Black History Month

This Black History Month, as we reflect on the achievements of Black Canadians in law and beyond, let us also acknowledge the ongoing challenges and barriers that persist. Despite milestones achieved by the Call-to-Actions (CTAs) in Canada and globally by the United Nations throughout the decade  with the United Nations Decade for the People of African Descent (UNDPAD),  the fight for racial justice is far from over.  It is incumbent upon each of us to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable Canadian society.

During the past year, the AJC has fought hard to eliminate the systemic barriers and racism that our Black members face in the workplace.  Through a landmark series of grievances filed by the AJC and our fellow bargaining agents, we confronted the institutionally ingrained Anti-Black racism that employees have faced at the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the very place meant to protect Canadians against racism and discrimination.

The AJC also continues to advocate across all Departments to end the disturbingly high rate at which Black lawyers are being terminated on probation, experiencing barriers to promotion, and encountering racism; discrimination and differential treatment when seeking accommodation measures. 

In collaboration with our allies, the AJC will continue to fight with a view to eliminating racial discrimination in our member’s workplaces by pushing for fundamental systemic change, and by taking active steps to advocate for the elimination of systemic barriers in every workplace our members are present.

This Black History Month, let us amplify the voices of Black colleagues, support initiatives such as the AJC’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee and Sub-Committees, CTAs and UNDPAD and all others that are aimed at addressing racism, and strive to create a legal profession that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.