Mission
Given that Black people in Canada, and by extension Ottawa, face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, BOC aims to provide a safe space for the Black Communities in Ottawa and Gatineau to be able to come together, share resources, educate and empower one another for full participation in all aspects of Canadian society. Black Ottawa Connect is a non-profit organization on a mission to make space for Black people to gather, to heal & to thrive.
Vision
We foster connections to inspire growth and success within the Black community.
Our Story
Black Ottawa Connect began as a Facebook group in 2017 because I really just wanted to connect with other Black people in Ottawa. The Ottawa-Gatineau region boasts the third highest population of Black people in Canada (just behind Toronto, and Montreal). But, finding resources, events, stores, events, etc… to feel really plugged into this community was hard.
The Facebook group has grown *yay* and is now run by a small, but mighty team of volunteers. I speak for all of us when I say that it is work, but it is fulfilling. I love all of the resources that are shared, and seeing all of the connections that are made online and offline! I love this community.
We hope that this space can continue to be of value to all of our members (and our future members). We have intentionally made it closed to Black folks in order to make it a safe environment for all to share.
This website, by contrast, is open to all, and serves to educate, inform and engage with anyone who would like to learn more! It is my hope to connect you to resources relevant to Black Ottawa, while also promoting the beautiful diversity, incredible talent and resilience that exists in this city.
Thank you,
Meron Berhe, Executive Director & Founder
This is our Safe Space
If you identify as a Black person, living in the Ottawa/Gatineau Region, please join our Facebook group. We have intentionally made it closed to Black folks in order to make it a safe environment for all to share and participate.
Non-Black allies can engage with us via Instagram and Twitter, or by sending us a message through the contact form below!
Thank you for respecting this.
Contact us
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