
Sam Juru’s Call to Defend Equity at the National Black Canadians Summit
“We Will Not Go Back”: Sam Juru’s Powerful Message at the 4th Annual National Black Canadian Summit
The 4th Annual National Black Canadians Summit, hosted by the Michaëlle Jean Foundation in Montreal, gathered 1,500 delegates from across Canada to engage in critical conversations about the present and future of Black communities in the country. The summit served as a platform for discussions on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), systemic challenges, and the role of Black-led organizations in shaping policies that impact their communities.

One of the key moments of the summit occurred on the second day, when a roundtable discussion featured leaders of Canada’s four national Black funding intermediaries. Representing Western Canada, Sam Juru, Executive Director of Africa Centre, delivered a strong and unwavering message about the resilience and agency of Black Canadians in the face of growing challenges to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts.
“We Will Not Be Passive Actors”
During his remarks, Juru reaffirmed the Black community’s collective power, making it clear that Black Canadians must not stand by as hard-won progress in racial equity faces resistance. He emphasized:
“We have agency and will remain resilient, and act like our predecessors have acted in the past when they faced various forms of racism.”
His words struck a chord with the audience, reminding them that the fight for racial justice is not new—it is a struggle that generations before have navigated with strategy, resilience, and determination.
A Resounding Message from National Leadership
Juru’s comments were later reinforced in the closing remarks of the Honorable Greg Fergus, Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, who issued a powerful declaration:
“We will not go back.”
His statement echoed the broader sentiment of the summit—Black Canadians must continue to assert their place, demand accountability, and push forward in the pursuit of justice and equity. Fergus’ presence at the summit was a symbolic and strategic moment, reaffirming that Black leadership at all levels—government, community, and grassroots—must work together to sustain progress.
The Summit as a Catalyst for Action
The National Black Canadians Summit has evolved into a crucial space for knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and community building. Discussions throughout the event tackled key themes such as:
- Economic empowerment and sustainable funding for Black-led initiatives
- The urgency of preserving and advancing EDI policies across Canada
- The role of Black-led organizations in influencing national and local policies
- Strategies for mobilizing communities to address systemic racism
The presence of leaders, policymakers, activists, and community organizers underscored the growing momentum behind Black-led advocacy in Canada. With the four national Black funding intermediaries at the table, the discussion highlighted the importance of financial sustainability for Black-led organizations and the need to remove systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to funding.
Looking Ahead: Collective Strength for the Future
As the summit concluded, the words of Sam Juru and Greg Fergus left a lasting impression—not just on the delegates in attendance but on the broader Black Canadian community watching closely. The message was clear: Black Canadians are not passive observers in their own history. They are architects of their future.
The fight for racial justice is ongoing, but resilience, strategy, and unity will continue to propel Black communities forward. The 4th Annual National Black Canadians Summit was more than a gathering; it was a call to action—a reminder that Black Canadians must remain vigilant, engaged, and unapologetic in their pursuit of equity and justice.
For more information about the summit, visit Black Canadian Summit.