Newmarket continues to take action towards dismantling Anti-Black Racism in the community

This summer, the Town of Newmarket is working with EMPOWER Strategy Group to create a multi-year action plan stemming from the report by the Town’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force (Task Force). The community-led Task Force was headed by Jerisha Grant-Hall, the Chair of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA).

The Town recognizes and thanks the members of the volunteer task force for dedicating countless hours to research, critical conversations and significant community engagement that culminated in the over 100 recommendations presented to Council. Through EMPOWER Strategy Group, the Town is re-engaging the Black community to have a voice in the Action Plan that will guide the Town in dismantling Anti-Black Racism.

“As a Town, we must commit to acting against Anti-Black Racism to ensure that all people in our community feel welcome and safe,” says Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. “Newmarket should strive to be one of the most inclusive communities in Canada, but that will not happen without hard work and action – this work is an important step on that journey.”

To assist the Town in taking positive steps towards creating a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community, the consulting team will be working closely with the Black community, Town staff and various stakeholders to ensure all voices are heard.

"I am pleased to collaborate with the Black community and the Town of Newmarket in developing a comprehensive action plan to dismantle Anti-Black Racism in the town,” says Evelyn Myrie, CEO and Founder, EMPOWER Strategy Group. “My team is working with the Town's departments, partner agencies and institutions and Black residents of Newmarket to draft the plan. The multi-year plan will seek to make Newmarket a place where people feel they belong."

On behalf of the Town, EMPOWER Strategy Group will facilitate a virtual Town Hall on August 4 (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) and an in-person Town Hall meeting on August 8 (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) at the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) Community Centre (449 Eagle St.). Residents in the Black community are encouraged to join the Town Hall events to provide their input into the proposed Action Plan. For those interested in participating, please go to heynewmarket.ca/dabr for complete details and to RSVP.

The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force was created in 2020 to support the Town’s existing work in this area, amplify voices from the Black community, make recommendations on racial equity opportunities in Newmarket and address issues and activities that impact the Black community. In December 2021, the Task Force presented a report to Newmarket Council, including over 100 recommendations.

The Action Plan is expected to be presented to Newmarket Council in September and will include suggested approaches to close identified gaps, barriers, and threats to equity, diversity and inclusion so the Town can work towards dismantling Anti-Black Racism.

For further information and ways to get involved, please visit heynewmarket.ca/dabr or contact empowerstrategygroup2@gmail.com.