Victoria city councillor Sharmarke Dubow and Mayor Lisa Helps plan to table a motion Thursday recognizing the International Decade for People of African Descent, which was proclaimed by the United Nations general assembly in 2014.
The motion calls for the city to develop a plan to address anti-Black racism, including implementing anti-racism training to prevent racism in city policy, bylaws, programs and services.
The motion would pave the way for a grant program for Black-led organizations, Black business owners and institutions supporting people of African descent. Measures would also be taken to track hiring metrics for city employees to ensure the municipal workforce reflects community diversity, Dubow said.
Dubow said the motion demonstrates the city’s leadership in addressing systemic racism and creating a more inclusive city.
