B.I.G. – Black Ideas Grant: Bridge and Build 2023

Akwa-Ibom and Cross River State Community Association of Canada aims to expand community development programming for community members through workshops, events, and networking opportunities. Through a series of cultural and community programming, AICRSCAC plans to share their roots and cultural identities, stories, and history.

The West Island Black Community Association(WIBCA) is a volunteer-run, registered charity that is dedicated to serving the English-speaking Black community of the West Island and the surrounding areas. Their organization works to support Black communities in Canada by offering free educational programming, services, and support tailored to meet the diverse needs of Black youth, adults, and seniors of the community. Since their humble beginnings in 1982, they have uplifted the lives of countless people with their free, impactful, and diverse programs run out of the community centre located in Roxboro, Quebec. Programs and services target 3 segments of the West Island Black community: women/non-binary, children/youth, and seniors. Current programs and services include: Black Girls Gather: A Book Club, Legal Clinic, Maasai Boys Mentoring Group, Youth Robotics Team, Saturday morning tutorials, scholarship program, Senior Fit, Senior Surf, youth and mentoring.

WIBCA’s programmatic approach can be described as “for us, by us”, Black-centred, accessible, intersectional, intergenerational, and inclusive. WIBCA’s longevity in the community is due to its dedicated volunteers and its ability to adjust to the needs of its constituents.

Black In Nature uses play-based, emergent curriculum, and inquiry-based learning models to offer forest and nature school programming led by Black facilitators. Utilizing a decolonized approach, Black in Nature Inc. focuses on addressing the unique needs and experiences of Black children. Acknowledging that early childhood and educational environments can be spaces where Black children face racism, have limited outdoor opportunities, and feel disconnect from the land, the Black in Nature project aims to challenge these barriers.
Black in Nature Inc. cultivates a sense of belonging and empowerment for Black children in outdoor settings. As the first BIPOC forest school program in Canada, it enables the youngest members of Ottawa’s Black community to develop relationships with the land, fellow children, and facilitators who reflect their own identities.

The Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (BPES) is dedicated to supporting and empowering Black communities in Saskatchewan. Their mission is to celebrate, recognize, and motivate Black professionals and entrepreneurs while transforming their communities. The Black Ideas Grant aims to provide BPES with the financial resources necessary to implement and sustain its programs and initiatives. By providing financial stability and strategic leadership, the organization can create a supportive ecosystem that empowers Black professionals and entrepreneurs, fosters business growth ,and contributes to the economic prosperity of Saskatchewan.

Blackhurst Culture Centre is a hub and destination that provides opportunities to experience the rich culture and history of Canadians of African and Caribbean ancestry. Blackhurst strives to strengthen the organizational capacity of the Centre through various strategies, including enhancing facility operations, retaining skilled staff, improving skills development, capitalizing on partnership opportunities, and enhancing both existing and upcoming programs. These programs encompass affordable educational initiatives, youth mentorship programs, hosting workshops and events, and conducting historical walking tours.

Burundian Bridge International-Canada Inc. is dedicated to serving as a comprehensive platform for the socio-economic development of Burundians, operating in both Canada and Burundi. The Empowerment Through Education, Bridging the Gap initiative provides tailored educational modules, community engagement events, and skill-building workshops, this initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of belonging, identity, and empowerment among Burundian Canadians and broader Black communities.
The Empowerment Through Education, Bridging the Gap initiative offers customized educational modules, community engagement events, and skill-building workshops. Its goal is to cultivate a greater sense of belonging, identity, and empowerment within the Burundian Canadian community and the wider Black communities. Overall, this initiative’s focus on education, empowerment, and social integration directly aligns to improve social outcomes for Burundian Canadians and broader Black communities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Cameroon Youth Association Calgary supports Black communities in Calgary by serving as a cultural bridge, celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of Cameroon within the diverse fabric of Calgary.

As individuals of West African descent, CYAC members bring forth a wealth of diversity, talents, and potential, aiming to create a safe and supportive space for Calgary youths of Cameroonian origin. Through leadership development, mentorship, and advocacy, the Cameroon Youth Association seeks to dismantle stereotypes and contribute to a more equitable society.

For nearly 30 years, the Canadian Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) has been the only voice fighting against anti-Black racism in Canadian newsrooms. They have seen that the absence of the CABJ’s voice from this conversation has hurt representation, newsroom culture, and inclusion in Canadian media. The Canadian Association of Black Journalists will use the funding from the Black Ideas Grant for operational and capacity building.

