BRAMPTON, ON (June 11, 2020) – 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
AntiBlackRacismUnit@brampton.ca. 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.
Quotes“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 Caribbean 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.”
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Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton“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.”
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Charmaine Williams, City Councillor, Wards 7 & 8“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.”
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David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton"The Kenyan 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."
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Ephraim Mwaura, President, Kenyan Canadian Association"The Nigerian Canadian Association is happy to hear about this historic initiative. This initiative will enable us to truly build Brampton together.”
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George Chukwu, Vice President, Nigerian Canadian Association“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.”
