The African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office/ANSAIO is thrilled to announce the launch of the new Anti-Black Racism Grants program in Halifax! This initiative is not only an exciting step forward but also a crucial one in addressing and combating systemic racism. These grants will empower our African Nova Scotian and African descent communities, support meaningful projects, and foster a more inclusive and equitable Halifax. Together, we can make a significant impact and drive positive change.
Background
Anti-Black racism is an everyday structural discrimination that Black people encounter all over the world. Anti-Black racism encompasses prejudice, discriminatory attitudes, negative beliefs, stereotyping and other forms of discrimination, overt or covert, directed at people of African ancestry all around the world. This form of racism is uniquely rooted in the particular history of Black people which is informed by the legacies of enslavement and colonization.
In 2021 Halifax Regional Municipality acknowledged its commitment to addressing anti-Black racism. A significant initiative that will be implemented is the establishment of community grants for activities that align with the municipality’s commitment and support communities in addressing anti-Black racism.
Purpose
To support community-based, community-led projects that increase the capacity of local African Nova Scotian and African descent communities in addressing Anti-Black racism and to empower the community that is impacted by anti-Black racism through monies directed by and for the community.
Program Funding Priorities
Applicants are encouraged to explain/demonstrate how their project will combat or address at least one of the following forms of anti-Black racism identified in the municipality’s Anti-Black Racism Action Plan Update – December 2020, which include:
- racial segregation
- historic omission
- lack of recognition
- systemic expropriation
- negative portrayer in the media and literature
For more information about the program, please review the Anti-Black Racism Grants Program Guidebook.
All applicants should review the Program Guidebook prior to submitting an application.
The application period will begin on September 1st and will remain open until October 31st at 11:59 PM.