Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC)

Happy International Day for People of African Descent! Remember to celebrate this weekend. Black joy is so necessary in this world that is constantly trying to keep us down.

Modern day slavery can be found in many different countries and is marked in several ways. Canada is no exception, with Human Trafficking being recognized by the United Nations as a form of modern-day slavery. Human trafficking is of significant concern to BLAC as 67% of reported trafficking takes place in Ontario. Debt bondage or bonded labour is another form of modern-day slavery that has been specifically labelled as being a potential problem here in Canada. Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs), due to their precarious status within Canada and limited pathways to citizenship, are particularly at risk for modern enslavement. TFWs have been a significant topic of conversation recently, as it has been discovered that there has been a massive increase in the number of TFWs in Canada. Currently, TFWs primarily work in agriculture, and food services as low-wage workers. Despite businesses saying they need TFWs, there is no incentive to treat these workers well or pay them livable wages, as their stay in Canada is typically tied to their employment with that business. With all the power in the hands of the companies and less than 10% of audits on the conditions of foreign workers happening unannounced, the business owners hold all the power. When we empower TFWs to get what they need, like proper wages, pathways to citizenship, and decent healthcare, we create a better situation for all Canadians. While the situation for TFWs is not modern slavery, if we do not address the lack of protection for their rights, it can lead to that. Especially when there are people who have come to work in Canada for years, and still don’t have a viable pathway to citizenship it is important that we are not taking advantage of these people. The best way to prevent modern slavery is to ensure that the rights and needs of TFWs are protected and we listen and support them in their fight for justice. 

Le conseil d’administration du Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) est ravi d’annoncer que Demar Kemar Hewitt est le nouveau directeur exécutif et avocat général de la clinique. Sa nomination est entrée en vigueur le 17 juin 2024. Pour plus d’informations: New Executive Director & General Counsel: Demar Kemar Hewitt - Black Legal Action Centre

We are thrilled to share some exciting news! The Board of Directors of the Black Legal Action Centre has appointed Demar Kemar Hewitt as the new Executive Director and General Counsel. Check out our website for more information https://lnkd.in/ezEYWUAR

The Ontario Court of Justice is seeking applications to appoint several Justices of the Peace to fill current vacancies. Applications must be received by 11:59 P.M. EST on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. https://lnkd.in/e3it_HC 

🌈Non profit community groups play a crucial role in supporting and empowering the Black 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They provide safe spaces, advocate for rights, and offer vital resources and services. As we wrap up Pride 2024, here are 3 incredible groups making a difference in Toronto’s Black 2SLGBTQIA+ community: ✅@acrossboundariesmentalhealth: Providing equitable, holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities, including support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Across Boundaries emphasizes culturally competent care to address unique challenges faced by Black LGBTQIA+ people. ✅@blackqueeryouthcollective: A dynamic organization focused on amplifying the voices and experiences of Black 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. They create spaces for artistic expression, community building, and advocacy. ✅ @the519 (Black Queer Youth): A program specifically for Black queer and trans youth, BQY offers a supportive environment, resources, and community building activities within the larger framework of The 519. Tag your favorite community groups below! 🌈 Happy Pride 🌈 #pride #torontopride2024 #BLAC

We are proud to announce the launch of the Canadian Network for Equity and Racial Justice (CNERJ). Our mission is to foster equity and racial justice through strategic conversations and tangible actions. Join us in this vital journey! #CNERJ #Equity #RacialJustice OCASI - Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants | Colour of Poverty - Colour of Change | Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice | Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) | Council of Agencies Serving South Asians | South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO)

On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and pay respect to the Indigenous lands on which we live and work and we honour the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat peoples. The relationship between Indigenous people and the justice system has been largely defined by colonialism, racism, prejudice, discrimination, and fundamental cultural and societal differences. Indigenous people who are in contact with the justice system often face a person, policy, procedure, or behaviour that shows little or no sensitivity to their trauma or experiences (Statistics Canada, 2022).   BLAC stands with the Indigenous people and continues its commitment to honor the roots that ground us.   Click the link in bio to learn more about BLAC’s year-round free legal services for qualifying Afro-Indigenous peoples.   #BLAC #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay

At this morning’s Convocation at OISE U of T, a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) was conferred upon the Honourable Dr. Zanana Akande, a former Minister in the Ontario Government, BLAC’s former Chair of the Board of Directors from 2017 - 2021, one of the founders and Lifetime Member of The Black Legal Action Centre. Dr. Akande has been a lifelong trailblazer, opening doors for others and paving a path forward for herself. Please take her words to heart as you go forward: “Take a stance about issues – not only those that affect you and yours directly but also those that affect the learning, the inclusion, the direction and the rights and paths of others.”

7 in 10 Black Canadians who have experienced discrimination have been discriminated against for more than one reason (Statistics Canada, 2019). These reasons can include gender identity, physical appearance, and sexual orientation. Why does this matter? Intersectional discrimination can impact Black people in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at higher rates. BLAC recognizes discrimination caused by homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. We continue our year round commitment to providing legal support to our community made up of many unique Black intersectional identities. To learn more about our services click the link in bio 🌈 Happy Pride! 🌈 #pride #torontopride2024 #BLAC