Austin Ardinel Chesterfield Clarke was a Canadian novelist, essayist and short story writer who lives in Toronto, Ontario. He has been called "Canada's first multicultural writer". Among his notable books are novels such as The Polished Hoe and memoirs including Membering.

Today we proudly share a quote from social activist, Janaya Khan. Khan is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto and an international ambassador for the Black Lives Matter Network. Much of their work analyzes intersectional topics including queer theory and Black feminism.

Willie O’Ree was the first Black hockey player in the NHL. He debuted with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum on January 18. O'Ree played professional hockey for more than 20 years, including 45 games with the Boston Bruins.

Today we are proud to share a quote about Black History Month from Willie O'Ree. O'Ree was the first Black hockey player in the NHL. He played professional hockey for more than 20 years, including 45 games with the Boston Bruins.

Viola Desmond was a Canadian businesswoman and civil libertarian who built a career as a beautician. The story of her courageous refusal to accept an act of racial discrimination provided inspiration to the Black community in Canada. Viola is now on the Canadian $10 bill.

Winston LaRose became the executive director of the Jane-Finch Concerned Citizens Organization in 1994, which helps residents and newcomers with issues ranging from police brutality to deportation; it also places local youths in internships and job training.

Today we are sharing a quote from Sarah Jama. Sarah Jama is a community organizer from Hamilton, Ontario. She is co-founder of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario. Her lived experiences have fostered a passion for community engagement, disability justice, and activism.

Canadian born, Vinessa Antoine made history in 2018 by becoming the first Black Canadian to lead a dramatic show in Canada. In 2020, she received The Nova Scotia Screen Actors award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead + Featured Female Role for her work on Diggstown

Today we are sharing a quote from Sam Langford. Langford was born in Nova Scotia and moved to the USA as a teenager. He was a highly touted heavyweight boxer, though discriminatory policies prevented him from being allowed to contend for championships. He died in 1956 at 72.

Portia May White was the first Black Canadian concert singer to win international acclaim. She was considered one of the best classical singers of the 20th century. She was named a “person of national historic significance” by the Government of Canada in 1995.

As we transition into a new year, let’s look at ways we can actively work to create a better #WorkLifeBalance and give ourselves the necessary breaks. blacktofutureTO shares 5 ways to achieve a work-life balance. Read here: buff.ly/3kaTv0l

Today we are proud to be sharing a quote from the Honourable Lincoln Alexander. Lincoln Alexander was he first Black member of Canada’s Parliament as well as a politician and lawyer.

Randell Adjei is an Author, Inspirational Speaker, Arts Educator and Community Leader who uses the spoken word to empower and transform through Edutainment. He is the founder of one of Toronto's largest and longest running youth led initiatives, R.I.S.E Edutainment.

BTTF is pleased to offer this learning webinar in partnership with United Way Greater Toronto. This webinar is designed to increase proposal development skills, particularly for people who do not have a background in writing grants. Register now! forms.office.com/Pages/Response…

Grounding Perspectives for B3 Orgs on Grantseeking and Grant Writing By Yonatan Ghebray, NABC's Senior Director, Evaluation, Learning & Quality Improvement imaginecanada.ca/en/360/groundi… Imagine Canada ONN Resource Centre

Today we join many other organizations across Canada to recognize Black Mental Health Week. This week aims to raise awareness of the ongoing impacts that anti-Black racism has on the wellbeing and mental health of Black communities worldwide.

On #IWD2023 and beyond, everyone everywhere can help forge an inclusive world 🌎⁠ #EmbraceEquity at home 🏠️⁠ #EmbraceEquity at school 🏫⁠ #EmbraceEquity in business 💼⁠ #EmbraceEquity in government 📢⁠ #EmbraceEquity in communities 👩‍👧‍👦⁠ #EmbraceEquity in mind & action 💡⁠

On March 9, 2023 (2PM - 4PM) tune in as members of the Toronto Community Crisis Service discusses how this initiative works to support Toronto's response to Black mental health crises. Register: toronto.webex.com/weblink/regist… #BlackMentalHealthWeek #BlackHealthMatters #Toronto #CABRTO

Happy International Women's Day to you all! Honouring Dr. Betty Shabazz, civil rights advocate, pioneering nurse, and health educator. Awesome mom, and OG wife. #bettyshabazz

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.