June 2020
Black Lives Matter
These past few months has been heavy and last week the murder of George Floyd, reminded all of us in North America and the world the ongoing systemic racism and oppression that black people in our society are faced with. His is not the only name in our thoughts: Breonna Taylor, Amaud Arberry, Trayvon Martin, Alton Sterlng, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, and so so many others. As a community we are outraged and overcome with grief but our pain is not the focus right now, the focus is ensuring that the voices of those who have long been suppressed are heard and that action is taken to break down this system that has for too long taken advantage of the oppression of black people have endured. This newsletter will be a bit different and we will provide information for sources where you learn about the ongoing issues as well as organizations and charities you can donate to. We are dedicated to this cause and will do our part to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for too long.
Black Mental Health: Racism is prevalent in our society, that is a statement that we know to be true. Another truth is that racism has an impact on the mental wellbeing of individuals in the Black community. A growing body of research shows that race and racism play a significant role in Black people's vulnerability to mental health distress. In order to address the mental health needs in the Black community it is important for people to be able to access the necessary resources. Below is a list of mental health resources in Toronto for the Black community
TAIBU Community Health Centre
The Black Health Alliance
Across Boundaries
Rexdale Community Health Centre
Black Creek Community Health Centre
Women’s Health In Women’s Hands
Canadian Black Organizations and Anti-Racist Groups You Can Support:
As protests and marches occur across the continent, you may wonder what you can do as an ally to support the Black community. One concrete way of helping is to donate to anti-racist causes or Black organizations in the GTA that offer resources, advocacy and education. Here are a few of the agency's and groups:
Black Youth Helpline: Black Youth Helpline focuses on community development and support for Black youth across Canada
Black Women In Motion: Dedicated to supporting the progress and advancement of Black woman in Toronto through education, economic opportunities, and cultural content.
Black Health Alliance: An organization working towards reducing racial inequality in health care access in Canada, focusing on the broad health determinants of health, including racism.
Black Legal Action Centre: Non-profit legal clinic providing free legal services for low or no income Black residents in Ontario.
Black CAP TO: Canada's largest Black-specific AIDS service organization, working towards reducing the spread of HIV infections within Toronto's Black communities and helping those living with HIV/AIDS