Being Black in Corporate Canada
"Protests against racism and in support of the black community sparked by the death in police custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis over a week ago continue across the United States and around the world. The public outcry inspired Nike to produce a 60-second social media ad about racism, and many other major brands, including Coca-Cola, Disney, Google, McDonald's, Netflix and Target, have also taken a stand on the issue. Some iconic Canadian brands, including Tim Hortons, Loblaws and the big banks, have also create social media posts in support of the black community while ohers, such as Canadian Tire and London Drugs, had not as of publication."
"Black Canadian entrepreneurs watching hope companies' social media messages supporting the black community amount to more than just jumping on the Black Lives Matter bandwagon. 'I want to see what's happening in six months, what's happening next year, what's happening two years from now,' said Chantal Carter, owner of the lingerie brand Love and Nudes of Brampton, Ont. Carter said seeing Floyd's death, captured on video, was traumatic, unbearable and made her wonder if anything will ever change. Still, she and two other black entrepreneurs told CBC News just what companies can do to make a difference and as Carter said, ‘Put their money where their mouth is.’"
CBC News, June 4, 2020: "Black entrepreneurs want Canadian firms to 'put their money where their mouth is' to fight racism"
The Globe and Mail, June 5, 2020: "Where we stand: Four leaders on being a Black person in corporate Canada - and what needs to change"
Narcity, June 2, 2020: "Black Owned Businesses Are All Over Canada & There's A Directory With Over 1500 Of Them," by Colin Leggett
Black Business Associations in Canada
“The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism announces the formation of the Council and launch of the BlackNorth Initiative to increase the representation of Blacks in boardrooms and executive suites across Canada.”
[S]enior leaders from the top 250 TSX companies, over 100 of the biggest private businesses in Canada, major banks, insurance companies, international companies that have a significant presence in Canada, and the largest asset managers and institutional investors in the nation, have been invited to take part in the inaugural BlackNorth Initiative summit to be held virtually on July 20, 2020. At the summit, leaders will be asked to sign a CEO pledge and deliver a statement regarding what their organization will do to combat the issue and to make our society at large free from anti-Black systemic racism.
Businesswire, June 10, 2020: Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism Announces Formation; Launch of BlackNorth Initiative (Those interested in participating in the summit or learning more are encouraged to email [email protected]. )
Canadian Black Chamber of Congress
Canadian Black Owned Businesses
Black Business and Professional Association
