Montreal, QC – Representatives from the Somali Canadian Society of Calgary (SCSC) and the Calgary African Community Collective joined over 1,200 delegates in Montreal for the National Black Canadians Summit (NBCS).

Organized and hosted by the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, under the leadership of the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, the 27th Governor General of Canada, this historic gathering serves as a cornerstone for Black mobilization and advocacy across the country.

Building a Movement for Change

The National Black Canadians Summit is more than just a conference; it is a powerful platform for dialogue and action. This year’s event in Montreal focused on three pivotal pillars aligned with the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development.

Our delegates participated in strategic sessions and workshops designed to:

• Eradicate Systemic Racism: Developing collective frameworks to dismantle barriers in education, healthcare, and the justice system.
• Empower the Youth: Engaging with the Power of Youth initiative, which provides grants and platforms for young Black leaders to lead community-based projects.
• Champion the Arts: Exploring the “4th Wall” initiative, using artistic expression as a vehicle for social change and a way to make the invisible visible.

The Halifax Declaration: A Roadmap to Equity

A major focus of the summit was the continued advancement of the Halifax Declaration. This landmark document—created by Black Canadians for Black Canadians—outlines critical demands for public policy changes, increased investment in Black communities, and the eradication of systemic racial discrimination. By attending, the SCSC and Calgary African Community Collective ensured that the unique voices and challenges of the Calgary community are integrated into this national roadmap.

A Message of Unity

The event featured stirring opening and closing ceremonies with cultural performances and keynote addresses from national leaders. The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean reminded attendees that “there is hope to cultivate, and we must act together to shape a better future.”

“Participating in this summit allows us to bring national best practices back to Calgary,” says an SCSC representative. “By collaborating with the Michaëlle Jean Foundation and other Black-led organizations, we are strengthening our resolve to build a more equitable society for the East African and broader African diaspora in Alberta.”

The Somali Canadian Society of Calgary and the Calgary African Community Collective look forward to implementing the insights gained in Montreal to better serve our local members and advocate for lasting systemic change.