BLACK Community Action Network of PEEL

03/02/2022

BCAN celebrates the work of Sophia Brown Ramsay, our previous Executive Director and now serving BCAN as a consulting partner. Sophia works to advance an equity agenda to address gaps in services for marginalized people, by building connections between ethnocultural communities, non-profit agencies, governments, and other stakeholders.

She has been at the forefront of community-led efforts to promote equity for African Canadians and other racialized groups. This has included leading the launch of a transformative, multi-sectoral system change initiative in Peel region to address racial disproportionalities in the child welfare system, and serving as Chair of the Ontario Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee (REAC), which advises the Ontario Deputy Commissioner and the Commissioner of Correctional Services of Canada on issues affecting ethnocultural offenders.

She has been recognized for her community work with the Role Model Black Canadian Award (2014), the JunCtian Excellence in Diversity and Community Impact Award (2014), the Legacy Award, Vision and Leadership in Community (2015), the J.S. Woodworth Award for Human Rights and Equity (2017) and the Fierce & Fabulous Community In Action Award (2019). Sophia is an award-winning public speaker, and she is the consulting principle of SBR Inspires where she engages in facilitation, workshops and public talks that remind women, youth and families of the power of their voice, and the uniqueness that they bring to the world. Sophia began her career in the criminal justice system working with young offenders and women.

02/26/2022

BCAN honours the incredible Juliet; Juliet Jackson has been a committed and fierce support of the work of our organization, and for that, BCAN salutes her. BCAN is grateful for Juliet’s example of inspiration, tenacity, grit and commitment to mentor young women to move into their destiny. Her partnership with BCAN has only made the organization stronger and more resilient, and for that, we are truly grateful.

02/23/2022

BCAN salutes Chima Nsitem for being a strategic driver in promoting systems/structural change that will improve the lives of Black children and their families within the Peel community. Chima has developed and is currently leading several culturally specific wraparound services for children, youth and families. In addition, he has worked closely with BCAN, FFAF, ROOTS and our Community to develop the AKOMA Wraparound Service Model. He is currently working with our partners to co-develop a Peel-specific Aunties & Uncles Initiative.

As Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Service, Chima develops and leads the integration of diversity and inclusion practices across all service levels at Peel CAS. He sets out service delivery strategies and strives to ensure operational excellence, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a positive client experience. He holds key positions on community and regional committees such as the United Way Black Community Advisory Council, Child Welfare Equity of Practice Leads, Peel Police Human Rights Advisory Committee, the anti-Black racism and Systemic Discrimination Table, and the United Way of Greater Toronto Black Community Advisory Committee. BCAN thanks him for his continued support.

02/22/2022

BCAN honours the determined Travonne Edwards for constantly keeping his eye on the ball. This University of Toronto Ph.D. student is a force to be reckoned with. Travonne has served as a member of the BCAN research team, working closely with Dr. Julian Hasford and Dr. Camisha Sibblis. He has brought his expertise, drive, and commitment to our community as he helps us carry out our mission to promote equity-focused systems change and community empowerment through advocacy, community mobilization, community education, and research. Thank you, Travonne, for all that you do; you remind us that we are indeed stronger together.

02/22/2022

Community opportunity - Get involved in meaningful change at Peel Regional Police

“Do you want to get involved in a meaningful change to the community by joining the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (ARAC)? Applications open Feb. 22nd to March 5th at https://t.co/DmCEyW7KXo. Join our virtual info. session on Feb. 24th. Email [email protected] for your invite.”

02/03/2022

Today we honour the work of Michaëlle Jean and Dudley Laws for Black History 365, whose work is propelled by important Black leaders throughout Canadian history. Michaëlle Jean is the first Haitian Canadian and Black Governor General of Canada. Dudley Laws was a Canadian civil rights activist and executive director of the Black Action Defence Committee. their legacy in forging paths for activists and leaders in Canada today💪🏿

02/01/2022

February is Black History Month 🙌🏾 Join BCAN all month-long in celebrating Black history, local and global Black leaders, and our incredible Black community. Black history is

01/25/2022

Today we remember , , and through their powerful words and action. Let us be inspired by their courageous acts and work together to advocate for our community. We are better !