Ways You Can Support The Black Community in Toronto and Worldwide
Black History Month is a time to learn more about the heritage, traditions and culture of the Black Community. By listening to and reading about the many stories and important contributions we can explore and celebrate inclusion and diversity all month long.
Whether it's by attending protests, donating time or money, or dedicating time and space to researching and learning.. there is certainly no shortage of ways to show your solidarity.
Amplifying Black voices is not only important, it is imperative. It is time to show up, speak up, and act.
Below are links of resources and recommendations;
SUPPORT
Ontario Black History Society
https://blackhistorysociety.ca/
The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is a registered Canadian charity, dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage.
Black Youth Helpline
Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools.
Black Health Alliance
https://blackhealthalliance.ca/
Focusing key issues that impact Black communities in Canada through systems change, health promotion, research and public policy, convening, collaboration and capacity building, championing health equity, fundraising.
Black Women in Motion
https://blackwomeninmotion.org/
Black Women in Motion is a Toronto-based, survivor-led, grassroots organization that empowers and supports the advancement of Black women, girls, nonbinary and gender-non-conforming survivors of gender-based violence.
The Black Solidarity Fund
https://uniteforchange.com/en/fund/black-solidarity-fund/
The Black Solidarity Fund includes more than 70 charities supporting Black Canadians.
Across Boundaries
Leaders in providing equitable, holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized* communities.
CEE Toronto - Centre For Young Black Professionals
The CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals is a charity dedicated to addressing economic and social barriers affecting black youth ages 14 and over.
Black Legal Action Centre
https://www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca/
Established in 2017, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is an independent not-for-profit community legal clinic that combats individual and systemic anti-Black racism by conducting research, engaging in structural transformation, and providing legal services to members of Ontario’s Black communities.
Black Opportunity Fund
https://blackopportunityfund.ca/
Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) is a community-led registered Canadian Charitable organization that supports a prosperous, healthy and thriving Black Canada by challenging anti-Black racism.
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Name: Rasta Pasta
The Business:
Rasta Pasta is an innovation fusion restaurant that combines the essence of Jamaican & Italian culture to give you a unique experience. Located in Kensington Market.
Website: http://eatrastapasta.ca/
Name: All Star Beauty Complex
The Business:
All Star Beauty Complex is a beauty supply store that has been operating in the GTA for over 13 years. It specializes hair and skin products.
Website: https://allstarbeauty.ca/
Name: Blooming Flower Bar
The Business:
Cabbagetown's Neighbourhood florist and gift shop. Their neighbours have dubbed it the "Happy Place". Assortment of fresh cut flowers sold by the stem.
Website: https://www.bloomingflowerbar.com/
Name: Dapper Style Mint
The Business:
Wardrobe and personal styling agency across the GTA. Founded by Cee Cee Styles in 2014.
About 80% of the clothing they use in their projects comes from Canadian Designers and locally owned retail stores.
Website: https://www.dapperstylemint.com/
Name: 100 Miles Brand
The Business:
Clothing Brand that started in 1992, and is at the forefront for urban street style.
Website: https://www.100milesbrand.com/
Name: Body By Chosen
The Business:
Body By Chosen is a private gym with services ranging from boxing, calisthenics, strength and conditioning plus indoor group classes.
Website: https://www.bodybychosen.com/
Name: Braided Media
The Business:
A Podcast Network of raw and refined shows + storytelling created by people of African Descent for a global audience.
Website: https://braidedmedia.co/
