Feb 9, 2025 Story by: Editor
The Black Men’s Political Summit is providing a platform to address challenges within the Black community and strategize ways to increase representation in political spaces. The event features distinguished guest speakers and participants who are collaborating to overcome barriers in Canadian politics.
“We need a seat at the table regardless of who’s in government,” emphasized a speaker at the summit. He highlighted that Operation Black Vote Canada has consistently advocated for Black representation in all decision-making spaces.
This summit follows a research study conducted by Operation Black Vote Canada, titled Black on the Ballot, which examines two decades of Black individuals running for elected office. The study outlines both successes and challenges faced by candidates, shedding light on systemic obstacles that hinder Black political participation.
“Many individuals who run for elected office or try to engage civically in Canada are first- or second-generation Black citizens,” the speaker noted. The study also found that most Black candidates tend to run at the local level, underscoring the need to increase their presence in provincial and federal leadership roles.
“Anytime we’re in a position to give someone on the lower rung a leg up or hand up, that’s where we should be putting our focus,” he added, stressing the importance of mentorship and support. While challenges remain, he encouraged the community to stay forward-looking, investing in young leaders and those working toward better representation.
Acknowledging systemic barriers, the summit also aimed to emphasize the benefits of greater diversity in politics. “When you have more representation on the ballot and within party politics, you get better outcomes. You have more people at the decision-making table making choices that benefit all of us,” the speaker explained.
The event concluded with a call to action for all communities across Canada. “There’s no time like the present for diverse communities to recognize that we are stronger together.” Source: City News
