On April 21st, 2023, our Executive Director, Chris Thompson joined MP Shaun Chen; Chenai Kadungure (Executive Director of Black Physicians Association of Ontario, BPAO), and Dr. Neil (BPAO Board Member and Black Creek Clinic Lead) to officially announce that the Public Health Agency of Canada invested over $286,000 through the Immunization Partnership Fund.

Of that fund, the FBC received $100,000 to deliver its project, entitled: COVID-19 Conversations with the Black Community. The goal was to create safe spaces for open dialogue, interrupt misinformation, increase vaccine knowledge, and connect black health workers with the community. FBC also provided 5 community groups with Micro-Contributions between $1000-$3000 to support and empower them to engage their unique community in a way that worked for them. By the end of the project, we were able to reach approximately 60,000 users across Canada, hold an online event with over 80 in attendance and engage over 50 people to participate in focus groups for our surveys. The groups we engaged for this project were Restore International, Jaku Konbit, Racialized Students in Healthcare, African Youth Growth Foundation, and Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum.

To learn more about the objectives of the Immunization Partnership Fund as well as the outcome of the project, please visit our website.

The Black Accessibility Knowledge (BLAcK) Hub is Canada’s first ever all encompassing Black-centred accessibility hub! It is a confidential, fully accessible, and free resource for Black people with disabilities of all ages, their families, caregivers and support networks. Black people with disabilities informed and designed the Hub to bridge the structural gaps and address systemic barriers in accessing Black-focused disability resources, services, and knowledge at the intersection of Blackness, disability and gender.

Ase Community understands the unique challenges that we as Black people with disabilities encounter; including experiences of anti-Black racism, ableism, and gender discrimination. They are committed to creating access to safe spaces, culturally-relevant supports, and critical resources. Through the BLAcK Hub, they aim to foster a dynamic sense of community, facilitate knowledge sharing, and encourage connections across communities.

Service Directory: Free access to a diverse range of specialists, practitioners, providers, businesses, and community organizations who specialize in supporting the needs of Black people with disabilities.

Disability Resources: Disability-related resources, toolkits, and websites. Build your understanding of all types of disabilities, access critical government financial resources, benefits, and grants, and manage your own disability accommodations and journey.

Knowledge Catalogue: Research findings, policy papers, reports, conference proceedings, and educational materials that explore the intersection of Blackness, disability, and gender.

For help or to learn more about how to navigate the Hub, please send an email to blackhub@asecommunityfoundation.com

Leaders from the Black business ecosystem came together to increase the representation of Black innovators, and the quality of our experience at one of the world’s largest technology conferences! This resulted in Canada’s first Black Innovation Zone at Collision.

During this unique showcase, attendees connected with a community of Black entrepreneurs, investors, technology professionals and operators all going for the conference. They also learnt about emerging technologies and how to make the most of their experiences.

This event was all about empowering Black founders, fostering meaningful relationships, and unlocking opportunities for growth.

FBC attended the 41st anniversary of the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards. It is inspiring to see the phenomenal work that Black Canadian trailblazers & industry leaders are doing in their fields. The Harry Jerome Awards is Canada’s signature event celebrating Black Excellence and is an opportunity to showcase the best of our community.

AT THE 41ST BBPA HARRY JEROME AWARDS

The Southwestern Ontario Black Entrepreneurship Network invited us to their Financing Your Business event where our Executive Director, Chris Thompson had the pleasure of speaking alongside Kate Tomen from Angel Investors Ontario and Minerva Gray from Kuinua Consulting. Chris gave his expert advice on how to approach funders and also spoke about our ongoing Black Entrepreneurship Program.

AT THE BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP NETWORK

FBC and Skills for Life invite you to register for our 2023 Impact Gala Fundraiser celebrating providing over 150 youth across Canada with over $200,000 in scholarships. Purchase a ticket or donate (tax receipt available) to help us continue the impact next year. Get your tickets early while the early bird prices last. We will have special guests such as Miss Jully Black, some senior individuals from the legal sector, and various Canada-raised professional athletes in attendance as well. The evening will kick off with a lively cocktail reception where guests can mingle, network, and enjoy a delicious selection of appetizers and drinks.

Experience the excitement of a casino atmosphere with various table games available throughout the evening. Guests can try their luck and indulge in friendly competition. Prepare to be entertained by captivating live performances that showcase the incredible talents of local artists. From music and dance to spoken word, these performances will leave a lasting impression.

Engage in an exciting silent auction where guests can bid on an array of exclusive items and experiences. With a wide variety of offerings, there will be something for everyone to bid on, all in support of these two organizations. Click here if you would like to provide a silent auction item or email events@theskills4life.ca (Tax Receipt Available)