Africa Centre’s Town Hall Meeting with Black Leaders: A Call for Unity and Progress
Earlier today, 37 African and Caribbean country organizations convened for the Africa Centre’s Town Hall Meeting with Black Leaders, an impactful event aimed at fostering dialogue, collaboration, and collective empowerment. The gathering included representatives from the Jamaican, Senegalese, Ghanaian, and Cameroonian associations, alongside other influential leaders and community stakeholders. Distinguished attendees included Councillor Karen Principe, MLAs Sharif Haji and David Shepherd, Prof. Tope Oriola, Mr. Nnani Okwuji, and many others who contributed to the dynamic discussions.
Purpose of the Town Hall
The town hall served as a platform to address key issues affecting African and Caribbean communities in Edmonton. A strong emphasis was placed on recognizing the collective strengths and competitive advantages of these communities, leveraging them to achieve shared goals. The discussions highlighted the importance of turning aspirations into tangible outcomes through strategic planning and unified action.
Key Themes and Discussions
The event struck a progressive and optimistic tone, with a focus on fostering collaboration and actionable progress. The Africa Centre reiterated its commitment to community support, including initiatives to explore internship opportunities for youth empowerment.
Panel Discussion
A panel discussion, chaired by Executive Director Sam Juru, featured Councillor Karen Principe and MLAs Sharif Haji and David Shepherd. The panelists offered valuable insights and practical solutions to advance the community’s growth:
MLA David Shepherd emphasized the importance of intergenerational learning, encouraging the community to draw from the wisdom and experience of older generations. He advocated for increasing volunteerism within the community as a critical tool for collective progress. Shepherd also highlighted the need to address unique challenges faced by Edmontonians, fostering a spirit of mutual support rather than competition.
MLA Sharif Haji underscored the nuances of cultural identity within African communities, stressing the importance of incorporating these complexities into anti-racism efforts. He called for robust data collection to guide funding decisions and ensure policies accurately reflect the needs and realities of the community.
Councillor Karen Principe highlighted the value of collaboration between communities and local government, emphasizing the importance of partnership in driving meaningful change.
Call for Land Title Transfer
A notable highlight of the event was the unanimous signing of a petition by the country associations. The petition urged the City of Edmonton to transfer the land title of the African Multicultural Association to the Black community of Edmonton through the Africa Centre. This action marked a significant step toward empowering the community with resources to facilitate progress.
Takeaways and Action Steps
The town hall concluded with a powerful call to action: for African and Caribbean communities in Edmonton to unite, support one another, and work collaboratively toward shared aspirations. The event reinforced the belief that transformative change is driven by collaboration, mentorship, and a shared commitment to success.
By the end of the event, the sentiment was clear: a united, empowered community can create lasting impact within Edmonton and beyond.
