Standing Together Against Anti-Black Racism
Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) stands in solidarity with Black communities in Durham Region, across Canada and around the world. We recognize that anti-Black racism is both historical and ongoing, and that meaningful change requires sustained action, accountability and collective responsibility.
Our Commitment to Social Change
CDCD reaffirms our commitment to stand together against racism in all its forms and to help advance communities where Black people can live, work, learn, participate and thrive with dignity, safety and equity.
We recognize that the tragic losses of Black lives in Canada, the United States and around the world have drawn attention to realities that Black communities have experienced for generations. These experiences reflect not only individual acts of prejudice, but also the effects of systemic racism embedded within institutions, structures, policies and social norms.
We honour the voices, leadership, resilience and contributions of Black communities and recognize that anti-Black racism must be addressed through more than statements of solidarity.
Understanding Anti-Black Racism
Anti-Black racism refers to prejudice, discrimination, stereotypes, attitudes and systemic practices that specifically disadvantage people of African descent.
It can be visible in individual behaviours and interactions, but it can also be embedded in institutional practices, policies and decision-making processes that create unequal opportunities, experiences and outcomes.
Systemic racism can influence how people experience education, employment, housing, health care, social services, justice systems, public institutions and participation in community life.
Addressing anti-Black racism therefore requires us to consider not only individual attitudes and behaviours, but also the structures and systems that may reproduce inequity.
A Local Issue and a Global Responsibility
Racism is not an issue that exists only somewhere else. Anti-Black racism affects people and communities locally as well as nationally and globally.
In Durham Region, our responsibility includes listening to Black residents, families, community leaders, organizations and service users, understanding barriers they experience and supporting approaches that strengthen inclusion, belonging and equitable participation.
Our Responsibility
As a community-serving organization, CDCD recognizes that addressing racism must be connected to how we design services, engage communities, build partnerships, make decisions and create workplace culture.
What We Can Do
Meaningful change begins with reflection, learning and action. As individuals, organizations and communities, we can each contribute to challenging racial prejudice, discrimination and intolerance.
- Recognize that anti-Black racism is a local issue as well as a global one.
- Reflect on the ways our thoughts, words, actions and inactions may contribute to or challenge racism.
- Engage in honest and sometimes difficult conversations about racial inequity.
- Learn about Black Canadian history, experiences and contributions.
- Listen to and make space for Black voices and lived experiences.
- Support Black-led organizations, businesses and community initiatives.
- Challenge stereotypes, discrimination and racist behaviour when we encounter them.
- Advocate for policies and practices that promote equitable opportunities and outcomes.
- Be active champions for human rights, dignity and inclusion.
Our Organizational Commitments
CDCD recognizes that inclusion must be reflected throughout our work. Our commitment includes continued attention to the following areas:
Inclusive Services
We will work to ensure our programs and services are respectful, equitable and responsive to the diverse needs and experiences of Black individuals and families.
Listening to Community
We will seek opportunities to listen to Black residents, community leaders, organizations and service users and to consider their experiences in our planning and decision-making.
Equitable Workplace Practices
We will continue to promote employment practices and a workplace culture that support dignity, fairness, inclusion and freedom from discrimination and harassment.
Learning & Reflection
We will encourage continued learning about anti-Black racism, systemic inequity, unconscious bias, Black Canadian history and culturally responsive practice.
Community Partnerships
We will continue to value partnerships and collaborations that strengthen Black communities and contribute to greater inclusion and belonging across Durham Region.
Accountability
We recognize that anti-racism requires continued examination of our own practices and a willingness to address barriers and inequities within our sphere of responsibility.
Celebrating Black Leadership and Community
CDCD has a longstanding history of community engagement and collaboration across Durham Region.
Through the Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Ajax and collaborations with community organizations, including the Congress of Black Women, CDCD has supported initiatives that recognize Black History Month, promote learning and celebrate Black leadership and contributions.
We recognize the importance of celebrating Black excellence not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year by elevating Black voices, strengthening community partnerships and supporting opportunities for participation and leadership.
From Solidarity to Systemic Change
Statements of solidarity are important, but they are not enough. Lasting change requires organizations and communities to examine systems, policies, practices and behaviours that may contribute to racial inequity.
CDCD is committed to continually strengthening our approach to equity and inclusion and to considering how our programs, partnerships, employment practices and organizational decisions can contribute to more equitable outcomes.
This work requires consistency, courage, humility and a willingness to learn and change.
Our Collective Responsibility
CDCD has worked for decades to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham Region.
As agents of community change, we look to our colleagues, clients, service users, volunteers, partners, community leaders and policy-makers to listen, engage authentically and use our collective voices to advance dignity, fairness and inclusion.
Together, we can contribute to communities where people feel safe, respected, valued and able to participate fully.
Related Commitments
Our commitment to addressing anti-Black racism forms part of CDCD's broader responsibility to challenge discrimination and support equity, human rights, inclusion and reconciliation.
Read our Anti-Indigenous Racism & Reconciliation CommitmentStanding Together
CDCD stands in solidarity with Black residents, families, communities and allies in Durham Region and beyond.
We recognize the leadership of Black activists, community builders, organizations and allies whose work continues to challenge racism, advance equity and create opportunities for meaningful social change.
Our commitment is to continue listening, learning and acting so that inclusion and equity remain central to the way we serve, lead and engage with our community.
Black Lives Matter.