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Month: January 2024

Beyond the Decade: Moving from Hashtags to Action

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

To sign up, please use the below link or scan the QR code displayed on the flyer

Black Opportunity Fund cordially invites you to Beyond the Decade: Moving from Hashtags to Action, a conversation with Gaynel Curry Independent Expert Member of the UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent

In this engaging conversation, we will examine the achievements of the UN Decade for People of African Descent, discuss the need for a 2nd Decade, and delve into the ongoing efforts required. Our focus will be on the current and emerging opportunities and threats impacting the socio-economic advancement of people of African Descent on the continent and throughout the Diaspora.

The UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, which became operational on 2 August 2021 through UN General Assembly resolution 75/314, serves as a platform for improving the safety and quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent. It also serves as an advisory body to the Human Rights Council.

Ms. Curry, with over 23 years of experience at the United Nations, has made significant contributions to the International Decade for People of African Descent. Her various roles have included Human Rights Advisor in Geneva and Gender and Women’s Rights Advisor in New York, with key portfolios in Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Timor-Leste.

This event is proudly presented by the Black Opportunity Fund, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and The McGill Centre for Human Rights & Legal Pluralism, along with Miller Thomson, Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies – University of Toronto, and Diversity Institute – Ted Rogers School of Management

Date: February 8, 2024

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: MILLER THOMSON LLP, Scotia Plaza, 40 King Street West, Suite 5800

#WeBackBlack #BeyondTheDecade #UNDecadeAfricanDescent #AfricanDiasporaAction #HumanRightsDialogue #AdvancingAfricanDescent

Please be aware that space is limited, and only individuals who have registered in advance will be allowed to attend.

Black Opportunity Fund board member Eleanor McIntosh appointed as new HDSB Superintendent of Education

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

We are pleased to announce that Black Opportunity Fund board member, Eleanor McIntosh, has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Education at the Halton District School Board (HDSB) effective January 29, 2024!

This position is an addition to the senior team, to help the HDSB continue to achieve success in student learning and further the goals of the HDSB Multi-Year Plan.

With her rich experience spanning over two decades, Eleanor has served in various educational leadership roles and has been a dedicated community advocate. She began her career as an elementary math and science teacher and has been a school administrator in the Durham District School Board for 20 years, where she served diverse school communities in five different schools. In addition to working in a variety of settings with a number of specialized programs in Ontario and internationally, Eleanor has served in several key roles. These include Vice-principal, centrally assigned Education Officer, and Secondary School Principal.

Eleanor, who serves as Chair of Black Opportunity Fund’s Education Task Force, has always been an inspirational leader, advocating for inclusive and transformative education. We wish Eleanor success in this newest chapter in her journey, with the Halton District School Board, helping to catalyze student learning and educational excellence.

Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Generations: The Historic Lincoln Alexander Bust Project

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

In Canada’s rich history, the Honourable Lincoln ‘Linc’ MacCauley Alexander stands tall as a pioneer, his legacy now made permanent at Queen’s Park. Today, January 21st, marks not only a tribute but a celebration of the ongoing preservation of his indomitable spirit. Through our commitments to preserve his legacy, we are ensuring that his contributions will continue to inspire future generations to come.

In this historic moment, the Black Opportunity Fund extends heartfelt gratitude to all who bore witness and supported this project. Your commitment has made this living legacy possible, and we are honoured to share in this historic event.

This bust is more than a sculpture, it is a testament to the power of representation and the acknowledgment of diverse voices within the fabric of Canada’s history. Embracing Lincoln Alexander’s legacy, we recognize that his impact transcends history books and still exists in our present day. We celebrate and uplift Linc as he did for Black communities across the country.

As we head towards another exciting month celebrating Black history and Black futures, let us renew our commitment to fostering an environment where diversity flourishes, allowing the dreams of every Canadian, past, present, and future, to soar.

2023 BOF Annual Report

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

The Black Opportunity Fund 2023 Annual Report has been prepared to present and account for our fiscal responsibilities, operating activities, and achievements, to community, stakeholders, and funders for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 2023. The report is available for viewing.

BOF ‘Watch To Give Back’ on Amazon Prime Video Canada

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), is starting the year with an impactful partnership with Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Watch To Give Back’ initiative.

Beginning January 3rd, continuing through Black History Month until February 28th, Amazon Prime Video Canada will donate 100% of proceeds from the rental or purchase of over 20 featured titles to Black Opportunity Fund to help support our mandate of improving socio-economic outcomes for Black Canadians.

The curated titles, highlighting Black talent and Black stories, include: Big George Foreman, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Boomerang, Brother, Coach Carter, Creed, Fences, Judas and the Black Messiah, Just Mercy, King Richard, Love & Basketball, Malcolm X, Moonlight, NOPE, Remember the Titans, Selma, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Stomp The Yard, The Blackening, The Color Purple, The Equalizer, Think Like a Man, and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

This innovative partnership is an amazing opportunity for everyone to be a part of our mission, while showcasing cinema that celebrates the richness of Black stories and talent.

Let’s watch, and give back together! Help make a difference.
For more details about the initiative, visit https://www.primevideo.com/giveback  

#WatchToGiveBack #BlackHistoryMonth #WeBackBlack #AmazonPrimeVideo #Donate