Help address anti-Black racism in Vaughan

There’s still time to get involved! Take a survey and join community focus groups throughout April

If you identify as a Black individual living in Vaughan, bring your voice to the table. Your input can help identify and address anti-Black racism by improving City of Vaughan programs, policies, procedures and services. Here’s how you can get involved:

Attend community focus groups throughout April – NEW DATES ADDED!

Members of the city’s diverse Black community are invited to participate in a series of additional focus groups taking place in April with like-minded individuals to identify key issues, challenges and opportunities for change within the City’s programs, policies and procedures. The following three new sessions are being hosted:

• Wednesday, April 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: General session – perspectives of the Black community. This focus group will take place virtually. Register to join at vaughan.ca/AntiBlackRacism. If accommodations are required, please indicate at the time of registration.
• Thursday, April 20 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Black youth (ages 16 to 24). Drop in at Dufferin Clark Community Centre (1441 Clark Ave. W.) to attend. 
• Tuesday, April 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Black older adults. Drop in at Dufferin Clark Community Centre (1441 Clark Ave. W.) to attend. 

Take an online survey – DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Black community members are encouraged to share their lived experiences facing anti-Black racism in Vaughan, as well as their experiences with City services, programs, events and communications through an online survey. The purpose of the survey is to understand:

• barriers or challenges the Black community faces and what processes, if any, should be reviewed or introduced by the City.
• what gaps in services and programming exist, if any.
• what opportunities are within reach.
• what aspirations, ideas or recommendations the Black community envisions that will further the mission of addressing anti-Black racism, and fostering greater inclusion and belonging in the City.

The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete and is available at vaughan.ca/AntiBlackRacism until Sunday, April 30.

Through the Addressing Anti-Black Racism Community Engagement and Action Plan project, the City is collaborating with Black individuals, organizations serving the diverse Black communities living in the city and community leaders to identify and address barriers preventing the full and meaningful participation of the Black community when it comes to services, programs, events and city life.

All feedback collected will be used to help inform a multi-year action plan to address and work to eliminate anti-Black racism in the City, including improving municipal policies, community programs, City services and more. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/AntiBlackRacism.

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