12 Business Mindsets For a Successful 2021

Supporting Diversity and Inclusion in an Uncertain World

June 18, 2020

In the wake of the George Floyd protests, we’re being reminded that racism is very real and close to home. We’ve compiled some resources in support of the sweeping anti-racism movement.

As our communities are beginning to return to everyday life after the COVID-19 pandemics and lockdowns, a new challenge is being brought to the forefront.

In the wake of the George Floyd protests, we’re being reminded that racism is still very real and close to home. To show support, the week before last, many businesses participated in “Blackout Tuesday” as part of a movement for diversity and inclusion.

Social media accounts changed their profile pictures to black and went silent on social media to reflect on the world events and stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. In the week since, businesses and news outlets have been highlighting black-owned businesses and individuals who are making an impact in the world.

Today is Juneteenth*, and in support of this significant we wanted to highlight some of the resources and links that will inspire you to join the movement and learn how you can lend your voice and support to the cause:

*Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

 

Articles & opinion pieces

“Black Women in Canada” by behindthenumbers.ca

It’s often hard to find Canadian-based stats and analysis on topics, but here is a great one looking at the current state for Black women in Canada. If you want to see what the numbers have to say about this topic, this is a great article to read for the stats and easy-to-read analysis of the situation, from a Canadian perspective.

“Why COVID-19 Is Even More Dangerous For Black Women” by Eternity Martis for Refinery29.com

This is a powerful true account of a black woman in Toronto being racialized while buying a prescription at her local pharmacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. She goes on to share examples of Black Americans being unfairly targeted for following social distancing and health guidelines. She rallies for support to end discrimination so she and others like her can get the basic necessities of life without fear.

“5 Black Women Talk About Their Lives In Canada–Past, Present And Future” by Eternity Martis for Chatelaine 

Written before the global pandemic and the George Floyd protests, this piece in Chatelaine profiles 5 Black women in Canada. They talk about the double disadvantage they face being women of colour. It’s a good perspective because it’s unbiased by the events of the past weeks and months.

When Discrimination is About More Than Gender: The Village Bloggurls Tackle Race and Gender-Based Violence, by Village Bloggurls for CanadianWomen.org

This article highlights a program in the Ontario region where girls are given the opportunity to get creative with addressing issues around systematic violence, representation of women in the media, and societal expectations.

20 Millennial Black Women-owned Businesses to Support in 2020 by Gaynete Jones for Black Enterprise: 

This compilation of women-owned businesses is inspiring for any business owner. If you’re looking to support black women in business, check out this list.  

20 Millennial Black Women-owned Businesses to Support in 2020 by Gaynete Jones for Black Enterprise: 

This compilation of women-owned businesses is inspiring for any business owner. If you’re looking to support black women in business, check out this list.  

Organizations to support

Black Lives Matter, Vancouver Chapter : This group supports ending systematic racialized violence in the Black community. They also support issues relating to many marganialized members of society including queer, women, trans, differently abled, and the poor.

Black in BC Community Support Fund for COVID-19 : This Go Fund Me campaign is raising money as part of a micro-grant program to support Black families in BC who do not qualify for government assistance during COVID-19 pandemic and need support. They have surpassed their fundraising goal and are now looking to expand their fundraiser to support even more British Columbians.

Black Youth Helpline : To access live support services as a Black youth in Canada you can contact this helpline via phone or email. You can also donate to the helpline on their website.

Black Women in Motion : This Toronto-based organization provides education, mental health and wellness support, and employment training for Black women. They believe that when “We water and nurture them; they water and nurture the entire community.”

Black Legal Action Centre : This non-profit legal clinic provides free legal services for low or no-income Black residents of Ontario.

Black Business Professional Association : This Ontario-based non-profit supports programs across Canada. They address equity and opportunity for the Black community in business, employment, education, and economic development.

The Loveland Foundation : This organization is committed to showing up for communities of colour in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls.

Organizations to support

Books to read

Vancouver Restaurants to visit

Foodcouver.org is compiling a list of Black-owned restaurants in Vancouver. There are currently over 35 restaurants listed. They are vetting and adding restaurants all the time and have made the list publicly available via a Google Spreadsheet.

While the Black Lives Matter movement isn’t new, we have the opportunity to take action now and support how diverse Vancouver and Canada can actually be. We can’t control everything in our lives, like the pandemic outbreak, but we can control how we treat one another.

When we band together as a human race, regardless of colour, religion, or beliefs, we can be stronger and accomplish more.