Community News
City of Toronto seeks feedback as it develops its New Year Action Plan to confront anti-Black racism
BY PAUL JUNOR
It was on December 5th, 2017, that the Toronto City Council approved Canada’s first action plan to combat systemic anti-Black racism. It was titled, “Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism.” This was a five-year, multi-million-dollar investment that resulted in the establishment of a permanent unit located at the City of Toronto. The promotional material from CABR described the Unit as “dedicated to driving systemic and cultural change to disrupt discrimination and barriers disproportionately faced by Black residents, while also increasing access to opportunities.”
It was in December 2022 that the report “Honouring Our Promise: Ending Anti-Black Racism” was released by Turner Consulting Group. According to the report they were hired to conduct the research and consultations in order to understand the issues impacting: Black infants, children, and youth in Toronto and their access to mental health services.
On Monday, June 24th, 2024, Delta Family Resource Centre hosted two town hall meetings at the Rexdale Community Hub located in North Etobicoke. It was advertised as, “Members of Toronto’s diverse Black communities are invited to express their individual and group aspirations for the next ten years of action.” There two questions were posed:
- What are the key issues in Toronto’s Black communities and how would you address them?
- What would you like to see change?
There were ten themes that were identified as a result of: community research, government reports and statistical data that were compiled and analyzed between 2018 and 2024 as well as acknowledgement of current areas of city and community work by the CABR. These themes are:
- Community Health & Wellbeing
- Community Funding Access to Services
- Employment, Income & Business Supports
- Arts & Culture
- Community Safety, Policing & The Justice System
- Child & Family Welfare
- Youth Development
- Community Space & Neighbourhood Development
- Black Leadership, Civic Engagement & Culture Change
- Housing
On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, there was a Black community town hall held at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and CABR. It was introduced by Misha and facilitated by Elaine Robinson. “We welcome you to share your thoughts and opinions on the barriers impacting our community and effective solutions to these issues. The focus is on Survey on Black Leadership, Civic Engagement & Culture Change.”
There were six questions that were directed at the audience.
What are the biggest challenges Black communities are facing in this area?
One respondent said social media images and policing. People in the community cooperating with those who want to take down our own. One respondent mentioned it is important to clarify the term “community.” It is vital to focus on differences in colour and culture. Elaine said she grew up in Scarborough and in other TCHC. She noted that it is important to add ” cultural communities.”
One respondent says it is important to educate yourself about different communities to learn about the diaspora (e.g. Pan’-African view). One person mentioned the importance of class solidarity. Another responded that organizing ourselves is primary first before education, which ensures that people buy into these views. One virtual participant mentioned institutional, systemic and structural racism in terms of how it impacts policies and programs. What powers does the city have in dismantling anti-Black racism and why is the focus on just confronting it?
What things could the City of Toronto do to address the challenges in this area?
No more strategies. We know what needs to be done. We need scalable funding and equitable, dedicated agency enshrined in law with sustainable funding. The city of Toronto needs to understand the communities that we live in and go to and those that come to us. The need for students in schools have to work
What are your ideas for how the recommendation(s) listed should be implemented or strengthened?
Transparency regarding how the survey was done and accountability from stakeholders. There is a need to empower the community. They need to be intersectional, multi-sectoral, data- driven, governance and work grounded in the spirit.
- I would like to see the Black communities involved.
We have to live long term. We need to build relationships proactively. Another respondent talks about the importance of critical thinking.
- Other leaders and participants who can help ensure improved outcomes include.
How would we know the recommendations are a success? What changes would Black communities experience?
There will be a “What We Heard Report” as a result of the community discussions. Individuals will be invited to City Hall for a report and subsequently there will be a
deputation to City Hall. There will be deputations in early December 2024 to the City of Toronto Council after which the 10-Year Action Plan will be presented to it in January 2025.