Pickering council has unanimously endorsed the Terms of Reference for the establishment of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce (PABRT), which will report directly to Pickering Council. The council meeting took place on August 24.
As residents, volunteers, and recognized leaders of the local Black community, Celia Cooper, Michelle Francis, Esther Forde, and Nikosa Holland, will lead the recruitment and community consultation along with six additional residents, stakeholders, and experts, said a city announcement.
Once finalized, the mandate of this independent, community-led task force is to:
- Identify barriers and areas of opportunity, in order to enhance the shared experience and opportunities afforded to Black residents
- Identify and coordinate opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement
- Provide expert input and action on matters relating to the provision of anti-Black racism initiatives within the community
- Celebrate and promote the Black community, and promote Black culture
The establishment of the PABRT is part of a three-pronged approach, which council endorsed to address racism, diversity, and inclusion within Pickering.
“The Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce will report directly to Pickering Council and make recommendations on combating anti-Black racism as it relates to municipal government and influence. This independent and community-driven initiative will force us to have difficult, but meaningful discussions on the Black experience. While change won’t happen overnight, we are pleased to engage our Black community in taking this major step forward in addressing this long-standing injustice,” said Mayor Dave Ryan.
“The unanimous vote at Pickering Council is only the very beginning of the work that needs to be done. Now that we have this vote of confidence, we need to ensure that all voices are heard so that we can work together towards ending anti-Black racism in Pickering. There is still a lot of outreach, and information gathering/sharing still ahead to make the PABRT meaningful. Working directly with the PABRT will help Council move decisively on the areas of concern that the Black community deems most pressing,” added Celia Cooper of Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce.
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