If you want to be an ally but are unsure where to start, you’ve found the place. Below are national tools, resources, workshops and more to help start the conversation about racial equality and keep it alive.

1. Educate yourself

An important step in being an ally is understanding the past and your level of privileged in order to create a better future for all. Free online courses like Anti-Racism 1 introduce the anti-racist practice and the importance of inclusivity in everyday life. Alberta-based You Need This Box is a subscription-based service providing you with the tools to talk about race, be a better white person and create lasting societal change. Experience Canada offers weekly anti-racism conversations, webinars and more. Sandy Hudson (founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto), Daniel Afolabi (student activist), Sadie Kuehn (human rights and justice activist), Robyn Maynard (author, Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from slavery to the present) join #CitylineReal podcast host Tracy Moore for a conversation on race, specifically on how to hold yourself accountable when hearing racism, even when no one is watching. Find more must-listen podcasts on race here. Reading books by Black authors gives you the opportunity to both educate yourself and financially support their work. Glass Bookshop in Edmonton focuses on Canadian writing with special attention to LGBTQ2SIA+ and IBPOC writers, as well as the independent publishers who help produce their work. Some recommended books include:

  • So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
  • Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
  • Beloved by Toni Morrison
  • Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Your Silence Will Not Protect You by Audre Lorde
  • How To Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi

2. Get involved

Taking part in demonstrations, petitions and exercising your right to vote are all ways to show solidarity in the fight for racial equality. Calling or emailing your local leaders is a direct way to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. Donating to your local Black Lives Matter chapter and other organizations makes a real change because it eliminates the stress of paying rent and allows that energy to be focused on reform. Here are just a few of the organizations making a change in Canada that you can support:

Black Women In Motion

This Toronto-based, youth-led organization empowers and supports the advancement of Black women and survivors of sexual violence. Black Women in Motion works within the intersectional feminist, trauma-informed, survivor-centred framework to create healing spaces, educational tools, economic opportunities and culturally-relevant content for Black women.

Federation Of Black Canadians 

This national, non-profit organization works to advance the social, political, cultural and economic interests of Canadians of African descent. They focus on community building, higher education, health, economic security, reducing racism and criminal justice reform.

Black Youth Helpline

Established in 1992, Black Youth Helpline is committed to providing primary prevention to Black youth across Canada. Through its mission, Black Youth Helpline strives to provide opportunities, break down barriers and develop communities.

Black Health Alliance

The Black Health Alliance is a community-led organization that looks to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.

FoodShare

FoodShare is a Toronto-based organization working towards food justice by collaborating with and taking cues from the most affected by poverty and food insecurity – Black, Indigenous, People of Colour and People with Disabilities. Their goal is to inspire long-term solutions for a food system where everyone has access to affordable, fresh and nutritious food. They reach over 260,000 people each year.

Hogan’s Alley Society 

Based in Vancouver, the society works to preserve and promote the rich Black history of the city.

BLACKSPACEWPG

Black Space Winnipeg creates safe spaces for People of Colour through community events, artist demonstrations and workshops.

The Come Up

A division of the Council for the Advancement for African-Canadians in Alberta, The Come Up is a youth-led organization in Edmonton focusing on community engagement and Black empowerment.

CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals

The CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals is a Toronto based charity that is dedicated to addressing the economic and social barriers that affect Black youth who are not in employment, education or training.

Black Boys Code

Black Boys Code is a national organization providing computer science education and digital literacy through workshops.

3. Buy from Black Businesses

Put your money where your mouth and ethics are and buy from Black businesses! Whatever you’re searching for, it is a fact that there is a Black person who owns a business you can support. Intentionally buying from Black businesses helps undo years of economic segregation and empowers Black creators, makers, tradespeople and more to continue to advance their careers. Afro Biz is a Canadian directory highlighting Black-owned businesses from coast to coast.

Filed under: black-history-month