In a move signaling a continued, though critiqued, focus on racial equity, the Canadian government has officially marked the International Day for People of African Descent.
The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, issued a statement today reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to the goals of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), which Canada has now extended until 2028.
The statement celebrates the profound and too-often-unsung contributions of people of African descent to Canada’s social, economic, and cultural fabric—a fabric that Black women have tirelessly woven with their innovation, resilience, and leadership in fields from entrepreneurship to the arts.
“For us at HerSide, this day is every day. It’s in the stories we tell and the voices we amplify,” says HerSide’s Editor-in-Chief. “While a government statement is a necessary gesture, we know that true change is measured by the lived experiences of Black women navigating systemic barriers, launching businesses, and raising families in Canada. The extension of this decade is a framework; our community’s action is the engine.”
The Core of the Commitment
The government’s promise hinges on several key areas directly impacting our community:
- Combating Systemic Racism: The statement acknowledges the “systemic barriers and inequalities that people of African descent continue to face,” aligning with the daily realities our readers and storytellers navigate.
- Economic Empowerment: A specific focus on supporting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs is named as a priority for growing the economy—a vital point for the countless Black women entrepreneurs we feature in our Success Stories pillar.
- Full Inclusion: The government commits to “full social and economic inclusion of Black Canadians,” a goal that resonates deeply with our mission to center layered identities and powerful perspectives.
The HerSide Lens: Beyond the Statement
A government statement is a declaration of intent. At HerSide, we will be watching for and reporting on the tangible actions that follow:
- How will funding directly reach Black women-led organizations and entrepreneurs?
- What concrete policies will be dismantled to remove those systemic barriers in hiring, education, and justice?
- How is the government ensuring that the narratives of Black women, particularly those at the intersection of multiple identities (Arab, Muslim, LGBTQ+), are centered in this work?
This day, and this extended commitment, serves as a reminder to keep telling our stories, holding power to account, and celebrating the incredible achievements of people of African descent in Canada—not just today, but every day.
What does true empowerment look like for you? Share your thoughts on what this extended decade of action should prioritize for Black women in Canada. Join the conversation on Instagram [@HerSideMag] using #HerSideMag and #DiasporaStories.