In times like these, it’s easy to feel helpless or that your contributions don’t make a difference, but all it takes is one small step to make the world a better, more understanding place. Now is the time to use our voices to empower the communities that aren’t always heard and make a stand for equal rights and opportunities.
If you’re looking to make a difference starting at home, here are 10 organizations that serve a variety of black Canadian communities.
Black Youth Helpline
Established in 1992, Black Youth Helpline is committed to providing “primary prevention” in order to help the youth across Canada grow. The organization has three core values rooted in its mission: respect, education, and health. Through its mission, Black Youth Helpline strives to provide opportunities, break down barriers, and develop communities. Donate to Black Youth Helpline or learn how you can get involved.
Freedom School Toronto
Freedom School Toronto is a youth and parent-driven initiative that aims to fight against anti-Black racism in the school system. The program provides year-round school and training programs, curriculum fairs, and student conferences to help create systemic change. While Freedom School Toronto accepts monetary donations, you can also help by volunteering or donating new and unused pencils, workbooks, art supplies, office supplies, furniture, laptops, and more. Learn more about how to get involved.
Federation Of Black Canadians
This national, non-profit organization is driven by organizations across the country that 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. Donate to Federation of Black Canadians or 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. Donate to the Zero Gun Violence Movement or learn more about the organization.
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.
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. Learn more about the movement.
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. Donate to the Black Legal Action Centre.
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. Learn about how you can get involved or make a donation.
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. Donate to the Black Business And Professional Association or 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. Donate to The Most Nurtured or learn more about the program.
