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Learn about the impactful work these charities are leading to promote Black solidarity and support communities in need across Canada. Gain insight into their missions, challenges, and how you can get involved to make a difference.
Disclaimer: Some charity responses have been edited for length.
Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black communities in Canada and Black-led charities diligently advocating in the face of racism, systemic inequities, and limited resources. By highlighting the important work of these charities here, we hope to honour their dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
In solidarity with Black communities, Unite for Change created the Black Solidarity Fund to support an array of organizations fighting to end systemic racism and enhance the well-being of Black Canadians. We spoke to a few of the charities included in the fund who are making a difference in Black communities across Canada. The stories they share below help us understand their programs, the challenges they confront, and how our donations empower them to make a real difference. They help us realize why Black History Month is important.
The Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum’s (SACHM) mission is to celebrate and preserve the history, heritage, and contributions of people of African ancestry in their province.
They created the Virtual Museum, an online resource that commemorates notable Saskatchewanians of African descent from the 1800s to present day. You can learn about NBA player Kai Williams, history’s Dr. Alfred Schmitz Shadd, and other extraordinary people, cultural highlights, and cool bits of Saskatchewan history.
SACHM’s Honouring Tree is a public art sculpture you can visit in Regina’s lush Wascana Centre Park. The sculpture is a powerful symbol of life, heritage, the Black solidarity movement, and the diverse Black population that’s thrived in Saskatchewan for hundreds of years.
They also created a children’s book called, Li’l Shadd: A Story of Ujima. It’s an inspiring story used in classrooms that teaches children about compassion, social responsibility, and the diverse Black heritage that’s helped shape Saskatchewan.
People can also attend a range of SACHM community events, including the African-Canadian Black History Month Launch and Wrap-Up. They focus on offering uplifting activities that explore and honour the legacies of African Canadians.
-Carol LaFayette-Boyd, Volunteer Executive Director, Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum
Youth Now On Track (YNOT) is a Toronto-based charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, youth, and families. Their supportive programs help alleviate some of the challenges youth tend to face with factors like financial insecurity, single-parent families, street violence, and immigration.
Among their initiatives is the Youth Leadership and Empowerment Program, which helps develop young people’s social and leadership skills and pursue their future goals. In addition, they assist kids with building meaningful relationships and navigating life’s challenges via their one-on-one mentorship program. It connects youth with compassionate professionals who guide and encourage them through whatever challenges they may be facing.
YNOT also has a Restorative Justice Program that provides free legal support and advice to families with children who are facing legal difficulties.
They also aim to address the distinct mental health challenges faced by Black youth through a Mental Health Program. Working with mental health professionals, they deliver targeted care, therapy, and advocacy.
– Saciida Hilowle, Program Supervisor, Youth Now On Track (YNOT)
Promoting Education and Community Health (PEACH) is a long-standing grassroots organization deeply rooted in Toronto’s vibrant Black community. For more than 35 years, they’ve been a steadfast ally for youth and families.
One of PEACH’s flagship initiatives is its Learning Beyond Adversity Program for students facing expulsion or suspension from the Toronto School District. It offers a nurturing alternative learning environment under the guidance of qualified Ontario teachers.
In addition, their Wraparound Program for Youth in Crisis is a lifeline for those navigating difficulties and hardships. Through personalized interventions and a holistic approach, they provide hands-on support to help kids address various life challenges. PEACH’s programs aim to empower youth, guide them towards stability, and foster resilience in the face of adversity.
Another PEACH program is a co-working space for Black entrepreneurs, which gives people a professional environment, networking opportunities, and overall support for job-seekers and business creators. The charity’s overall mission is to build a community where every member is supported, empowered, and celebrated.
– Tiffany Ford, Interim Executive Director, Promoting Education and Community Health (PEACH)
PEACH’s primary obstacle is raising the necessary funds needed to sustain and expand its initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges posed by systemic racism.
Those limitations can be attributed to many factors, but the ongoing underfunding underlines the systemic inequities that exist in Canadian philanthropy. Studies demonstrate that Black-led and Black-focused nonprofits face substantial underfunding compared to their white-led peers, showing that systemic racism makes it more difficult for organizations like PEACH to obtain the financial resources required for effective program development and community outreach.
– Tiffany Ford, Interim Executive Director, Promoting Education and Community Health (PEACH)
“Our organization offers impactful mental health programs that contribute to the enhanced well-being of individuals within Black communities. This involves not only improving access to mental health services but also actively working to reduce the associated stigma and bolster coping mechanisms. Historically, our community has been hesitant to address mental health concerns due to prevailing stigmas. However, through targeted awareness campaigns and strategic advertising, we have successfully engaged with the community, reaching clients and positively influencing their participation in our programs.”
– Saciida Hilowle, Program Supervisor, Youth Now On Track (YNOT)
PEACH shared that they’ve witnessed a range of positive and impactful changes and success stories in their community. One inspiring example is their food distribution program, which plays a vital role in alleviating food insecurity among some Black communities in Toronto. By regularly supplying nutritious food to those in need, they help improve health outcomes and reduce life stressors.
Another PEACH achievement is their Weekly Legal Clinic, which gives free legal assistance and resources so people can access the help they need to navigate legal challenges with less confusion and more confidence.
– Tiffany Ford, Interim Executive Director, Promoting Education and Community Health (PEACH)
“Our seniors program attracts more than 60 Black seniors who attend our bi-weekly programming, helping to address seniors’ isolation.”
– Evelyn Myrie, President, ACCA
Beyond cash donations, people can help make a meaningful impact within the YNOT community in other tangible ways. Whether you’re an IT expert, writer, or other professional, you can volunteer your expertise to help support YNOT and other Black-serving organizations.
People can also help raise awareness of YNOT’s efforts by participating in advocacy campaigns and sharing stories, achievements, and challenges on social media. In addition, you can help boost community connections and collaboration by attending networking events hosted by Black-led organizations.
– Saciida Hilowle, Program Supervisor, Youth Now On Track (YNOT)
“Collective funds like the Black Solidarity Fund provide critical financial resources to Black-led organizations, empowering them to address pressing issues within their communities. Financial support enables organizations to build and strengthen their capacity, allowing them to expand their programs, outreach, and impact.”
– Saciida Hilowle, Program Supervisor, Youth Now On Track (YNOT)
“Funding received from the Black Solidarity Fund during COVID made it possible for SACHM to create a user-friendly website. SACHM partners and collaborates with many organizations, both Black- led and others. Funding enables SACHM to have free events, enabling anyone to attend.”
– Carol LaFayette-Boyd, Volunteer Executive Director, SACHM
Black History Month is much more than a time for reflection; it’s a powerful rallying cry that we honour each year. It’s a powerful symbol of the resilience, activism, and accomplishments of Black communities and Black-led organizations that stand firm in the face of racism, systemic inequities, and persistent underfunding. Thank you to the four vital Canadian organizations above who collaborated with us to share their stories.
This Black History Month and throughout the rest of the year, remember that by giving your money, time, and attention to organizations that uplift Black lives and advocate for equal justice, you stand in solidarity with the Black community and help create a more inclusive Canada.
