TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, the BlackNorth Initiative recognized a significant donation of $1,000,000 from The Schulich Foundation – the philanthropic vehicle for Seymour Schulich, a leading Canadian businessman and philanthropist.
“I would like to publicly thank Seymour Schulich for his generosity and his pledge of $1,000,000 to support the BlackNorth Initiative, and the building of a cultural centre for Black Canadians to ensure Black history is accurately recorded and disseminated,” said Wes Hall, Founder and Chairman of the BlackNorth Initiative. “The cultural centre is an important component of our vision to dismantle the anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadians.”
The BlackNorth Initiative will support the development of programs and initiatives focussing on the challenges facing Black people when it comes to health care, education, the justice system, community safety, at-risk youth, economic empowerment, and other areas. The cultural centre will raise awareness about the challenges Black Canadians face, preserve and spotlight Black history in Canada, promote Black arts and culture, and be a gathering place for people of all backgrounds working together to combat anti-Black systemic racism.
We encourage both corporations and individuals to follow the generous example set by The Schulich Foundation and donate to the BlackNorth Initiative.
“I’m pleased to support this important initiative,” said Mr. Schulich. “We are confident the BlackNorth Initiative will improve the lives of Black Canadians, effect positive change, and continue to build a stronger, unified, more prosperous Canada.”
About the BlackNorth Initiative:
The BlackNorth Initiative was created by The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism to combat anti-Black systemic racism in Corporate Canada. The initiative challenges senior Canadian business leaders to commit their companies to specific actions and targets designed to end anti-Black systemic racism and create opportunities for all of those in the underrepresented BIPOC community. For more information, visit www.blacknorth.ca.
