Episode 29 — The BOF’s Craig Wellington on serving the intersection of Canada’s Black communities
7 October 2021
Inside our Communities
Inside our Communities
Get the latest news, information and stories that matter to our Black communities.
VIBEtalks – In Conversation: Craig Wellington, Executive Director – Black Opportunity Fund
7 October 2021
TD Bank Canada makes historic $10 million commitment to the Black Opportunity
16 September 2021
We are happy to share that TD has announced a $10 million commitment to Black Opportunity Fund to help fund and empower Black-led businesses and community organizations in Canada. This significant donation is among the largest contributions in Canada to a Black-focused, Black-led and Black-serving organization. This collaboration will go a long way in supporting our mission to combat the impact of anti-Black racism and systematic discrimination in Canada.
BOF wholeheartedly condemns Islamophobia
30 July 2021
Black Opportunity Fund is horrified by the recent rise in violence against Black Muslim women in Alberta and across Canada and wish to express our wholehearted condemnation of Islamophobia, gender-based violence, and anti-Black racism in all their forms.
New CILAR Grant Program Offers Funding For Canadian Black-Led Businesses
23 July 2021
We are proud to announce a new partnership between Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (CILAR), Pitch Better and BOF, funded by Facebook, that will offer grants of up to $10,000 to help support and empower Black-led businesses in Canada!
The goal of the CILAR partnership Grant Program is to provide capital resources for as many Black-led businesses as possible, and we are thrilled to be a part of the initiative!
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence
Black Canadian Perspectives
15 July 2021
The Black Opportunity Fund is proud to present a comprehensive report on vaccine confidence in the Black Canadian community, which would not have been possible without the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council and Innovation Research Group. Based on our findings, 33% of our community shows vaccine hesitancy, largely due to a lack of trust. Find out where that trust breaks down and how it can be rebuilt.
Sustaining Canada’s Anti-Black racism movement: What’s Next?
30 June 2021
On February 17, the Black Opportunity Fund gathered leaders in the community for an essential panel discussion, titled: Sustaining Canada’s Anti-Black racism movement: What’s Next? Panelists discussed how George Floyd’s murder and the social movement it sparked brought to light many struggles that have been a reality in the Black community for generations. Now, our panelists share, we must make sure this newfound consciousness isn’t wasted, and create a better world for the generations to come. Watch the full video to find out how.
Black Opportunity Fund partners with UBC to empower next generation of Black leaders
29 June 2021
Today we celebrate the 1st anniversary of the Black Opportunity Fund with a new opportunity in education. Through partnership with The University of British Columbia, we’re proud to announce our first scholarship program to help support Black Canadian students begins today.
Black Opportunity Expresses Sympathy for the community of Cowessess First Nation
25 June 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we express our sympathy and stand in solidarity with our Indigenous brothers and sisters of Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan.
BOF Grants Committee Looking For New Members
18 June 2021
The Black Opportunity Fund Grants Committee is a standing committee of the BOF Board of Directors, empowered to develop and administer the granting process for BOF.
The Grants Committee is currently seeking applications from individuals from across all regions of Canada who are interested in serving in the roles below.
The Grants Committee recognizes the diversity of Black Canadians across Canada. Francophones and other applicants from Western Canada, Atlantic Canada, Quebec and the Territories or who represent the LGBTQ2+ community are especially encouraged to apply.
Is Education in Canada Serving the Black Community?
14 June 2021
At the Black Opportunity Fund town hall on education, we asked parents and caregivers of Black children to reflect on how Canada’s education system serves them.
Our community told us what barriers they and their children come up against, and how their educational needs can be prioritized through three paths of affecting change.
School, Community, and Home.
