Our Commitment to Black History Month and Anti-Racism
Progress is neither easy nor linear, but we will move forward with purpose, flexibility and resilience.
As we embark on a new strategic path, YWCA Metro Vancouver reaffirms its commitment to creating an inclusive, responsive and thriving organization. We aspire for all individuals entering our spaces to feel a profound sense of belonging, where their voices are not just heard but valued, and that they feel they are integral members of our community.
We cannot move forward with intention, without acknowledging our past. As in many other Canadian organizations and institutions, our systems and frameworks were built on racist ideals and has systemically disadvantaged and excluded marginalized groups including Black Canadians. Despite these immense challenges and social oppressions, Black people continue to contribute in profound ways to our country, communities and our organization.
As we celebrate and honour Black History Month, we purposefully move forward to address anti-Black racism and recognize that we can do better to achieve equity for Black people in our community and within our advocacy work. We acknowledge that we must address racism within our organization to be able to equitably meet the needs of the people we serve and create spaces where Black people can authentically contribute and feel they belong.
As we come to the final year in the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, YWCA Metro Vancouver is committed to listening, learning and amplifying Black voices while actively combatting anti-Black racism.
