1 of 3, Skip directly to main contentSkip Nav
2 of 3, Skip directly to Access keys at bottom of each page
3 of 3, Skip directly to Search

The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People

The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People

On this page 

About The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People

The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People logo.

In 2020, Toronto Community Housing established a Confronting Anti-Black (CABR) Strategy team to develop a company-wide confronting anti-Black racism strategy. The strategy aims to identify systemic barriers, provide recommendations to address anti-Black racism issues embedded in Toronto Community Housing's (TCHC) policies, programs, and service delivery, and help create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for tenants and staff.  

The report was approved by the Board of Directors on February 26, 2021. The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People ("The Centre") was established to lead the organization in implementing the CABR Strategy. The Centre officially launched on December 2, 2021. 

 

What is anti-Black racism?

Anti-Black racism is defined as the policies and practices rooted in Canadian institutions that reflect and reinforce beliefs, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping and/or discrimination directed at people who identify as Black and are part of the African diaspora. Anti-Black racism continues to be rooted in Canadian institutions, policies and practices to the point where it is normalized or invisible to the general population. 

For our purposes, it is how Blackness impacts your experience as a Black person living in TCHC. As an employer and a social housing provider, Toronto Community Housing must acknowledge and address systemic barriers affecting tenants and staff. 

By taking action, we are working towards becoming a more inclusive employer and social housing provider.

Black Youth Gala 

Toronto Youth Cabinet is hosting its first Black Youth Gala to recognize and celebrate Black youth and Black-serving organizations dedicated to their empowerment by encouraging collaboration and advocacy and creating a safe space for them to network across and build together. 

At the event, Toronto Youth Cabinet will be handing out awards in the following categories:

  • Building Community through Athletics
  • Building Community through the Arts
  • Building Community through Entrepreneurship
  • Building Community through Research, Science and Technology 
  • Community Impact
  • Youth Advocacy
  • Equity and Diversity (two awards)
  • Urban Health Promotion
  • Beyond Call of Duty

Nominate yourself or someone today to receive recognition for the work and impact you or another individual have on youth living in Toronto. Nominations are closed for the Black Youth Gala Awards. 

If you would like to attend the event, you can register for the event by completing the RSVP form.  

TCHC Equity and Diversity Award

One of the Equity and Diversity Awards will be given to a TCHC resident who has demonstrated leadership, issue awareness and a commitment to community engagement or contributes to creating an inclusive space for racialized, marginalized and vulnerable communities with a focus on working with Black communities. 

Who is eligible for the TCHC Equity Diversity Award?
  • A Black-identifying individual who lives in TCHC 
  • A youth aged 13-27
  • An individual who has made a strong contribution to their communities. Particularly in promoting inclusive spaces for racialized, marginalized, and vulnerable communities, focusing on working with Black communities.

How to apply  

Apply by completing and submitting the nomination form online. Follow the submission instructions on the form. 

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 15, 2022. 

Centre Community Funds

The Centre Community funds are resources available to tenants and tenant groups to fund projects and initiatives that respond to the CABR Strategy’s Eight-Point Plan. The deadline to apply is November 26, 2021.

Visit the Centre Community Funds page to learn more, including how to apply. 

Resources


Tenant-Staff Oversight and Advisory Board

Do you want to help build your community? The CABR Strategy team is looking for tenants and staff to join the Tenant-Staff Oversight and Advisory Board. This group will serve as an accountability group to support the Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People and Toronto Community Housing in advancing the CABR strategy. 

Tenant-Staff Oversight and Advisory Board will:
  • Provide oversight and ensure accountability on the delivery of the CABR strategy
  • Liaise with community stakeholders
  • Report to relevant stakeholders on the progress of the strategy

You can download a copy of the poster (PDF) for more information about the Tenant-Staff Oversight and Advisory Board. 

Applications for the Tenant-Staff Oversight and Advisory Board are open. If you have any questions about the Tenant-Staff Oversight and Advisory Board, please email The Centre team at TheCentre@torontohousing.ca.

Get involved

We must all take a role in shaping the CABR strategy and identifying and eliminating systemic barriers at Toronto Community Housing.

The CABR Strategy Team plans to engage with Black tenants through various channels, including WebEx sessions, phone calls, online submissions and other tools that work for tenants.

If you're a Black tenant looking for more information on how you can get involved or if you want to host a session in your community, you can contact The Centre team at TheCentre@torontohousing.ca. 

The Centre news and updates

Board reports and presentations

Contacts

General inquiries

Email: TheCentre@torontohousing.ca 

Tenant inquiries

Staff inquiries

For inquiries not related to The Centre or the CABR strategy, please contact Client Care Centre at help@torontohousing.ca​ or 416-981-5500. 

Related links