The Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) invites you to attend an important National Townhall to discuss the Steering Committee’s recommendations for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, which are currently under consideration for implementation by the government (report link: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cbjs-scjn/transformative-transformateur/pdf/CS-24-110-CBJS-GV-DA_06-25-24-EN.pdf).

Format: In-person and on-line  

In-person location: Northrop Frye Hall, University of Toronto  (73 Queen’s Park Cres E Building 515, Toronto, ON M5S 2C3)

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM EST

Through presentations by the Co-Authors of A Roadmap for Transformative Change: Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, as well as a panel of issues experts from across the country, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the recommendations, the rationale behind them, the potential government response, and the implications for restorative and reparatory justice.  

The event will feature a presentation by External Steering Committee Members and the Co-Authors of A Roadmap for Transformative Change: Canada’s Black Justice Strategy who will share insights into the Steering Committee’s process, outline the key recommendations, the expected government response, and engage in a Q&A session. 

•  Zilla Jones – Criminal defense lawyer, Writer, and Anti-racism educator   
• Akwasi Owusu-Bempah – Associate Professor at University of Toronto and Director of Research for the Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty 

Followed by insights from a panel of esteemed experts, including:  

• Dr. Myrna Lashley – CM, Associate Professor, Dept. of Medicine, Division of Trans-cultural psychiatry, McGill University and researcher at the Culture and Mental Health Research Unit of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research
• DeRico Symonds – Director of Community Engagement and Justice Initiatives, African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) and President & Founder of Ignite Consulting  
• Dunia Nur – President & CEO, African Canadian Civic Engagement Council  
• Craig Wellington – CEO at Black Opportunity Fund  

We extend our gratitude to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and the University of Toronto’s Criminology and Socio-Legal Departments for their generous sponsorship and support of this critical discussion on the Black Justice Strategy.  

In person registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-opportunity-fund-bof-black-justice-strategy-townhall-tickets-1013156728047?aff=oddtdtcreator

Virtual registration link: https://share.hsforms.com/1BCU9puHxRN28g7uAPISbog4xq13