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– FAISAL HASSAN (MPP, York South-Weston) (Community Opportunities and Mobilization)
– MR. MOSES MAWA (Group Chairman & President) AfroGlobal Television

Black History Month is a special time to bring focus and attention to the experiences, achievements and contributions of people of African descent in Canada. This year African Canadian Social Development Council (ACSDC)celebrated Black History Month with the theme: “Breaking Barriers-Contribution of Continental Africans”. The event, which was celebrated in person and on Zoom across Canada, was held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 5145 Steeles Avenue, Toronto.

The Vice President, Community Opportunities and Mobilization, United Way Greater Toronto, Nation Cheong, made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Annual General Meeting of the African Canadian Social Development Council (ACSDC) held on November 13 at the Mozia Women’s Network Society Hall in Toronto.

“Data is ruling the world. We have to build the evidence, gather the facts and data that put the numbers behind the story as we present our case to be heard”, Mr. Cheong said.

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Life seems to be returning to normal in Ontario as few COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. Social activities that were dormant are coming back to life. The economy is on a rebound, and all small businesses are finally allowed to open their doors. It must be remembered, however, that many of the businesses in the African com­ munity are struggling immensely.

It is a well-known fact that most businesses, organizations, and agencies in the African community were not receiving adequate, equitable support from all levels of government prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must consider that the pandemic-recovery plan for the African-Canadian community needs to be unique.

Let me share my fear with you. In a couple of years, the pandemic will have died down, and the world’s attention will shift to new challenges. However, social and economic disparities will likely affect and suppress the African-Canadian community even more than before in the aftermath of the pandemic. What do we do then?.

The African-Canadian Social Development Council (ACSDC) is a not-for-profit organization based in Toronto. ACSDC is the umbrella organization for all African-Canadian community agencies and African-Canadian cultural organizations that provide services to the African-Community in Ontario.

ACSDC was registered in 2002 with a current membership of eighty-seven(87) organizations.