The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton is enhancing its staff capacity to broaden CCAH’s culturally sensitive programming and meet the changing needs of the community. Building upon established initiatives ensures that CCAH preserves its solid foundation while adapting to emerging challenges. The appointment of a full-time Executive Director is a strategic move by CCAH to address gaps and fulfill needs in current service delivery. An Executive Director plays a pivotal role in the successes of CCAH and the community development programming for the Canadian Caribbean community in Halton.

Since the organization was founded, its volunteers have been working with clients facing difficulties such as unemployment, low family income, and the inability to meet basic needs (housing, childcare, transportation, etc.). Events are carried out to break the isolation of newcomers and enable them to experience a new country. Several measures will be prioritized, such as the implementation of an action plan to identify the measures to be carried out (training, dissemination of information, discussions, awareness campaigns, forums, etc.). Discussion groups with other organizations are also planned.

The project contributes to the fight against racism for families from Black communities by reducing the systemic racism Black artists are faced with in regards to the professionalism of their work. Many families feel left out of cultural productions because they are not represented in mainstream media, be it TV, radio, movies or theatre. Within the context of this project, the organization will seek out Black artists to introduce them to their communities in order to reawaken this sense of belonging and to eradicate the systemic barriers that prevent families from experiencing Afro-descendant culture. It also want to improve economic outcomes in the communities by enabling these Black artists to make a living from their art, to obtain paid contracts, and to reinvest in their work, creating wealth for Black artists and Black-owned art businesses. The organization wants to improve social outcomes by allowing Black communities to recharge their cultural batteries while appreciating the culture of their host country. By not feeling left out, people can bolster their confidence and open the door to discovering others.

Congo Eindoki Association is a nonprofit organization that supports Black Congolese community members who integrate into Canada. Many Congo Eindoki Association members are former refugees and face socio-economic barriers in Edmonton.

Through the Massive Awareness and Integration Program, the Congo Eindoki Association will provide financial workshops tailored for both adults and young people. Participants will acquire essential knowledge about the financial sector, including credit card management, loan applications, mortgages, and insurance. Social empowerment is a central focus as shared knowledge holds a significant impact. Congo Eindoki believes that providing the community with these skills will unlock opportunities for economic growth and empower individuals within the community.

By pairing a young Black immigrant with a Black “coach”, this program helps newcomers integrate more effectively and enables them to contribute to the host society in a positive way. This initiative makes it easier for newcomers to adjust to the realities of their new country and allows them to create closer ties with others, hence contributing to the fight against racist prejudice at the source. The organization firmly believes that if the perceived social distance between a Black immigrant and the Canadian population as a whole is reduced, our society will benefit from greater social cohesion. The better we know each other, the greater our ability to appreciate our similarities. By using the mentor as a familiar social anchor, DK’s flagship program contributes positively to social and economic opportunities for these Black newcomers by promoting their social inclusion. Several studies have shown that a racialized immigrant who can count on a strong social support network is more likely to integrate into the social and economic fabric of their host society.

The organization’s services aim at improving the psychosocial and economic health of Afro-Canadians. This is a segment of the population that still considers death taboo, doesn’t like to talk about it, and consequently doesn’t prepare for it. When a death occurs, it has a significant impact on the surviving family members. Our organization not only supports bereaved families, but also raises awareness among families who have not yet lost a loved-one surrounding the importance of protecting themselves and reducing the impact of these natural departures through insurance, funeral arrangements, savings, wills, etc.

Doug Hudlin, the “Gentleman Umpire,” was a founding director of the BC Black History Awareness Society and the grandson of Nancy and Charles Alexander, the earliest Black settlers in BC who arrived in Victoria in 1858.

The mission of the Doug Hudlin Charitable Society is to eliminate barriers to equal participation and inclusion in organized sports and recreation for individuals from racial and ethnic communities. Additionally, the Society aims to aid children residing in low-income areas, ensuring their access to and inclusion in organized sports and recreation. Furthermore, it seeks to educate them about the experiences of individuals in the sports and recreational fields, such as Doug Hudlin.

The Society works with sports programs and parks to ensure that youth from the Black community have access, are welcome, and are included in organized sports.

The Dufferin County Canadian Black Association aims to provide leadership for the continued development and enhancement of the Black community through civic engagement, education, programs, and services. DCCBA also advocates for equity and the wellbeing of the Black community in Dufferin County.

The Walk Tall and Proud program is dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes of community members. By enhancing existing skills, individuals will be prepared to identify racism and hateful conduct, employing the necessary tools and attitudes to confront such inappropriate behavior.

