Province announces advisory council on inclusion for Black Albertans

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

“Alberta’s Black Advisory Council will provide important insight and advice into how government can better support Black Albertans,” adds Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism. “This new council will be advising on how to increase opportunities for Albertans in these communities to prosper as vital contributors to the growth of the province’s culture and economy.”

big upgrades

Work resumes on Hwy 53 improvements in Ponoka

10h ago

"I don't think anyone's happy right now"

Central Alberta mayors sound off on fiery electoral boundaries debate

13h ago

April investigation

Two Red Deer men arrested after investigation into stolen truck and e-bike

13h ago

Led by two co-chairs, Nketti Johnston-Taylor and Yusuf Mohammed, officials say the 11-member council will guide the Alberta government in efforts to build stronger relationships with diverse communities represented in the province. In addition, by creating cross-cultural awareness, understanding and appreciation, the government feels all Albertans will be better able to build new and stronger relationships.

“The birth of Alberta’s Black Advisory Council is timely and underscores the importance of representation,” states Nketti Johnston-Taylor, co-chair, Alberta Black Advisory Council. “I thank the Alberta government for making good on their promise. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve on the first Black advisory board.”

“I look forward to working with the other board members and Alberta’s Black communities to provide feedback and advice on programs and services related to the anti-Black systemic racism, understand and communicate the needs, issues and concerns of Black Albertans and work towards enhancing the relationship between the Alberta government and Black Albertans,” adds Johnston-Taylor.

“It is an honour for me to serve our province as we strive towards creating a future where Black Albertans feel safe, valued and empowered to fully contribute to the growth of Alberta’s economy,” shares Yusuf Mohammed, co-chair, Alberta Black Advisory Council. “I am thrilled to have been selected to continue the vital work of bringing people together to build a more inclusive and equitable Alberta.”

Provincial officials say the Alberta Black Advisory Council will complement the work of the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council and the Premier’s Council on Multiculturalism, specific to Black communities. Officials say the new council has been established for seven years, after which it will be reviewed.

Council members

• Nketti Johnston-Taylor, co-chair
• Yusuf Mohammed, co-chair
• Farah Ali
• Deborah Dobbins
• Samuel Juru
• Brian Morrissey
• Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika
• Dr. Akinseinde Osakuade
• Brittany Stahl
• Robert Tyndale
• Faith-Michael Uzoka

Alberta government quick facts

• 2021 census data indicates that 4.2 per cent of the Canadian population (1,547,870) and 4.2 per cent of Albertans (177,940) reported they are Black visible minority.
• According to a Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics publication titled Experiences of discrimination among the Black and Indigenous populations in Canada, 2019, almost half (46 per cent) of Black people aged 15 and older reported experiencing at least one form of discrimination in the past five years.

—

Download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.