FBC Law and Policy Forum

Help us amplify the lived experiences of Black Canadians navigating the justice system

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Join us in bringing together policymakers, legal professionals, researchers, and community leaders to address systemic barriers in Canada’s justice system. Taking place on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, in Toronto, the event will highlight key findings from FBC’s Bridging Barriers research project, funded by the Law Foundation. Attendees will engage in a dynamic evening featuring a research presentation, an expert panel, audience dialogue, and networking over food and drinks. This forum will serve as a catalyst for collaboration and policy reform, strengthening FBC’s role as a national convener on justice and race equity.

Limited spots available—register now!

November 8th

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location

University of Toronto Mississauga

CCT Atrium

 

3359 Mississauga Road
Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6

Join!

Be a Part of the Movement!

Get ready for an engaging evening bringing together policymakers, legal professionals, researchers, and community leaders to address equity in Canada’s justice system. Dive into powerful insights from FBC’s Bridging Barriers research project, highlighting the lived experiences of Black Canadians navigating systemic challenges. Hear from influential voices in law and policy through an interactive panel and Q&A, designed to spark dialogue and inspire change. Plus, enjoy networking over cocktails and light refreshments, connect with changemakers, and be part of shaping solutions that drive justice and accountability nationwide.
Network
Connect with fellow attendees in a supportive environment, fostering new relationships and networking opportunities.
Learn
Learn about the barrier Black Canadians are facing in the justice system and what we can do to help support them.
Free Food
Enjoy a selection of free food to help keep you fueled during the event.
Meet
Meet with Policymakers, legal professionals, researchers, and community leaders, all coming together to foster change

Our Moderator

Tenisha Noel

Program and Community Engagement Lead

Afrika Outbound

Tenisha Noel is a passionate changemaker and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing social justice and equity. Currently pursuing a Research Master of Law (LLM) at Osgoode Hall Law School, her research examines how systemic discrimination in education and youth protection systems affects racialized youth, aiming to create more equitable opportunities for marginalized communities. As the Program and Community Engagement Lead at Afrika Outbound, she uses education and Black Canadian history to inspire youth empowerment, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. She also mentors young women through Girl Impact, helping them build leadership skills and confidence. Recognized with over $55,000 in scholarships and awards—including the BlackNorth Youth Leadership Award, Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2025, and the Lincoln Alexander Award—Tenisha continues to lead with purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to community impact.

Panelists

Our Panelist

Superintendent Darryl Dawkins

Director of Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Secretariat
RCMP’s

Superintendent Dawkins has dedicated over two decades to the RCMP, serving in both General Duty and Federal Policing roles across Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba. Commissioned as Detachment Commander in Selkirk, Manitoba in 2022, he was later appointed Director of the RCMP’s Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Secretariat in 2024. His commitment to EDI stems from a desire to remove systemic barriers and foster a more inclusive and equitable RCMP. He has developed and led key initiatives such as the Diverse and Inclusive Pre-Cadet Experience (DICE) Program and the Diversity Retention and Employee Advancement Model (DREAM), both aimed at enhancing representation and operational excellence. Superintendent Dawkins also founded the D Division Diversity Support Group and chaired the Covert Operations EDI Committee. His leadership has earned national recognition, including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police EDI Award (2023) and the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025).

Walied Khogali Ali

Co-Chair

Regent Park Neighbourhood Association, the Community Benefits Oversight Working Group, and the Build Ontario Line Differently (B.O.L.D.) Coalition.

Walied Khogali Ali is a seasoned policy strategist and communications specialist with over two decades of community engagement in Toronto. He serves as Co-Chair of the Regent Park Neighbourhood Association, the Community Benefits Oversight Working Group, and the Build Ontario Line Differently (B.O.L.D.) Coalition. As Project Lead for the Empowering Tenants: Expanding Legal Knowledge and Justice for Housing Rights initiative—funded by the Department of Justice—Walied advances tenant education, legal empowerment, and policy reform to strengthen housing security across Toronto.

A member of the City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, Walied has helped shape municipal equity policies and systemic reform. Drawing on his lived experience as a Sudanese-Canadian and lifelong Regent Park resident, he continues to mentor emerging leaders and advocate for affordable housing, transit justice, and human rights through inclusive, data-driven policymaking.

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