BlackNorth Ignites Summit Marks One Year of Combatting Anti-Black Systemic Racism in Corporate Canada

Summit highlights progress made by corporate Canada and additional work needed to combat anti-Black systemic racism

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today the BlackNorth Initiative officially kicks off the BlackNorth Ignites Summit, which celebrates the milestones achieved with their nearly 500 corporate partners since the initial launch one year ago. This Summit shines a light on the work done by pledge signatories in concretely addressing anti-black systemic racism in their workplaces. Participants will also reflect on the further action needed to ensure a more diverse, equitable and inclusive corporate Canada.

Since its inception in May 2020, The BlackNorth Initiative has secured pledge signatures by senior leaders from the top 250 TSX companies, over 100 of the biggest private businesses in Canada, major banks, insurance companies, international companies that have a significant presence in Canada, and the largest asset managers and institutional investors in the nation. They are all invited to the Summit to discuss their progress.

“It is imperative we showcase the accountability and concrete actions of our corporate signatories,” says Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, Executive Director of the BlackNorth Initiative. “This event will highlight the commitments, programs & initiatives undertaken by signatories since they signed the BlackNorth CEO Pledge.”

In Corporate Canada, The BlackNorth Initiative is a vehicle for constructive and meaningful change. Systemic anti-Black racism is not a corporate issue, it is not a government issue it is a societal issue. We need everyone to take an active part in ending it.

Companies that have not signed the pledge can still do so at www.blacknorth.ca/The-Pledge.

SUMMIT DETAILS:

Virtual Event – Registration Link
Date: July 20, 2021
Time: 3:00-5:00pm EST
Link: https://hopin.com/events/bnioursummit

GET INVOLVED

Donate to the BlackNorth Initiative to help support the development of programs and initiatives to remove anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadians. To get involved or to volunteer your time, please contact [e-mail].