Addressing Anti-Black racism

In the midst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement was brought to the forefront after a series of tragic events ignited a long overdue call for social justice and shed light on existing institutional racism.

In response, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion/African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office (ANSAIO) amplified their work in helping Business Units address the anti-Black racism that still exists within the municipality. These initiatives and resources include:

• Developed Walking together: A journey towards combatting anti-Black racism, an organizational resource.
• Coordinated an interactive presentation to Regional Council from Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard.
• Supported the virtual Black Health Conference, featuring presentations from Dr. Joy DeGruy.
• Launched the ANSAIO Speaker Series, featuring presentations from experts on key topics to learn more about how the municipality interacts with African Nova Scotian communities.
• Provided ongoing support to employees of African descent.

Additionally, an anti-Black racism project charter has been developed based on recommendations by the Anti-Black Racism Working Group. Through the project charter, the municipality will work on key objectives that will enable it to become a safe and inclusive organization. Over the coming months, a steering committee, representing various parts of the organization, will commence work on the charter and help create a robust municipal anti-Black racism strategy for a safe and inclusive organization.

Thank you to the D&I/ANSAIO team for supporting these initiatives under such difficult circumstances. Your work is vital in continuing the difficult, yet important conversations needed in order to remove barriers and move change forward.