Black Heritage Month statement from Mayor Vrbanovic February 3, 2025

February is Black Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honouring the legacy of Black Canadians and communities and celebrating their continuing contributions. Black Heritage acknowledges the resilience and bravery of those who came before us while also acknowledging the ongoing barriers to equity and inclusion that are still present within Kitchener. Black heritage is Canadian heritage and should be deeply embedded in every Canadian’s consciousness.

Actively seeking a deeper understanding of Black heritage helps us understand the immense contributions that Black people have made to Canada and the global community. It also helps us to understand the systemic discrimination Black communities have historically faced such as barriers to education, economic opportunities, justice, and even the right to live freely and safely. Anti-Black racism exists in our community to a significant degree and greatly impacts our family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues.

The concerns of Black communities extend well beyond the month of February. It is important to also focus on Black futures. Black futures will offer insight into how best to address persistent inequities and disrupt the ways in which systemic discrimination continues to impact Black communities. One-way residents can do this is by supporting Kitchener’s small business community, including businesses owned by Black residents.

The City of Kitchener is supporting Black entrepreneurs through organizations such as Lift Off, For Us Girls Foundation and Bring on the Sunshine through our SDG Idea Factory and Economic Development programming.

As an organization, the City continues to take steps to support Black, Indigenous and other racialized members of our community. Since 2022, the City’s RISE Fund has awarded almost $400,000 in grants to Black, Indigenous and other racialized community-led programs, projects and events.

Throughout Black Heritage Month, community partners will be organizing events including yesterday’s Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) Legacy & Triumph event on February, 2^nd, and the African Family Revival Organization (AFRO) Event February 15^th at Mill Courtland Community Centre.

At the KW Titan’s game at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on February 8^th, we will join the Caribana Arts Group to hear more about the second year of Caribana Ignites. Come out to the game to hear the exciting news!

As part of the City’s contribution to anti-racism and creating an inclusive, equitable and prosperous society, we celebrate Black heritage and envision Black futures and amplify and uplift Black heritage, stories, and voices. Please join me, and all of Kitchener City Council, in honouring, celebrating, and engaging with the perseverance, strength and rich heritage of African, Caribbean and Black members of our community.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, on behalf of Kitchener Council