Theme: United for Equity – Empowering Black Canadians and Building Inclusive Communities -Keynote address & Storytelling
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Canada Virtuous Women (CAVIWO) hosted the final and in-person gathering of its 2026 Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism event series in downtown Ottawa. The event brought together community members, leaders, and advocates for an inspiring dialogue on equity, representation, and the ongoing fight against racism in Canada.
The event opened with a land acknowledgment delivered by Adeline Achu, President of CAVIWO, recognizing the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples in Ottawa. In her welcoming remarks, she acknowledged the financial support of the Government of Canada for the event and celebrated the historic and ongoing contributions of Black Canadians to Canada’s multicultural society.
She emphasized that unity requires respecting cultural differences while working together toward a common goal—combating injustice and creating spaces where every voice is valued. She encouraged participants to actively engage in conversations that challenge stereotypes and reshape the narrative surrounding Black Canadians, concluding with a call to celebrate diversity and build a more inclusive nation.
Keynote Address: Integration Without Losing Identity
The keynote speaker, Professor Tag Elkhazin, addressed the important distinction between integration and assimilation. He highlighted the importance of maintaining cultural identity while participating fully in Canadian society.
Referencing historical patterns of discrimination and colonial mindsets, he stressed the importance of understanding human rights frameworks such as the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Professor Tag also discussed generational trauma experienced by African communities and emphasized the need for deeper awareness of its lasting effects.
He encouraged attendees to adopt a strategic and action-oriented approach to combating racism through education, activism, and accountability. His message called on communities to remain united and proactive while holding institutions accountable for upholding human rights protections.
Story of Resilience and Leadership
The first storyteller, Adele Marie Kabo Kahota, shared her powerful journey from conflict zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to building a new life in Canada. As a mother of four and a community leader, she spoke about the importance of inclusion, collaboration, and the African philosophy of Ubuntu—the belief that human success is rooted in collective community.
She recounted caring for orphans during the Rwandan Genocide and later founding Promotion of Leadership for Community Development (PLDC) to empower vulnerable children. After immigrating to Canada in 2017, she encountered systemic barriers, including the non-recognition of her qualifications, which required her to pursue further education.
Kabo Kahota emphasized that while diversity is often acknowledged, true representation in decision-making spaces remains limited. She encouraged Black Canadians to seek mentorship, pursue leadership roles, and actively participate in shaping policies and institutions that affect their communities.
Racism as a Mission to Confront
The second storyteller: Rev. Ferras Chamas shared reflections from the perspective of a Christian minister, Canadian citizen, and military chaplain. Drawing from experiences supporting soldiers who faced discrimination, the speaker explained that racism undermines the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.
Ferras described the fight against racism as a mission that requires courage, education, discipline, and resilience. Participants were encouraged to confront injustice thoughtfully and persistently while remaining committed to values of compassion and purpose.
Referencing lessons from the Gospel of Luke, the speaker highlighted how faith and moral conviction can guide individuals to pursue justice without losing sight of their mission.
A Collective Call to Action
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized that addressing racism requires more than dialogue—it requires education, representation, accountability, and sustained collaboration.
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing equity, empowering communities, and creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices contribute to shaping Canada’s future.
Through initiatives like this event series, CAVIWO continues to foster meaningful conversations, empower Black Canadians, and promote practical solutions for building a more just and inclusive society.