A seasoned consultant with strong ties to the Black community will be enlisted to develop and deliver the program. This consultant will employ a thorough methodology, involving in-depth research, comprehensive reviews, and meaningful stakeholder consultations to ensure the program is not only impactful, but culturally sensitive and reflective of the community’s essential needs.

The Eritrean Community Association in Vancouver is dedicated to celebrating and safeguarding Eritrean heritage and history within Canada, while also nurturing a culturally and socially engaged Eritrean community in the Greater Vancouver area. Spearheaded by the Association, this initiative seeks to enhance economic prospects by facilitating economic development projects, fostering entrepreneurship, and offering workforce training programs. These efforts aim to provide access to capital, job opportunities, and resources for skill development. Ultimately, the initiative aims to empower Black individuals to attain greater financial stability, upward mobility, and long-term economic security.

The Ethiopian Society of Winnipeg Inc. (ESW) is a local non-profit organization supporting Ethiopian immigrants in Manitoba. By providing employment training, youth programing, and immigration support, ESW is reducing barriers that Ethiopian community members face.

The ESW strives to provide a secure environment where youth can study and cultivate positive connections between Black communities and the criminal justice system. It offers expanded educational programming, workshops, seminars, and speakers to reduce barriers to employment for youth, new first-generation immigrants, refugees, or newcomers. Additionally, it offers leadership and workplace skills training, along with educational resources and recreational reading areas.

The initiative seeks to actively promote equality and social justice. It acts as a protective shield and offers essential support and resources to those facing barriers because of their ethnicity. The project also plays a crucial role in improving social outcomes by focusing its efforts on a socially marginalized population. It works to strengthen social ties, foster inclusion, and promote an equitable environment. Through its inclusive, barrier-breaking approach, it contributes to improving economic outcomes by offering educational and economic opportunities to a population often left on the margins of society. By investing in education, it opens doors to financial independence and economic strength. In short, the initiative makes a significant contribution to the fight against Black racism, while making essential strides to improve social and economic outcomes by focusing its efforts on a population that is systemically discriminated against and socially marginalized.

The goal of the organization’s Réseau Dynamique et Services Innovants Maman, BB & Co. initiative is to recruit staff and focus on Black suppliers to establish its organizational and operational structure. This mission is perfectly aligned with improving economic outcomes for the Black community. The organization’s approach contributes directly to the fight against economic racism towards Black people by creating employment and partnership opportunities within this community. By hiring Black staff, the Foundation not only reinforces its commitment to Black empowerment, but also ensures that the organization’s strategies and operations genuinely reflect the needs and perspectives of the Black community. These employees will play a key role in establishing effective Web structures and platforms that are needed to introduce and manage programs. In addition, by choosing to work with Black suppliers, the Foundation actively supports the Black economy and encourages the development of Black-owned businesses, thus creating an economic ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs and professionals can benefit from new opportunities for growth and visibility. This initiative, while meeting basic operational needs, demonstrates a concrete commitment to the economic and professional empowerment of the Black community.

FOCAS Canada currently runs initiatives such as the following: tutoring and mentoring for school children and youth; newcomer women’s English language classes; food hamper programming for more than 320 families; sponsorship and resettlement supports; newcomer seniors’ wellbeing and social engagement support, helping them age in place with dignity; anti racism awareness lessons, and newcomer women’s economic empowerment programming. They also offer services such as translation, resume writing, job search and placements, referring clients to designated professionals and experts, and other essential services. Their initiatives are directed towards Black socio-economic empowerment and meaningful socio-economic integration of newcomers to the Canadian system. They collaborate with the City of Edmonton and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation on combating and eliminating racism, discrimination, and system barriers in their communities, creating a just and equitable society in Canada.

Harmony Cultural Village aims to provide community members with immigrant services, community centre programs, employment and training, and literacy programs. The Improving Community Access initiative will increase the organization’s capacity, build stronger leadership, increase training for board and staff members, and enhance collaboration efforts.

A podcast featuring traditional ancestral instruments is an excellent way of fighting racism against Black people. By highlighting this group’s cultural wealth, “Soir au village” helps counter the negative stereotypes often associated with Black communities. It also raises public awareness of the diversity and contribution of Black artists to the music world. By sharing stories and celebrating cultural heritage, “Soir au village” will contribute to the deconstruction of preconceived ideas and help combat discrimination. Furthermore, by digitizing its global operations, NéoQuébec is giving itself the means to broaden its impact and reach a wider audience. By using digital tools, they will reach people who might not otherwise have access to their resources. This will allow them to promote their message of inclusion and togetherness and to offer learning and sharing opportunities to everyone. Ultimately, the fight against Black racism involves giving voice and visibility to Black communities, celebrating their cultural heritage and creating spaces where their contribution is recognized and appreciated.

