NORTH VANCOUVER – With Canada’s population becoming increasingly diverse, it is essential that we strengthen our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive society and provide support to organizations that are dedicated to driving positive change in communities across the country.
Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, announced that nearly $370,000 has been awarded to support 14 equity-deserving Black-led, Black-focused organizations in British Columbia. The funding is being provided under the Events component of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program and the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative.
During the event, Minister Khera also had the pleasure to reveal this year’s theme for Black History Month: Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.
Minister Khera took the opportunity to reiterate that the Call for Proposals launched on December 11, 2023, for the Organizational Capacity Building (OCB) component of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program is currently accepting applications.
The OCB component will help organizations build and strengthen their internal capacity to advance anti-racism and promote intercultural and interfaith understanding, to provide equitable opportunities, to promote dialogue on multiculturalism and anti-racism, and to build understanding of disparities.
Eligible organizations can apply from now until February 22, 2024. For more information about the projects funded in today’s announcement, consult the backgrounder.
“As we approach Lincoln Alexander Day and the beginning of Black History Month on February 1, I look forward to celebrating the rich contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada not only next month but throughout the year. Our government is dedicated to actively building capacity within Black communities. Today’s investment will support Black-led, Black-focused organizations in British Columbia in amplifying Black voices throughout Black History Month and beyond, fight anti-Black racism, and help increase capacity to better serve Black communities in the province. Together, we forge a more just, empowered and celebrated Canada year-round.” – Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities