Diversity and Inclusiveness at the Town of BWG
The death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ignited worldwide protests against the unjust treatment of Black men, women and children. The protests – including peaceful gatherings held in Bradford West Gwillimbury this past June, have spurred a global “call to action” to close the racial divide that has subjected the Black community to centuries of oppression and inequality.
In the summer of 2020, Mayor Rob Keffer began working with members of local Black and People of Colour communities to share their views and experiences. This group has evolved into the Mayor’s Anti-Racism Advisory Panel, which advises the Mayor on the development, implementation and monitoring of Town policies, programs and initiatives that support anti-racism efforts in the municipality and beyond.
On September 1, 2020, Council of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury passed an anti-racism resolution (see below) through which Council committed to take a leadership role in the effort to end discrimination and racism.
The
BWG Diversity and Inclusiveness Action Plan is the first step towards delivering upon that commitment. It sets out a number of actions that will drive us towards a better future for the Black and racialized members of our town. In time, the scope of the plan will be expanded to address the plight of all marginalized communities such that the Town’s diversity will truly be embraced and all will have an equal opportunity to fulfill their dreams. Please have a look at the plan and
share your comments with us.
| WHEREAS, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury strives to be a vibrant and welcoming town, where all people feel welcome, included, secure and safe; WHEREAS, despite federal laws that prohibit unjust treatment, oppression, and racism against those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, council acknowledges that systemic racism exists and persists in every community and institution in Canada, including Bradford West Gwillimbury; WHEREAS, council is committed to anti-racism and acknowledges that it must take a leadership role, along with other community partners and public agencies, in the effort to end discrimination and racism; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury unequivocally states that Black Lives Matter and that the Town is committed to developing a Diversity and Inclusiveness Action Plan beginning with training for council, committee members, and employees for anti-racism, antioppression, diversity and inclusion. In developing the Action Plan, council will engage and consult with the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour communities of BWG and beyond.
|
