News

We strongly believe that Black history should be celebrated 365 days a year. More importantly, it is imperative that we continue to recognize and celebrate the present contributions of Black communities, without ignoring the significant past contributions that continue to shape and influence Canada and the world. We encourage and recommend our members to consider ways to recognize, celebrate and reflect more during Black History Month.

We know too often the contributions of Black individuals have been minimized, overlooked, or ignored, while Black individuals and communities have been marginalized, targeted, and attacked at many junctures because of false narratives, stereotypes, and assumptions.

The Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Advancement (EDAA) subcommittees compiling a resource library of information and knowledge for members to access to assist with awareness and educational opportunities. To begin, please find a list of resources for you to explore:

Scholarships & Funding

You can support a scholarship for Black Students, such as the Knoll Diversity Advancement Design Scholarships for Black Students

Knoll Foundation has established a scholarship program to assist students who identify as Black that reside in the United States and Canada who plan to continue their education in a college or vocational school in a design-related program

Deadline to apply: March 31, 2022 3:00 pm CT

The Black Opportunity Fund is a grant making organization backed by several Canadian banks dedicated to providing funding and capacity building support for Canadian Black-led businesses.

Local Community Organizing

Black Ottawa Connect is a non-profit which grew from a Facebook group dedicated to connecting Black Ottawans with one another to building community, and sharing resources. Black Ottawa Connect has also collected many resources on Anti-Black Racism, COVID-19 supports for Black communities, initiatives by Black creatives, and links to Black-led businesses in Ottawa.

Black Women of Forward Action – A Windsor Essex based group which is committed to unequivocal progress for women of colour, in every aspect of civic life. See their Facebook page featuring 28 days of Inspiring Black Women from the Windsor-Essex area.

Black History in Ontario and Canada

28 Moments of Black Canadian History by UNILERNAL is a web series on YouTube features young Black Canadians sharing their story with one moment of Black Canadian history.

Explore the #ShareTheirStory through the Ontario Black History Society and engage in changing the way we talk about history in Canada by bringing the stories of five historic Black entrepreneurs into the discussion. In partnership with the OBHS, Ryerson University and the Rella Braithwaite Foundation. The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is a registered Canadian charity, dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage

The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, within the Department of Canadian Heritage, coordinates federal action and drives Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022. The Strategy was created based on what was heard during a national community engagement process in 2018-2019.

Within ARIDO

The ARIDO EDAA Subcommittees are compiling a resource library for all members focused on diversity and equity learning, knowledge, and experiences which will be shared with the membership when it is ready.
Another call out to join an ARIDO Affinity Group working on advancing our efforts in this area will take place this Spring. In the meantime, contact communications@arido.ca to learn how.

Header graphic from the Canadian Heritage Black History Month toolkit.