Living in the Now and Dreaming of a Better Future: A conversation with two leaders of Black community organizations in Montreal
Did you know that it wasn't until December 1995 that Canada officially celebrated Black History Month? In 1834, the British Parliament passed the Act of Abolition of the Laws of Slavery, which prohibited the slavery of Africans throughout most of the British Empire, including British North America (Black History Month). This means that it took Canada over 100 years to dedicate a month to celebrating Black achievements, culture and history.
By Loralie Bromby, Primary Consultant
I decided to dedicate this blog to highlighting some of the challenges that Montreal’s Black community are currently facing and achievements that deserve to be celebrated. BCRC’s 2021 report Quebec’s Black English Speaking Community revealed that “Montreal (CMA) is home to around 85% of Quebec’s Black population and this community is the largest visible minority group in both Montreal and the province of Quebec.”
“Montreal (CMA) is home to around 85% of Quebec’s Black population and this community is the largest visible minority group in both Montreal and the province of Quebec.”
Two of our past clients, DESTA Black Youth Network and The Cote des Neiges Black Community Association (CDNBCA) are pillars of Montreal’s Black community, offering front line services, support and resources to those in need.
I was grateful to have the opportunity to catch up with DESTA’s Executive Director, Kassandra Kernisan, and CDNBCA’s Manager of Operations, Tinika Sampson.
Barriers to thriving
Our Black community is vibrant and strong, but also has its share of challenges and barriers to success. Kassandra shared that “The Black community in Montreal faces various challenges, including systemic racism and discrimination in areas such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Economic disparities persist, with Black individuals often experiencing higher rates of unemployment and lower wages compared to their counterparts. Additionally, there are concerns about over-policing and racial profiling, which contribute to a sense of distrust and unease within the community. Access to culturally competent mental health services and support for youth facing barriers to education and opportunities are also significant challenges.”
The CDNBCA has observed some of the same challenges, their strategic plan is developed around three unique needs of the Black community: mental health & wellness support, economic development opportunities, and meaningful youth engagement/ empowerment.
The English-speaking Black community struggles with economic development, access to economic opportunities is limited, hindering the community's overall progress.
“Black youth in Montreal face unique challenges, including limited opportunities for meaningful engagement, skill development, mentorship, and scholarships. There is a need to expand access to vital resources to maximize these opportunities and develop creative and engaging ways to reach black youth of all demographic and socio-economic backgrounds.”
Supporting Growth
How are community organizations dealing with these challenges?
Kassandra: “In 2023, DESTA's most successful program was our Social Justice program. This initiative focused on addressing systemic issues of racism, inequality, and social injustice that disproportionately affect the Black community in Montreal. Through workshops, advocacy efforts, community organizing, and collaboration with local partners, DESTA worked to raise awareness, educate, and empower individuals to become agents of change in their communities.
The Social Justice program provided a platform for Black voices to be heard, creating spaces for dialogue, activism, and solidarity. It facilitated discussions on topics such as police brutality, racial profiling, access to justice, and the intersectionality of oppression. By fostering critical thinking and encouraging grassroots activism, DESTA empowered members of the Black community to challenge unjust systems and advocate for meaningful societal change.
Through our Social Justice program, DESTA not only provided vital support and resources to those directly impacted by systemic injustice but also played a crucial role in shaping public discourse and driving policy reform. By amplifying marginalized voices and promoting social equity, DESTA made significant strides towards creating a more just and inclusive Montreal for all.”
Tinika: “Our Strengthening Family Initiative (SFI), is one of our most successful and innovative programs. Within this framework, the Community Access Support Services (CASS) assists families and navigates the institutions that serve and/ or underserved them, including educational, health, and social services. The Intervention Now program offers immediate support to families in crisis, utilizing personalized approaches to address urgent needs and empower families through tailored action plans. Additionally, the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) offers a comprehensive 12-week course aimed at fostering familial cohesion, breaking down barriers, and promoting empowerment through specialized coaching sessions tailored to diverse family dynamics aimed to enhance developmental and social skills. SFI also ensures families receive access to essential resources necessary for their journey.
Our CORE activities (Community Organized Resources for Empowerment), has at its center the Food Bank initiative that serves as a crucial resource in tackling food insecurity as it aims to destigmatize food assistance, fostering autonomy and empowerment among vulnerable community members.”
Montreal in 2029…
There is collective hope that things will change for the better. Community organizations are working hard to offer urgent services, but also to change policy and advocate for change.
“The Black community needs a service that is intersectional, culturally adapted, and preventative that offers support before services like Batshaw, CUISS, or CLSC intervene. In the next 5 years, we are hoping to lay the foundation to be that leading source of information and prevention for Black youth, single parents, and LGBTQ+ families. CDNBCA would like to be a pivotal collaborator in creating an alternative to the social service systems by using the SFI framework as the focal point for Black Families and service providers in the system. This will go hand-in-hand with our mission to create opportunities for social, cultural, wellness, educational, and economic development for the Black English-speaking community of Quebec.”
Kassandra: “In five years, I envision a Montreal where the Black community has achieved greater equity and inclusion across all sectors. This includes improved access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities, with systemic barriers to advancement actively dismantled. I hope to see increased representation of Black voices in positions of leadership and decision-making, ensuring that policies and initiatives reflect the diverse needs and experiences of the community. Additionally, I aspire to witness strengthened community networks and support systems that foster resilience, pride, and collective empowerment among Black Montrealers.
Ultimately, my vision is for a city where every member of the Black community feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.”