The City of London is seeking input on the draft Anti-Black Racism Plan, intended to provide recommendations and measurable actions the City will take to reduce barriers to participating in City services and to make London more welcoming, supportive and safe for Black communities.
The draft plan, which was written following extensive community consultation last year, will serve as the roadmap guiding the City in creating and sustaining action-focused, positive and lasting systemic change in London. The plan aims to ensure that race and membership in an equity-denied group do not predict one’s access to opportunities or ability to engage wholeheartedly in our community.
The action plan includes 61 recommendations for the City, including enhanced supports for Black-owned businesses, increased representation of Black individuals in leadership roles, improved access to mental health services, the creation of educational programs on anti-Black racism and the establishment of safe community spaces for Black residents.
“The development of the Anti-Black Racism Action Plan demonstrates the City’s commitment to prioritize issues facing Black Londoners,” says Sanjay Govindaraj, Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression. “Through the plan, we are identifying and supporting initiatives that help London’s Black residents, businesses and community organizations to overcome systemic disadvantages and more fairly share in the City’s success.”
"This plan is a testament to our collective effort to build a more inclusive and equitable London. By addressing the systemic barriers Black communities face, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that everyone in our city has the opportunity to thrive," says Mayor Josh Morgan. "We are committed to turning these recommendations into concrete actions that will foster lasting positive change."
The Anti-Black Racism Plan is a key deliverable identified in the City of London’s 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan’s “Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion” area of focus. Following community consultation, the plan will be presented to City Council for its review and approval.
Anyone wishing to provide feedback on the draft plan can do so on Get Involved London, by emailing ARAO@london.ca, or by phoning 519-661-2489, extension 5162.
About Anti-Black Racism in London
In 2021, census data from Statistics Canada showed that 18,780 people were living in London, Ontario who identified as Black, making the community the third largest visible minority group within the city. Despite the large population in London, many continue to experience forms of Anti-Black racism, including prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination directed at people of African descent.
Anti-Black racism is largely rooted in a unique history of enslavement and entrenched in political, social, and economic spheres and institutions. Anti-Black racism often manifests as unequal access to programs and services, low rate of participation and representation in political and institutional decision-making processes, low social recognition valuation and appreciation of their diversity, low income and poorer health and social outcomes.