New digital platform aims to combat systemic discrimination in Peel

November 21, 2024 · 0 Comments

Platform launched by Anti-Black Racism and Systemic Discrimination Collective

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new online tool has been launched with a goal of uniting Peel residents in dismantling systemic discrimination and building a more just community.

On November 4, the Anti-Black Racism and Systemic Discrimination Collective (ABR-SD) launched a new digital platform — it can be found at the following link: abrsdpeel.ca/forum.

ABR-SD is made up of over 25 community agencies and leaders in Peel and was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ABR-SD says the pandemic made racial and social disparities much more apparent.

Since its inception, ABR-SD has written papers, conducted research, and hosted forums to bring attention to systemic inequities in health care, policing, and education.

In a press release, ABR-SD administrative coordinator Chelsea Antwi described the purpose of the new online forum.

“This initiative invites anyone who lives, works or accesses services in the region to participate in interactive discussions, provide positive and meaningful feedback, and advocate for change while building a culture of equity and social justice,” said Antwi. “This digital space is open to anyone who shares the commitment to advancing equity and creating a region where every individual can thrive free from discrimination and bias.”

According to the release, the new digital platform was created as a recommendation from 2023 research on rethinking community safety in Peel. It says the forum will create a space for community-driven content, engage users in open discussions on issues that impact their livelihood, and “encourage positive comments that can be shared with system leaders.”

The new platform is being supported by the Region of Peel’s Community Safety and Well-Being Table and Roots Community Services.

Roots Community Services is a multi-service charitable organization that’s recognized as a leader in Black, African and Caribbean communities. It provides culturally-sensitive and affirming programs and services to address the needs of the communities it serves. It’s especially known for its work addressing inequity in the health care, education and justice systems.

Peel’s Community Safety and Well-Being Table is a group of over 25 organizations in sectors like education, emergency services, health care, social services, and government. It promotes cross-sector partnerships with a goal of ensuring access to essential services that enhance safety and well-being. It does this by focusing on three key areas: systemic discrimination, family violence, and mental health and addictions.