Addressing anti-Black racism

For too many communities in Canada, anti-Black racism is a daily reality. Now, and not just during Black History Month, we need to raise awareness of the challenges faced by these communities and to confront and denounce all forms of anti-Black racism and discrimination.

Anti-Black racism definition

Anti-Black racism includes prejudice, attitudes, beliefs, stereotyping and discrimination that is directed at people of African descent and is rooted in their unique history and experience of enslavement. Anti-Black racism is deeply entrenched in Canadian institutions, policies and practices, such that anti-Black racism is either functionally normalized or rendered invisible to the larger white society. Anti-Black racism is manifested in the legacy of the current social, economic and political marginalization of Black people in Canada in society such as the lack of opportunities, lower socio-economic status, higher unemployment, significant poverty rates and overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.

How we can fight anti-Black racism

Racism, in any form, is unacceptable and has no place in Canada. It runs counter to the values and spirit of the diverse and inclusive society that we strive to build. It is our collective responsibility to step up, be allies and stand together against xenophobia, hate fueled by misinformation and all forms of racism including anti-Black racism.

Here are some ways we can all contribute to tackling anti-Black racism and building an even better and consciously more inclusive society where everyone is able to participate fully:

• Learn about Black diversity and the unique histories and cultures within the Black communities in Canada
• Challenge stereotypes and acknowledge how they are rooted in the history of racism
• Show solidarity with Black communities in Canada, that is by supporting local Black and black-owned businesses and organizations
• Be an ally by calling out acts of racism, discrimination and micro aggression and actively supporting those victimized by racism
• Challenge unconscious biases and consider how they can affect your behavior and decision-making

Anti-Black racism resources

Below is a list of resources compiled by Canadian Heritage. If you would like to suggest additions to this list, please send your suggestions by email to prpoliaison-propoutreach@pch.gc.ca.

• Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy (CARS)
• Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate (CAPCH)
• Anti-Black racism in Canada: time to face the truth
• Living In Colour: The history of anti-Black racism in Canada
• 50 – 30 Challenge: What Works TOOLKIT
• Black Lives Matter Canada
• Addressing Systemic Racism in B.C. — Government of British Columbia
• Alberta's anti-racism action plan: strengthening diversity and inclusion — Government of Alberta
• Erasing Racism — Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
• Manitoba's Disrupting Racism Steering Committee
• Ontario’s Anti-Black Racism Strategy — Government of Ontario
• Lutte contre le racisme — Gouvernement du Québec (French only)
• Legislation Will Address Systemic Racism, Hate and Inequity — Government of Nova Scotia
• An Anti-Racism Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 2023-2028 — Government of Prince Edward Island
• Black Health Alliance — Working in partnership to improve the health and well-being of Black communities
• Operation Black Vote Canada
• Black Legal Action Centre — Legal Services for Black Ontarians
• Anti-Racism Task Force — University of Manitoba

Remember to check the publication dates to ensure the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of resources in the fight against anti-Black racism in Canada.