Here’s one way you can help fight anti-Black racism in Canada.
Systemic and institutionalized racism is a very real problem here in Canada. Aside from educating yourself on anti-Black racism, supporting Black-owned businesses, attending protests and speaking out about injustice, donating to worthy causes and organizations (if you’re able) is a key way to make a difference. Read on for a list of organizations and funds supporting Black communities in Canada that you can donate to.
Black Women in Motion
Black Women in Motion is a Toronto-based youth-led organization that empowers and supports the advancement of Black womxn and survivors of sexual violence. The group works within “an anti-racist, intersectional feminist, trauma-informed and survivor-centred framework to create culturally-relevant content, educational tools, healing spaces and economic opportunities for black womxn.” Donate to their mission here.
Black Artists Network Dialogue
Black Artists Network in Dialogue (BAND) is dedicated to supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists and cultural workers in Canada and internationally. Its gallery space in Toronto is dedicated to developing emerging artists, curators and administrators by providing an accessible venue to showcase their work to the general public, while its Quarterly Canadian Culture Series encourages dialogue on current events among Black artists, cultural workers and the larger society. Donate to the art organization here.
Black Health Alliance
Working to improve the health and wellbeing of Black communities, the Black Health Alliance’s mission is to reduce the racial disparities in health outcomes and to mobilize people and financial resources to create lasting change in the lives of Black families and communities. Donate to the charity here.
Toronto Black Film Festival
The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) showcases powerful Black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social and socio-economic issues. As reported in April, TBFF also collaborates with Being Black in Toronto to offer mentorship to Black emerging filmmakers between 18 and 30 years of age from the Greater Toronto Area. To donate to TBFF and its many community initiatives, click here.
Justice for Regis
Organized by Renee Beals in honour of her sister Regis Korchinski Paquet, a young woman who fell to her death from her balcony under suspicious circumstances involving Toronto Police, this GoFundMe fundraiser is raising money to help Regis’ family get the justice they need and deserve. Donate here.
Hogan’s Alley Society
This non-profit organization composed of civil rights activists, business professionals, community organizations, artists, writers and academics seeks to preserve and promote the historical, cultural, societal and economic contributions made by Black Settlers and their descendants to Vancouver, Greater Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Donate to their cause here.
BLM Toronto
Canada’s largest BLM chapter, Black Lives Matter Toronto aims to support Black healing, affirm Black existence, forge critical connections and to work in solidarity with Black communities, networks, movements and allies in order to dismantle all forms of state-sanctioned oppression, violence, and brutality committed against African, Caribbean, and Black cis, queer, trans, and disabled populations in Toronto. Donate here.
Black Lives Matter Vancouver
The Vancouver chapter of BLM centres the voices of Black folks as well as other folks of colour, and works “to draw attention to our largely invisibilized communities, celebrate people of colour and work in solidarity with other Black Lives Matter chapters across North America.” Donate here.
Black Legal Action Centre
This non-profit community legal clinic provides free legal services for low or no income Black residents of Ontario. Areas they can offer assistance in include education, housing law, domestic abuse, police complaints and more. Donate here.
Black Youth Helpline
Originally started in Manitoba, the Black Youth Helpline focuses on community development and support for Black youth across Canada. Its mission is the “primary prevention of social [and] psychological breakdown in communities through a focus on education, health and community development.” Donate here.
The Afri-Can FoodBasket
This community-based non-profit organization has been at the forefront of championing Food Justice and Food Sovereignty for Toronto’s African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) community since 1995. With more economically vulnerable people needing support now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization’s mission is more important than ever. Donate here.
Black Space Winnipeg
Founded by members of Winnipeg’s Black community, this grassroots organization fosters organic dialogue on everyday experiences of being Black. Spreading perspectives of Afrocentrism and Pro-Black conversation, Black Space Winnipeg creates safe spaces for people of colour through hosting community events, artist demonstrations and workshops. Donate here.
Federation of Black Canadians
This pan-Canadian nonprofit organization advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent. As part of its mission, the FBC seeks to discuss the opportunities, contributions and challenges that exist for people of African descent nationally. Donate here.
Harriet Tubman Community Organization
This Ontario-based organization is dedicated to building meaningful and developmental relationships with young Black people between the ages of ages of 8 and 25 who are experiencing racism. Using Harriet Tubman’s collaborative model, the organization provides one-on-one life skills counselling, youth-centred recreational and educational programs, and promotes social entrepreneurism. Donate here.