Black people experience structural discrimination on a daily basis, known as Anti-Black Racism (ABR), everywhere they go. Prejudice, discriminating attitudes, unfavorable ideas, stereotyping, and other overt or covert forms of discrimination against persons of African descent are all included in the category of ABR. The distinct history of Black people, which is shaped by the lingering effects of colonization and slavery, is the source of this type of racism.
The Halifax Regional Municipality declared its intention to combat anti-Black racism in 2021. One important project that will be carried out is the establishment of community grants for initiatives that complement the municipality’s commitment and assist localities in combating anti-Black racism.
The new Anti-Black Racism Grants program has launched in Halifax, by the African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office/ANSAIO. This effort is a critical step in confronting and eradicating systematic racism, in addition to being an exciting first step. These awards will strengthen the communities of African Nova Scotians and people of African origin, provide funding for worthwhile initiatives, and promote an inclusive and egalitarian Halifax.
These initiatives seek to:
- raise awareness of the effects of anti-Black racism;
- aid in spreading understanding regarding anti-Black racism and the steps that must be taken to combat it;
- find the community groups that are attempting to eradicate individual, systemic, and structural racism and/or raise awareness of them;
- develop initiatives aimed at constructing a municipality that is equal, inclusive, and diverse.
This program’s goal is to empower the community that is affected by ABR by providing funding that is directed by and for the community, as well as to support community-based, community-led initiatives that strengthen the ability of local African Nova Scotian and African descent communities to address anti-Black racism.
As stated in the municipality’s Anti-Black Racism Action Plan Update – December 2020, applicants are encouraged to explain/demonstrate how their project will combat or address at least one of the following forms of anti-Black racism:
- racial segregation
- historic omission
- lack of recognition
- systemic expropriation
- negative portrayer in the media and literature
In order to address racial injustices and advance justice in Halifax, the ABR Grants Program is an essential first step. Through endorsing initiatives that confront institutional racism and elevate Black perspectives, the program helps to construct a society that is more just and inclusive. In order to bring about long-lasting change and promote a community where everyone can prosper, continued investment in these initiatives will be necessary.
Learn more at: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/diversity-inclusion/addressing-anti-black-racism/anti-black-racism-grants-program
Reference and photos credit to: https://www.halifax.ca/
