Pickering Anti-Black Racism Task Force looking for new members

Published August 18, 2021 at 6:35 pm

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The Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce is looking for some new blood to get involved and help address anti-Black racism in the city.

Rooted in community consultation and the sharing of lived experiences, the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce (PABRT) was created to identify and address issues of anti-Black racism in Pickering. The Taskforce is made up of local residents, appointed through Council resolution, who represent diverse Black communities. It works in partnership with the Pickering community, Durham-based organizations, businesses, stakeholders, and the City to identify barriers and areas of opportunity in order to enhance the shared experience and opportunities afforded to Black residents; to coordinate opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement; to provide expert input and action on matters relating to anti-Black racism initiatives within the community; and to celebrate and promote the Black community and Black culture.

“Through the diligent work of our focused subcommittees, the Taskforce strives to improve the lives of Pickering residents by actively identifying and reducing anti-Black racism in its many forms while increasing community awareness around discriminatory practices, behaviours and barriers facing our City’s Black residents,” said Dr. Gena Chang-Campbell, Chair of the PABRT. “This integral work is done by, with and for our community in the spirit of meaningful and sustainable equity for all.”

Based on results from a 2020 Community Survey on Anti-Black Racism, the Taskforce has established seven subcommittees and is inviting residents and stakeholders to submit expressions of interest and resumes to participate.

In addition to the youth-led Youth Development subcommittee, at least one position per subcommittee will be dedicated to a youth representative.

The seven sub-committees are: