BRAMPTON: At its meeting
yesterday, Brampton City Council launched the City’s first-ever Black African
and Caribbean Social, Cultural and Economic Empowerment and Anti-Black Racism
Unit to take meaningful action against anti-Black racism.
Guided by Brampton’s diverse Black African and Caribbean diaspora, this unit
will establish priorities and an action plan that eradicates systemic
anti-Black racism in Brampton and uplifts the social, cultural, and economic
position of the black community.
Brampton’s Black African and Caribbean community are vibrant and active
contributors to the cultural mosaic of Brampton and represent the
second-largest group of visible minorities in the city with a growing
population of more than 80,000 residents.
To learn more or to express an interest in being involved as the City develops
the Anti-Black Racism Unit, please contact the City at [email protected].
This important project will be overseen by the Office of the CAO in
collaboration with the Mayor and Council and community stakeholders.
Opportunities for the community to engage and share their voice in this process
will be shared publicly.
Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton said , “As public office holders, we are aware of the
high standard that each of us in positions of authority must hold ourselves to.
It is a privilege we don’t take lightly. It is not enough for us to say we are
anti-racist; we must demonstrate it through meaningful action that creates real
outcomes that uplift and empower our Black African and Carribean communities.
The creation of this unit and subsequent action plan is an important first step
in moving towards true equality and justice, not just in our city, but beyond
its borders too.”
Charmaine Williams, City Councillor, Wards 7 & 8 said, “Motions are the way for the eleven members of
city council to give direction to city staff on important policy matters. A six
to five vote tells residents that the majority of council supports a particular
policy direction. This motion was supported unanimously by council. The message
is clear and unambiguous. Black lives matter and systemic racism will be
confronted by all levels of the City of Brampton. While I am proud to be a
member of a city council that took decisive and historic action, the work has
just begun.”
David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton said, “To
create real change in our community, we must ensure that our organization’s
values and goals are aligned with what needs to be reflected in Brampton – an
inclusive city that celebrates its cultural mosaic and has zero tolerance for
anti-Black racism or discrimination of any kind. Through having honest
conversations about these real issues in our city, we can create an equitable
and just experience for those who live and work here.”
Ephraim Mwaura, President, Kenyan Canadian Association “The Kenyan said, Canadian Association would like to commend the Mayor of Brampton His Worship Patrick Brown and his entire Council for setting the pace and standards by passing the motion that will facilitate groundwork for Equity and Equality for all Brampton Residents. This motion exemplifies the spirit of commitment by the City Leadership in eradicating systemic anti-black racism and ought to be a benchmark for other Cities across the Country. KCA looks forward to working with the City on the implementation and continuous efforts on improving Social, Cultural, and Economic Empowerment not only for resident Black Africans but also Newcomers to our great Country.”
Angela J Carter, Executive Director, Roots Community Services Inc. said “Roots Community Services Inc. is extremely pleased to learn of the creation of a Black African & Caribbean Social, Cultural, and Economic Empowerment and Anti-Black Racism Unit within the City of Brampton. Thank you, Mayor Brown, for presenting this motion and to all Councillors for accepting the call. The Black, African and Caribbean communities are vibrant and active citizens, contributing to the development of Brampton and helping to uplift the city through their achievements especially in music, entertainment sports and academics. Our hope is that this unit will help inform policies and drive transformative change in the lives of black residents.”
