Minister Khera makes a funding announcement and reveals this year’s theme for Black History Month

“As we approach Lincoln Alexander Day and the beginning of Black History Month on February 1, I look forward to celebrating the rich contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada not only next month but throughout the year. Our government is dedicated to actively building capacity within Black communities. Today’s investment will support Black-led, Black-focused organizations in British Columbia in amplifying Black voices throughout Black History Month and beyond, fight anti-Black racism, and help increase capacity to better serve Black communities in the province. Together, we forge a more just, empowered and celebrated Canada year-round.”

—The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities

“Historically, in every facet of Canadian society, Black individuals have made remarkable contributions. Recognizing the need for empowerment, our government is proud to announce this substantial investment that will directly allow Black communities to participate and contribute even more. This funding will help local black organizations across British Columbia to support Black communities and share the stories and heritage of Black Canadians. As we approach Black History Month, let us celebrate this chance to discover the significant contributions that Black communities have made in our province and across our country.”

—The Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament (Vancouver Centre)

“Black communities have helped shape Canada into the country that it is by achieving, innovating and creating through the years. With this year’s theme, Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build, we are celebrating the significant contributions of Black Canadians to the fabric of Canada. This Black History Month, we celebrate those that paved the way to where we are today, and those who continue to work towards a Canada that is diverse and inclusive for all.”

—Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament (London West)

“Many racialized youth and communities in Surrey are isolated in many senses, with limited options to build social and economic mobilities, highly constrained access to post-secondary training and education, and few routes to durable, satisfying employment. Solid State is working to tell a different set of stories: we believe that the co-op model is highly capacious; it brings people together to work on a common project, build real-world skills, develop lasting bonds, and earn an income. More than that, however, we are interested in youth working on enterprises where they can forge long-term attachments and develop a lasting sense of belonging and place.”

—Matt Hern, Executive Director, Solid State Community Foundation

• The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) is a consolidation of the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives (CSMARI) Program and the Anti-Racism Action Program (ARAP). The renewed MARP has been streamlined to support communities and organizations more effectively across Canada.

• The MARP has three distinct components: Events, Projects and Organizational Capacity Building. The current Call for Proposals is for the Organizational Capacity Building component of the program. Applications for the Events component of the program are accepted on a continuous basis.

• The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) was established in 2019 to celebrate and share knowledge about the contributions of people of African descent in Canada; build capacity in vibrant Black communities across Canada; reflect Black voices in policies and programs that affect their lives; and remove barriers related to anti-Black racism and other systemic inequities.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Support for Black Communities in British Columbia
• The Government of Canada launches the renewed Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

Associated links

• Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
• Video with tips and tricks on how to submit a complete MARP application
• Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative

For more information (media only), please contact:

Laurent de Casanove
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
laurent.decasanove@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-360-0693

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca