change.  This is the moment to utilize our voices to empower the communities that aren’t always heard and speak up for equal rights and opportunities.

If you’re keen to make such a difference starting from within, here are 10 organizations that serve a range of black Canadian communities.

Black Youth Helpline

Instituted in 1992, Black Youth Helpline is dedicated to provide “primary prevention” so as to help the youth across Canada grow. The association has three core values ingrained in its mission: respect, education, and health. Through its mission, Black Youth Helpline endeavors to present opportunities, break down barriers, and develop communities.  They can be accessed on https://blackyouth.ca/

Federation Of Black Canadians 

It is a, non-profit organization is motivated by organizations across the country that aim to advance the social, political, cultural, and economic interests of Canadians of African descent. Federation of Black Canadians focuses on community building, higher education, health, economic security, reducing racism, and criminal justice reform. Check https://fbcfcn.ca/ And   learn how you can join the movement.

Zero Gun Violence Movement 

Founded by Louis March, a volunteer worker and advocate in the African Canadian community for over 30 years, the Zero Gun Violence Movement is committed to addressing the structural and socio-economic conditions that contribute to gun violence in the greater Toronto area. Through partnerships and awareness campaigns, the Zero Gun Violence Movement hopes to build safe and healthy communities for everyone.  To learn more about the organization find information on http://zerogunviolence-movement.com/

Harriet Tubman Community Organization 

The Harriet Tubman Community Organization has provided African Canadian youth with a sense of belonging and connection to their heritage since 1972. Since its inception, it has evolved into a multi-service centre that offers culturally relevant and educational youth development programming such as counselling, skills development, summer camps, newcomer support, leadership programs, social events, and beyond. Learn how you can get involved on https://www.tubmancommunity.org/

Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter is a global movement that was founded in 2013 as a response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. With a mission to eradicate white supremacy and stop the violence inflicted on black communities, Black Lives Matter has chapters across the world including three in Canada: Vancouver, Toronto, and Waterloo. To learn more about the movement visit https://blacklivesmatter.com/

Black Legal Action Centre

Founded in 2017, the Black Legal Action Centre is a non-profit corporation that offers legal aid services to low and no income black residents of Ontario. The services, which include legal representation, advice, and support, are completely free to those who qualify. For more visit  https://www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca/

Black Women In Motion

This Toronto-based, youth-led organization empowers and supports the advancement of black women and survivors of sexual violence. Black Women in Motion works within intersectional feminist, trauma-informed, survivor-centred framework to create healing spaces, educational tools, economic opportunities, and culturally-relevant content for black women. For more, visit https://blackwomeninmotion.org/

Black Business And Professional Association

In 1983, the Black Business And Professional Association was founded to address equity and opportunity for the black community in economic development, employment, and business. The non-profit produces the annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards, a national event that recognizes and honours excellence in achievement while also supporting higher education through its BBPA National Scholarship. Visit https://bbpa.org/ to learn more about the organization.

The Most Nurtured

The Most Nurtured is a Toronto-based holistic wellness program created for black women, by black women. The programming, which includes community yoga, panels, and workshops, is currently on pause due to COVID-19, but aims to help LGBTQ+, non-binary, and trans women connect with and become the most nurtured version of themselves

 

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