Final In-Person Event : UNITED AGAINST RACISM: CHALLENGES BLACK CANADIANS FACE WITH RACISM IN EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Location: Preston Event Centre, 523 St. Anthony St, Ottawa, ON K1R 6Z9
The multicultural event was the grand finale of a series of activities that were organized by the Canada Virtuous Women (CAVIWO) and funded by the Government of Canada to mark the Black History month celebrations. Welcoming attendees, the President of the group, Adeline Achu began with a word of appreciation and a land recognition. She highlighted the contributions of Black Canadians in every sector and thanked the government of Canada for funding the initiative to educate people of color on ways to take action against racism.
Keynote Speaker 1: Germaine Chazou-Essindi
Theme: Challenges Black Canadians Faced with Racism in Employment and Education
Germaine Chazou-Essindi delivered a compelling keynote address on the systemic challenges Black Canadians face in employment and education. She emphasized the resilience required to navigate systems not designed with Black professionals in mind. She noted that success is not solely based on hard work but also on access to critical resources such as networks, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
A significant concern highlighted was the underrepresentation of Black professionals in both formal and informal networks, leading to limited career advancement opportunities. Chazou-Essindi pointed out that Black individuals often find themselves over-mentored yet under-sponsored, meaning they receive guidance but lack meaningful opportunities for career progression.
To address these challenges, she proposed the following solutions:
Developing the right mindset, skill set, and tool set.
Actively attending events, building relationships, and leveraging professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.
Taking risks, learning from mistakes, and engaging in mentorship.
Increasing representation, advocating for mentorship programs, and working to reduce systemic racism.
She urged attendees to take ownership of their professional space, build strong networks, and support one another in order to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
Panel Discussion
Following the keynote address, a panel discussion provided further insights into the topic. The panel featured two distinguished professionals: Loveline, Director at EDC, and John, a journalist.
Loveline (Director, EDC):
Key points from Loveline’s discussion included:
Encouraging Black professionals to claim their space in leadership and decision-making circles.
Promoting identity awareness and self-respect.
Leveraging technology as a tool for professional growth and empowerment.
John (Journalist):
Key points from John’s discussion included:
The significance of networking with individuals who have a growth mindset.
The idea that salary alone does not create wealth—self-empowerment and financial independence are crucial.
Encouraging individuals to create their own opportunities rather than waiting for external validation.
Poetry Performance
A spoken-word performance added an artistic and emotional layer to the discussion. The poem, The Heart & The Fist, delivered by Aishah Salim, a student at the University of Ottawa, explored themes of police brutality, unity, and resilience. It underscored the importance of collective action in overcoming systemic injustices.
Keynote Speaker 2: Dr. Benjamin Mua
Theme: Racism in the Context of Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue
Dr. Benjamin Mua delivered an insightful keynote address on the challenges of racism within intercultural and interfaith contexts. He emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and capacity building, urging individuals to prepare themselves for opportunities rather than adopting a victim mindset.
Dr. Mua highlighted various manifestations of racism, including: Stereotypes and prejudice, Cultural superiority, Structural racism, Xenophobia
He stressed that while racism undeniably exists, it should not define an individual’s approach to success. Instead, he proposed dialogue as a powerful tool for addressing racial discrimination and fostering a more inclusive society. He outlined the key benefits of dialogue, including: Building understanding and empathy, Creating safe spaces for open discussions, Promoting shared values, Influencing policy and social change
Dr. Mua concluded by calling for proactive engagement in breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments within communities, workplaces, and religious spaces.
Panel Discussion
Following Dr. Mua’s address, a panel discussion featured insights from Pastor Denise Allen-Macartney, Pastor James T. Hurd, and Dr. Mua himself.
Pastor Denise Allen-Macartney:
Pastor Denise shared her experiences in fostering an inclusive and welcoming church environment. She emphasized that diversity in leadership contributes to a more harmonious community. She noted that her church has thrived due to intentional efforts to include individuals from different backgrounds. She encouraged faith-based networking as a way to build relationships and create opportunities for mutual support and growth.
Pastor James T. Hurd:
Pastor Hurd underscored the need for intentional leadership diversity, particularly in religious and community settings. He celebrated the richness of multicultural contributions in worship, from different musical styles to varied expressions of faith. He emphasized that leaders must actively create spaces where all cultural perspectives are valued, allowing congregants to learn from and appreciate one another’s backgrounds.
MP Marie-France Lalonde: (Member of Parliament for Orleans) delivered a graceful address recognizing Canada’s rich multicultural identity while acknowledging the persistent barriers to equality that many Black Canadians continue to face. She emphasized the importance of economic opportunities, mentorship programs, and policies designed to support Black communities in overcoming systemic challenges. She highlighted that Canada, as a nation built on diversity, must take collective responsibility in fostering an inclusive society where every individual feels valued and empowered. She called for more concerted efforts to ensure that Black Canadians have access to the resources and networks necessary for success in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. By encouraging collaboration between government, businesses, and communities, she reinforced the need for proactive measures that promote equal opportunities for all.
Cultural Activities and Performances
The event featured a vibrant array of cultural performances and artistic expressions that celebrated African heritage and diversity. The festivities featured a heartfelt children’s performance of “We Are the World”, a song symbolizing unity and hope.
The storytelling segment featured “Bullying-I Have Been There” by Beltus Nyambi, a moving narrative on bullying that shed light on the emotional and psychological impact of racism that black children experience in and out of the school milieu. This performance resonated with many attendees, emphasizing the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming adversity.
A series of dynamic dance performances followed, showcasing the richness of African traditions. The NW Dance Group who performed a folkloric dance known as “bottle dance” energized the audience with their engaging choreography, while the Bafut Manjong, Mbanglum (victory) and Manyu Traditional Dance groups presented mesmerizing routines that highlighted the depth of cultural heritage through movement and rhythm.
The fashion parade was another highlight of the event, featuring stunning traditional attire that celebrated African heritage. Models walked the runway in beautifully crafted garments that represented the diverse cultural influences across African communities.
To conclude the festivities, guests were treated to a diverse selection of African dishes, allowing them to indulge in the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the continent with a Canadian touch. This culinary experience served as a meaningful way to connect people through food, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