Black Opportunity Fund: Statement regarding Kamloops Residential School
1 June 2021
We are saddened by the discovery of more than 200 Indigenous children in Kamloops, BC and we at the Black Opportunity Fund stand in solidarity with our Indigenous brothers and sisters, today and every day. Read our full statement on these tragedies here
Editorial: “Moving from Hashtags to Action – holding Canadian organizations accountable”
28 May 2021
At the one-year mark since the murder of George Floyd, Canadian organizations must assess their progress against the promises they made to combat systemic anti-Black racism.
An article written by Craig Wellington, Executive Director, Black Opportunity Fund
We have a long road ahead in addressing racism
26 May 2021
Intentionality is crucial to building a more inclusive society. Hear more on this from BOF co-founder, Colin Lynch, in a recent interview on The Close with BNN Bloomberg.
BOF Co-Founder Hazel Claxton joins Telus Board of Directors
10 May 2021
Congratulations to BOF’s co-founder Hazel Claxton!
TELUS reports operational and financial results for first quarter 2021, and announced that Hazel Claxton will be joining the TELUS Board of Directors.
Opinion: Federal budget a good first step for Black communities
5 May 2021
Craig Wellington, Executive Director of BOF, comments on the recent federal budget and measures intended to help Black communities in National Post.
CTV News Interview with Martine St-Victor, co-founder of BOF
28 April 2021
Martine St-Victor, co-founder of the Black Opportunity Fund, was recently interviewed on CTV News by Mutsumi Takahashi about entrepreneurship in black communities.
Together for a better tomorrow
A unified voice for the Federal Government
31 March 2021
Black Opportunity Fund is pleased to join a coalition of Black Community groups who are calling on the Federal Government for more community investments in the 2021 budget. Black communities are in need of more recovery and greater prosperity.
Read the full letter, that was submitted on March 31st,
and
Add your voice, to support Canadian Coalition for Black Communities
Building Solidarity and Collaboration to Support African, Caribbean and Black Women Entrepreneurs During COVID-19
19 March 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified disparities in our socio-economic and political systems that have impacted women entrepreneurs around the world. Black women entrepreneurs are facing an even greater burden—largely due to systemic inequality, discrimination, and lack of access to needed supports.
Charmain Emerson, member of the BOF board of directors, participated in one of the round tables, that were hosted by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), Casa Foundation, de Sedulous Women Leaders, and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) to discuss the state of Black women entrepreneurship in Canada.
This report sheds light on the state of Black women entrepreneurship, summarizes the discussions held during the virtual roundtables, and shares the recommendations derived during the roundtable discussions.
Podcast – Community empowerment through the Black Opportunity Fund
18 March 2021
Black Opportunity Fund co-founder, Ray Williams, sits down with Meres Weche for a podcast interview on his show, Afropolitan Dialogues by AfroToronto.com. Click here to Listen to the podcast interview.
Covid 19 Vaccines: When You Have Questions. Our Community Answers.
14 March 2021
Your concerns about COVID vaccines deserve a judgement-free discussion and expert advice that considers our perspective.
In a national forum on Saturday March 13th that invited our community to engage with Black medical experts, Black Opportunity Fund and the Black North Initiative proudly helped provide answers.
Canada’s economy can’t afford to leave the Black community behind
25 February 2021
OPINION: This country will not be able to “build back better” if we don’t tear down the barriers preventing Black Canadians from contributing to economic prosperity
By Colin Lynch – Published on Feb 25, 2021
Making History for the Future
17 February 2021
Building on the worldwide momentum of the anti-Black racism events of 2020, BOF hosted Sustaining Canada’s Anti-Black Racism Movement which brought together voices from some of Canada’s key Black-led organizations. The event can be streamed here.
Giving back is a priority for accomplished business leader
21 January 2021
We have 51 co-founders of the Black Opportunity Fund. Here’s a spotlight on Colin Lynch, who was recently appointed to the inaugural Board of Directors.
Good Governance
26 November 2020
Black Opportunity Fund is building its board of directors. If you have the qualifications we’re searching for, please let us know. If you know someone who does, let them know too.