IAS is an organization that provides programs and services within the community, empowering individuals, families, and groups to achieve, maintain, and enhance a state of physical, mental, and social well-being. The Access, Equity, and Capacity Project aims to address the social outcomes for newcomer refugees, children, youth, women, and seniors in the Greater Toronto Area. IAS participants and community members gain access to alternative housing, employment, and self-employment training. IAS’s programming addresses the various socio-economic outcomes and provides necessary services for Black newcomers to settle in Canada.

The Lake Loon and Cherry Brook Development Association (LLCBDA) is a community hub bridging two of the smallest historic Black communities of the Preston Township to one another. Collectively, as community-based volunteers, the Association strives to connect and enhance capacity to sustain the longevity and well-being of residents. The LLCBDA’s Health and Well-Being Program consists of health, educational, and recreational-related offerings that attest to Black cultural narrative(s) and socioeconomic lived experiences of community members. Community-led initiatives play a pivotal role and through collective action led by the communities of Lake Loon and Cherry Brook, residents will gain a sense of ownership, resilience, and pride, shaping a brighter future for generations to come while combating systemic disparities.

The Learning Is for Everyone Youth Charitable Organization (LIFE), located in Toronto, Ontario, is dedicated to providing educational programs and support to Black youth ages 12 – 19 to promote future success. The LIFE Activities and Growth initiative provides educational incentive programs designed to help Black youth by combining their education and a passion in sports, arts, or business. Each program provides youth with mentors, industry professionals, and tutors tailored to their specific needs. The program supports youth who otherwise may not have the opportunity to explore and pursue their interest in sports, arts, business, or culture due to the overwhelming barriers around them. Youth are paired with a mentor and that mentor tailors a program around the youth’s needs. Many Black youth from low-income households do not have access to resources allowing them to explore and nurture their interests. LIFE’s programs are specifically designed to not only combat systemic barriers but to also provide youth with mentors and necessary resources needed to fill the gaps that hold Black youth back.

The Manitoba Women for Women of South Sudan’s Black Empowerment Hub aims to address systemic issues, providing a secure space for Black women to connect, share experiences, and draw strength from unity. As a vital Hub, it addresses systemic issues, providing a secure space for Black women to connect, share experiences, and draw strength from unity. It acts as a platform for Black-led initiatives, empowering women to assume changemaking and leadership roles within their community. The initiative influences social outcomes by fostering belonging and mutual support among Black women and families. Robust programs, including initiatives for children and youth development, contribute to breaking cycles of inequality while nurturing a feeling of belonging and community among the younger generation.

Meet the Motivators (MTM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating gender disparity in leadership roles and its societal impact. Focused on cultivating female leaders, particularly from communities facing various challenges, their mission is to empower women to overcome obstacles. MTM’s Resilient Woman Program is a targeted initiative for Black women addressing critical skill gaps in sales, networking, financial literacy, and business management. Through mentorship, networking activities, and community engagement, the Resilient Woman Program not only empowers individual women but also fosters a network of economically empowered women who can contribute significantly to improving economic outcomes within their communities.

Their organization fosters a human approach that stimulates interaction and cooperation. The M3E project is a unique concept that stems from the conviction that national and international mobility combined with an educational approach can create a vehicle for Black female entrepreneurs in Quebec to perfect their skills. Mission Entrepren’Elle is creating an innovative model of social transformation by allowing Black women from precarious neighborhoods to develop leadership skills by enabling them to improve their financial health through training and access to information, and by providing them with support to enhance their income-generating ventures on an international scale. To achieve this, Mission Entrepren’Elle has established an incubator that develops a dual-dimension holistic educational method. They help applicants set up income-generating businesses and build their capacity in order for them to become agents of change and to transform their family’s living conditions. Mission Entrepren’Elle specializes in the Black ethno-cultural diversity market in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada. They offer support and advice and conduct economic exploratory missions.

Natural Kids Movement strives to promote the self-image of Black children and youth living in foster care to ensure they have the tools and resources to grow. The initiative plans to address the systemic disparities and injustices faced by Black children and youth within Ontario’s child welfare system by providing culturally sensitive care packages, programming, and educational workshops.

