When Gennile Thomas Smith saw a need in her community she decided to fill it.
Founded in 2020, Halton Black Voices (HBV) is a charitable organization dedicated to fighting anti-black racism and creating a safe space for all black people.
“It’s an organization that’s rooted in liberation and equity for all. We run a lot of programming and provide a lot of opportunities for folks that haven’t had the opportunity to do things. We build community,” said founder and executive director Thomas Smith.
HBV was featured at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s Pay It Forward business networking session Feb. 20. It was chosen by the host sponsor, Mending the Chasm Inc., a coaching, consulting and training service that aims to create more inclusive and anti-racist organizations.
“Far too often, especially during times like this, we place the burden on our black brothers, sisters and siblings to educate us and to inform us about their experiences,” said Leena Sharma Seth, founder and principal of Mending the Chasm Inc.
Black History Month shouldn’t be the only time black people are celebrated, she added.
“It should be our mandate to integrate black excellence, black joy, black beauty, black innovation, black power and black resilience into our history, our present and our future,” said Sharma Seth, who also sits on HBV’s board.
With the goal of empowering members of the Black community, HBV has led multiple projects, including Healing Gardens, which beautified the neighbourhood, created a sense of pride and provided gardening tips to community members.
But the Healing Gardens are just one example of the many projects HBV has initiated. It has created equity learning space opportunities, including Homework Help Club, Tutoring Support Program, Anti-Racist Book Club, Anti-Black Racism Consulting and Program Development and a Confidence Building Program.
“This initiative served over 500 students last year in the span of eight months,” Thomas Smith said.
Creating programs and services for black community members is vital to ensuring they are in a safe space that reflects their needs.
“We don’t have a lot of spaces where black folks can just be free and build and get to know each other and make connections with other folks. That’s why we’ve created that third space for us as a community,” Thomas Smith said.
Thomas Smith’s favourite initiative is the Halton Black Student Union, founded in 2021 to support black students with issues they’re dealing with in school and outside of school.
“(The HBSU is) a group that inspires the next generation of black leaders, including our weekly meetings, regular discussion panels and an annual Black Joy Gala,” Thomas Smith said.
HBV’s Community Healing Campout gives black families the opportunity to experience camping.
“It’s a great time,” Thomas Smith said, adding that about 80 people came to the weekend event.
HBV has organized solidarity marches as well as social justice and liberation events with community partners.
“These special events are not just gatherings, they’re celebrations of our heritage, a testament to the power of community and a bridge connecting the diverse corners of our community. In a world marked by polarization, Halton Black Voices has been a beacon of belonging,” Thomas Smith said.
The team at HBV wants to get the word out about their organization, the work it does and build connections in the community.
“Our initiatives have fostered a sense of community, reminding each member that they are not alone, that they are part of a larger family that values them for who they are. This sense of belonging … is vital for the foundation upon which we build confidence, nurture talent and inspire the next generation of leaders in the black community,” Thomas Smith said.
For more information about Halton Black Voices and its work, go to www.haltonblackvoices.ca or follow HBV on Instagram, Facebook and X.