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NABC COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

The NABC Community Newsletter is a weekly look into the resources and events of interest to our communities. Vibrant Black communities are cultivated through knowledge sharing and a commitment to long-term learning.



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Network Initiatives

Engaging with Black Communities to Address Systemic Discrimination and Overrepresentation in the Criminal Justice System 

The Government of Canada has initiated vital steps to combat systemic inequalities faced by Black communities, particularly within Canada’s criminal justice system. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Arif Virani, alongside Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Person with Disabilities, the Honourable Kamal Khera, has announced the launch of community and online engagement for the development of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy. This comprehensive strategy seeks to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination while reflecting the diverse experiences of Black communities. Twelve Black-led organizations across Canada, including the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities (NABC), will lead consultations based on the Framework for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy.  

 

NABC is working with the following organizations to host our engagement sessions with their respected community members: TAIBU Community Health Centre, Urban Rez Solutions, Midaynta Community Services, and Black Studies Institute from the University of Windsor. Engagements are currently taking place until September 29, 2023. An online survey is available for those unable to attend sessions. NABC will submit a report based on the insights collected at the community engagement sessions. Our hope is that these recommendations will lead to concrete actions and help to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all Canadians. 

Sector News

Housing Crisis Community Gathering

Join us for a community gathering on Saturday, September 30 at 5 PM on the Carrot Green Roof at 348 Danforth Avenue, next to the Chester subway station. In response to Toronto's housing crisis, particularly affecting refugees and asylum seekers, we are coming together to support the humanitarian efforts of Black Churches, exemplified by their response to the Peter Street crisis. Our goal is to explore ways to advocate for government action at all levels to address the housing situation, focusing on refugees and asylum seekers. We'll also discuss related issues such as mental health, community development, and the impact on our city.


Please RSVP at annesophieinfo@gmail.com. Light refreshments will be served. Let's make a difference together. Find the full invitation here.

New Report on Black Representation in Canadian Curriculum

A recent study conducted by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) and Turner Consulting Group highlights the pressing need for consistent inclusion of Black Canadians and their history in elementary and secondary school curricula across Canada. The report, "Black Canadians and Public Education: A scan of elementary and secondary social studies curricula," reveals significant gaps in the representation of Black Canadians in Canadian public school curricula, with inconsistencies in teaching Black history and a lack of recognition for local Black Canadians' contributions. The study also underscores a predominant focus on Black experiences from the United States, neglecting the unique experiences and contributions of Black Canadians.


Find the full report here

Improving Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in the Prairies for Marginalized Communities

Canada's Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Fund, backed by a $81 million commitment over three years, is supporting innovative projects to address the healthcare needs of marginalized communities. Recently, the Canadian government allocated nearly $1.3 million from the SRH Fund to two crucial initiatives. The first project, led by the Sexuality Education Resource Centre Manitoba, focuses on expanding SRH services in Manitoba, including bilingual tools and training for healthcare providers, with a special emphasis on marginalized groups like newcomers and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The second initiative, led by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African, and Caribbean (CHABAC) Network, aims to combat anti-Black racism and SRH care disparities through training resources, a SRH awareness campaign, and a helpline to support Black, African, and Caribbean communities, including 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, women, youth, and newcomers.


Read more here

Research Highlights Challenges Faced by Young Black Mothers

A collaborative research project between Brock University and the TAIBU Community Health Centre in Toronto has focused on amplifying the voices of young Black mothers in Canada and recommending changes to better support them. The study explored how these mothers navigate motherhood amidst experiences of anti-Black racism and gendered oppression from a young age. The research emphasizes that anti-Black racism and gender oppression have not only influenced their roles as mothers but have also shaped their entire lives. The study's recommendations include legislative changes in healthcare and education, anti-racist training for educators, and income threshold adjustments for young Black mothers.


Read more here

Funding Opportunities

City of Toronto Youth-Led Community Crisis Response Fund

The Youth-Led Projects stream provides one-time financial assistance to youth-led, youth-driven projects or activities that address a specific violent incident/crisis in a community and contribute to community capacity building and/or community healing and well-being. The primary focus population of the proposed project or activity is MVP (Most Vulnerable People) Youth.


Apply here


Deadline for application

Review of applications will continue on a rolling basis.


Contact cgis@toronto.ca for any questions.

CN Stronger Communities Fund

Through our CN Stronger Communities Fund, CN contributes millions of dollars each year to organizations and initiatives that promote health and safety, innovation, environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and civic engagement.


Apply here


Deadline for application

Review of applications will continue on a rolling basis.


Contact CN Rail team here with any questions.

Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program

The Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program aims to support Canadian communities in combating racism and discrimination while promoting diversity and inclusion. The program includes three funding components: Events, Projects, and Community Capacity Building, as well as the Paul Yuzyk Youth Initiative for Multiculturalism. The program will provide grants of $250, $500, and $1,000 to support youth-led projects that address issues of racism and discrimination in local communities.


Apply here


Deadline for application

Review of applications will continue on a rolling basis.

Events

Five Good Ideas for Getting Journalists to Call You Back

In this session, Denise Balkissoon, Ontario bureau chief for The Narwhal, explains how she sources when she's in need of new ideas and when she needs fast commentary on a story.

Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023

Register here

Stronger Together: Waterloo Region Nonprofit Gathering

This gathering is an opportunity for nonprofits, charities, and community organizations in the Waterloo region to connect, deepen relationships, and discuss big-picture issues with a local lens.

Date: Thursday, November 2, 2023

Read here

Job Postings

Sisters in Sync

Sisters in Sync was created as a response to the growing need for spaces where Black girls and women from all walks of life can exist and share experiences.


Sisters in Sync is hiring for the following position:


Interested individuals may apply by sending their resumes and cover letters via email to operations@sistersinsync.org.


Deadline for application

The deadline for applications is Monday, September 25, 2023.

Roots Community Services

Roots Community Services provides culturally-sensitive and culturally-enriching programs to the Black, African, and Caribbean communities in the Region of Peel.


Roots Community Services is hiring for the following positions:


Interested individuals may apply by sending their resumes and cover letters via email to careers@rootscs.org.


Deadline for application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.



Interested in making a community submission? Submit your event, job posting, sector news and resources here.

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