The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association’s (NACCA) Bridging Black Futures aims to build upon the skills and leadership of the organization and community. Their work and associated programming is informed by and deeply rooted in the key principles of Kwanza, meaning ‘first fruits’ in Swahili. NACCA is focusing on improving social outcomes, while prioritizing mental health, financial education, access to food, and other necessities of life. They continue to build on creating a vibrant, more equitable, and thriving Black community.

The Nigerian Canadian Teacher’s association is a non-profit organization, whose goals are to provide professional support and mentoring to its members. Their mission as an organization is to build programming that reflects the voice, choice, and agency of its members centring their areas of interest and the community it serves. The Nigerian Canadian Teacher’s Association’s Fostering the Knowledge of Black Students in STEAM Program aims to address barriers experienced by Black Canadians by learning the use of technology in various areas.

Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC) is dedicated to empowering and mobilizing Black Canadian communities to be civically engaged. OBVC’s mission is to enhance the representation and participation of Black Canadians in various aspects of civic life. Operation Black Vote Canada aims to see more Black Canadians, elect, appointed, and connected to government at all levels of government across the country. By increasing representation and capacity building, fostering collaboration, and advocating for inclusive policies, OBVC strives to increase the likelihood of addressing barriers and bringing about systemic change for Black communities. The various signature programs that operate throughout the year provide Black communities with valuable information, insights, and tools to maneuver government and the civic environments.

PAGE-RWANDA suffers from a lack of capacity in terms of human and financial resources, which severely impacts their development and capacity to achieve their objectives. Their organization is made up of volunteers, the vast majority of whom have other professional and family commitments. PAGE-RWANDA has drawn up a five-year strategic plan (2023-2028), which relies on their ability to strengthen their capacities. This initiative, which fits in very well with the theme of improving economic and social outcomes, will enable them to hire a consultant to help them develop an action plan to implement the strategic planh. The expected results will affect the overall well-being of the members of their community. It will also allow them to hire a consultant to help them develop and implement a fund-raising strategy to finance the measures set out in their strategic plan, thereby improving their economic outcomes.

The Restore Somalia Foundation (RSF) is dedicated to fostering positive change and sustainable development within Somali Canadian communities. As a non-profit organization, RSF focuses on addressing specific needs and priorities through transformative, community-led initiatives in line with Canadian values. Their multifaceted approach aims to promote peace, stability, and prosperity for Somali Canadians. RSF will host their flagship Youth Leadership Forum for the first time in Toronto. This event empowers Somali Canadian youth aged 18 to 30, while addressing key social challenges through community-driven discussions, educational workshops, and guest speaker lectures on topics such as poverty eradication, food security, education, employment, inequalities, climate change, and leadership for peacebuilding. Through leadership development, goal setting, and community engagement workshops, the forum will empower attendees to contribute to economic growth, fostering socio-economic progress and leadership within the Somali Canadian community.

Richard Preston Centre for Excellence is a community hub serving African Nova Scotian communities. The centre plans to enhance the capacity of its organization by strengthening sustainability and impact. Collaborating with fundraising experts, the centre aims to design a robust revenue-generation strategy and reduce the reliance on a single funding source to ensure the continued financial health and wellbeing of the hub. By building the capacity of the organization, it serves as a cornerstone for economic empowerment for African Nova Scotian communities in the region.

SHINE Gathering Group is a grassroots collective of Black women in New Brunswick building a community to learn and grow through authentic connection. SHINE curates monthly and semi-annual workshops and networking opportunities to equip Black women with employment skills and mental health resources to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours and economic wellbeing.

SoundStock Academy (SSA) plans to grow a 2-month intensive development program for youth aged 15-29 that aims to provide Black artists and music producers with the knowledge, tools, and access to resources to help advance their music careers. SSA plans to grow the 2-month intensive course to two cohorts, covering topics such as music monetization, entertainment law, marketing, distribution, rights management, and royalty collection. Through this enhanced programming, SSA plans to support Black artists who have faced exploitative and discriminatory practices in the music industry.

