George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon has been appointed to chair a group that will advise the Government of Canada on reducing barriers and promoting inclusion for Black Canadians.
Through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI), the Government of Canada provides funding for Black-led and Black-serving organizations, initiatives and community spaces. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould recently announced Dr. Fearon as the Chair of the SBCCI External Reference Group, which will advise the minister on the following:
- promoting the inclusion of Black community organizations
- targeting barriers to the full participation of Black Canadians in Canada
- sharing knowledge and expertise on anti-Black racism issues in Canada
- new and current issues affecting Black Canadians and communities
"I look forward to working with the members of the External Reference Group as we come together to bring positive outcomes to Black communities, to address systemic inequities they face and to continue to build capacity for organizations serving Black communities across Canada," Minister Gould said in a November 15 announcement.
Highlighting priorities for Black Canadians
Dr. Fearon will work with six External Reference Group members to advise Gould on emerging priorities for Black Canadians. The group will also inform the government how it can move forward on Canada's commitments related to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.
“I am excited to work with this incredible group to help bring about positive change for Black Canadians," Dr. Fearon said. "Each member brings a unique and important perspective to the table, and I look forward to working together to develop recommendations and advice that will benefit a wide range of Black communities across the country.”
A legacy of leadership
This appointment builds on Dr. Fearon's deep commitment to developing community, removing barriers and addressing anti-Black racism.
Positive changes continue under his leadership at George Brown, including the signing of the Scarborough Charter, the annual Black Futures Month celebration and the launch of the college's Anti-Racism Strategy and Action Plan. Dr. Fearon's biography can be found at georgebrown.ca/bio/gervan-fearon.
