Support for the motion to implement International Decade for People of African Descent.
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Who to send your letter to: mayor@victoria.ca, malto@victoria.ca, sdubow@victoria.ca, bisitt@victoria.ca, jloveday@victoria.ca, spotts@victoria.ca, cthornton-joe@victoria.ca, gyoung@victoria.ca
Dear Mayor and Council,
I am writing as a resident of Victoria to support the motion going to Victoria City Council on Thursday July 16 to pass the motion for the International Decade for People of African Descent brought by Councillor Sharmakre Dubow and Mayor Lisa Helps.
The Decade, which was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly, is a clear call to action to further the rights and aspirations of people of African descent around the world. As is apparent from recent events, anti-black racism continues to be a pervasive reality in our society and world; Anti-black racism and its associated discriminations plagues our institutions and societies, causing devastating generational harm and trauma. The UN Working Group on People of African Descent carefully and thoughtfully documented the situation in Canada; their report can be found here.
All residents deserve to have access to opportunities and wellbeing.
The United Nations officially proclaimed 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent under the theme “People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice and Development.
The City of Victoria should acknowledge that systemic racism against Black, Indigenous and people of colour exists in Victoria.
Council unequivocally condemns racism in all of its forms and commits to promote fundamental human rights and enhance quality of life of all those at risk of experiencing discrimination.
Council acknowledges that the Corporation’s workforce is not reflective of the population it services and that it will continue to work to ensure a reflective workforce.
Council affirms the commitment to help eradicate oppression against Black, Indigenous and people of colour.
Raise awareness in the general public about the heritage and culture of people of African descent and around the International Decade of People of African Descent’s broader goals and actions in Victoria.
Deliver anti-racism including anti-black racism training to prevent systematic racism in city policy, bylaws, programs and services.
Both acknowledge the rights of people of African descent and to create a plan to address anti-Black racism. The motion includes the intention to create a capacity-building grant program for organizations and businesses led by Black community members, to create an advisory committee, and to track hiring metrics for employees of the City of Victoria to ensure our municipal workforce reflects the diversity of our community.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your address (if you live, work or own a business, attend school or have children attending school in the City of Victoria)