Star Can Cultural Association is a non-profit organization serving the residents of greater Montreal and its surrounding areas. The organization serves the Caribbean community by offering programs, support services, and cultural and social activities. These are designed to improve and enhance the quality of life of Black youth, families, and seniors. Star Can Cultural Association is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting cultural development, encouraging civic engagement through volunteering, and offering cultural and educational programming. The Build and Bridge Project aims to improve social outcomes by fostering community cohesion and inclusivity through events like the city-wide conference, annual Gala, and Black History Month education. These activities promote networking, recognition of local heroes, and education about Black history and culture, ultimately reducing social isolation and promoting a sense of belonging. The Share and Care Program provides essential support to vulnerable community members, potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with food insecurity and improving overall well-being, which can have positive economic implications. By addressing both social and economic needs, StarCan Cultural Association aims to create a more resilient and thriving Black community in Montreal.

The mission of The Church of Jesus Christ – Apostle’s Foundation is to improve the lives of men, women, youth, and children by implementing wholesome initiatives that empower individuals to become productive citizens so that they can, in turn, contribute to the lives of others. The project, “For Seniors with Love” Food Basket, will serve a total of 240 Black seniors from its faith community who reside in the Jane, Keele, and Steeles communities. Each month, Black seniors will receive food baskets containing fresh vegetables and fruits, religious and culturally sensitive protein foods, whole grains, and fats and oils delivered to their door, free of cost. This project will help to address the issue of chronic Black food insecurity by increasing food access to Black seniors, one of the most vulnerable groups in our community. Further, this project will not only benefit Black seniors but will accelerate the number of food access points for Black seniors.

The Legacies of Black Community-Building is an initiative by the Jamaican Canadian Association to develop three learning modules that explore contemporary Black Canadian history. The educational modules will promote self-esteem, youth empowerment, and academic success for Black youth by helping to embed Black Canadian history in the school system in an accessible and culturally sensitive fashion. Activities within the modules will focus on leadership development, skills training for Black youth, and promoting civic engagement.

Daystar Chapel is a Black-led multicultural church with a strong membership representation of immigrants from all over Africa and the Caribbean. The Daystar Chapel Keyano Drive Drive assists Black immigrant students from Africa and the Caribbean to settle and integrate into Canadian society. Collaborating with Keyano College, RCCG Daystar Chapel, Fort McMurray supports new Black students, workers, and their families in their community with the tools and information to build better lives for themselves and their families through employment and community development supports.

The V2V Project is a Black and youth-led not-for-profit organization. Their organization is dedicated to cultivating wealth in the Black community by providing youth with valuable resources to aid in business development while also enhancing entrepreneurial and communication skills. The V2V Project strives to provide Black entrepreneurs with valuable resources such as funding opportunities and business mentorship. Increased access to resources is critical in overcoming barriers to business development and sustaining growth. The V2V Project is more than an entrepreneurial support program; it is a movement towards economic equality and community solidarity, embodying the principles of Black leadership, service, and focus.

The Zetna Collective for Black Advancement fosters a welcoming and inclusive community for the African, Black, and Caribbean 2SLGBTQ+ population in Edmonton, Alberta by providing a safe environment with culturally appropriate resources, services, and programming. Committed to advocacy, education, and social change, they collaborate with organizations to address systemic issues. The Haven: A Black Queer Affirmation Project in Edmonton confronts anti-Black racism, establishing a resilient, trauma-informed organization for Black, African, and Caribbean queer individuals. This project is designed to address the specific challenges faced by diverse members of the Black queer community, including newcomers, asylum seekers, and descendants of Caribbean immigrants and Black settlement pioneers. By recognizing intergenerational trauma and accommodating diverse life stages, the Zetna Collective demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the complexities within the Black queer experience. The goal of the Zetna Collective is to foster community-building through frequent gatherings, providing a platform for social interaction, shared experiences, and the formation of meaningful connections.

The Velma Carter Centre, located in Edmonton, Alberta, is a healing centre for African Canadian women dedicated to transformation, education, and self-actualization. The Velma Carter Centre emphasizes the interconnectedness of health and finances, intervening during trauma to ensure career trajectory stability. Through core funding, the Centre aims to improve organizational capacity, staffing and retention, and enhance programming that integrates mental health practices and financial advice to address Black women’s economic precarity.

The Viola Desmond Justice Institute plans to address the lack of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCA) in the judicial system. IRCAs provide the court with the necessary information about the effect of systemic anti-Black racism on people of African descent and how the experience of racism has informed the circumstances of the offence, the offender, and how it might inform the offender’s experience of the carceral state. The demand for IRCAs out-measures their availability. The initiative plans to ensure that the oversight of IRCA processes are more Black-led, as it is in Nova Scotia, and to address this gap in supply and demand by providing a Black-owned and operated alternative for offenders to access quality assessment reports for cases.