Launched in February 2010, the Black Community Advisory Council was formed to assist in developing and executing strategies that address key issues affecting Peel’s Black community. The BCAC serves to give voice to the needs and challenges faced by the Black community in Peel and to work towards a healthier more integrated and vibrant community. The Council is comprised of people from different segments of the Black community including African, Caribbean, Canadian, and anyone whose ethnic or ancestral origins are in Africa. Members represent different sectors including business, health, education and the community. In 2006 more than 95,000 Blacks resided in Peel, comprising 8.3% of Peel’s total population and 16.6% of the total visible minority population.
Black Community Advisory Council Activities
In keeping with its mandate, the Council focuses its work on researching and raising awareness of issues and challenges within the Black community, promoting understanding of United Way and raising funds to support United Way’s work.
In 2008 the Council released the report, The Black Community in Peel Region: An Exploratory Study.
The report is the result of a literature review and community forum conducted by the Council. The literature review focused on the experience of Blacks in Canada and the report also lists the socio-economic details of the Black community in Peel. This report also contains the findings of from interviews and focus groups along with a list of 3 recommendations to improve the services for Blacks in Peel. Following the report, the BCAC has held a capacity building workshop for Black community members called ‘Come On People!’, conducted meetings in various areas in the Peel region, and is working closely community agencies to build their capacity to service members of the Black community. In 2011, the BCAC also held the Unity In Diversity gala celebrating the International Year for People of African Descent as declared by the United Nations where awardees were honoured by the BCAC for their contributions in Peel. Also during Black History Month in 2011 and 2012 BCAC also partnered with community agencies to host events that captured the history and contributions of Blacks in Canada.
Black Community Advisory Council Mentoring Program
The Black Community Advisory Council of United Way of Peel Region and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel are excited to announce their new partnership in developing a mentoring program for black youth in our Region. We are currently seeking black volunteers who are interested in being matched. Please click here to download the volunteer application form from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel. Click here to download a flyer about the mentoring program.
Supporting Peel’s Black Community
United Way of Peel Region supports 100 programs and services provided by 56 social service agencies in Peel. Many of these agencies have looked at the specific needs of the Black community and some offer services in various languages spoken by the Black community, including:
- African Community Services
- Big Brothers and Sisters of Peel
- Catholic Cross-Cultrual Services
- Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin
- Malton Neighbourhood Services
- Peel Multicultural Centre
- Rapport Youth and Family Services
- Social Planning Council of Peel
Get involved!
Contact Suelyn Knight at 905-602-3617 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to join or find out more.
