Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC) was established in 2004 as a non-profit, multi-partisan organization that supports the election of Black Canadians to public office. The organization educates, motivates and advocates for Black Canadians to participate in Canada’s government, agencies, boards, commissions, civil service and political processes at all levels. Unique among other traditional organizations that recruit candidates, their goals are to provide information to expand the community of Black Canadians considering public office and encourage civic engagement in Black communities across the country.
In March, OBVC held a women’s event for International Women’s Day featuring a panel with speakers Dr. Jill Andrews, Audrey Gordon, Colleen James and moderated by Agapi Gessesse and a keynote speech by Senator Rosemary Moodie. Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine was present for the luncheon. The room was filled with powerful Black women, eating and connecting over their work, engagement and political conversation. The keynote was a moving speech from Moodie about the work Black women do in politics and continuously shattering glass ceilings. Gessesse, a fun and engaging moderator, had all three Black politicians speak on looking to the future of their careers, the impact they’ve had in their various roles and how they manage self care with such difficult work.
With the upcoming election, supporting an organization like OBVC is crucial. OBVC does not endorse candidates or advocate for one political party over another, but they do assist Black Canadians interested in a political or civic careers. OBVC also monitors issues that impact the Black Canadian communities and play a leading role in recommending solutions to the community and government.
The day before the next federal election, OBVC is hosting a Lunch and Politics event in Waterloo. Anyone interested can register here.
Hillary LeBlanc
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