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The city is asking Black Londoners to provide input on its proposed plan to fight anti-Black racism.
But a Black activist questions the city’s efforts to help the Black community.
“The proof is in the pudding,” said Alexandra Kane of the Black London Network.
“So far, the proof has been in the support of oppressive systems,” she said, referring to massive increased spending for London police and cuts to social services in the city’s multi-year budget approved in February.
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The budget that boosted London police spending by 28 per cent in 2024 is “incompatible” with the new proposed anti-racism plan, Kane said.
“The city can say what it likes, but I don’t see it,” she said. “They’ve already started wrong.”
The anti-Black racism action plan aims to reduce barriers to accessing city services and make London a safer place for its Black communities, the city said.
The plan was drafted after consulting with more than 300 members of the Black community last year, the city said.
“The development of the anti-Black racism action plan demonstrates the city’s commitment to prioritize issues facing Black Londoners,” Sanjay Govindaraj, director of the city’s anti-racism and anti-oppression division, said in a release.
Mayor Josh Morgan said the city is committed to taking “concrete action” on the plan’s recommendations, which include enhanced support for Black-owned businesses, increased representation of Black individuals in leadership roles and improved access to mental health services.
“By addressing the systemic barriers Black communities face, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that everyone in our city has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.
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London police statistics show Blacks were the victims of 24 per cent of hate occurences in London in the last five years. The Black community makes up 3.5 per cent of the city’s population according to 2021 census data from Statistics Canada.
The city defines anti-Black racism as prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination directed at people of African descent. It can also manifest as unequal access to programs and services, low rates of participation in political decision-making processes, low income and poorer health and social outcomes.
The deadline to provide input on the draft plan is Aug. 23.
The plan will then be updated and presented in the fall to city council for review and final approval.
Anyone wishing to provide feedback on the plan can do so by visiting www.getinvolved.london.ca/abrplan, emailing ARAO@london.ca or phoning 519-661-2489, extension 5162.
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