AFE is happy to feature an article from The Congress of Black Women (Edmonton Chapter), an organization whose programs help to mitigate the issue of non-participation of Black Women in these and other programs.
Congress of Black Women of Canada (CBWC) is a national non-profit organization which was founded in 1973 by Kay Livingstone. It evolved from the Canadian Negro Women’s Association (CANEWA) that had been in operation since 1951. By the early 1970’s there was a tremendous increase of Black Women and their families migrating to Canada from Africa and various parts of the diaspora. CANEWA, spearheaded by Mrs. Livingstone, broadened its focus to include the more recent arrivals and CBWC resulted. CANEWA’s goals and objectives actualized as
‘advocacy, informing the public, creating effective policies & programs, offering scholarships to youth, promoting the preservation of culture, and sponsoring community projects’ . CBWC has continued in this vein because the issues that affect us in Canadian society remain essentially the same. With each wave of new arrivals that join those who came before, and as the population of Black Women grows, our various experiences exemplify the truism that ‘we may have come on different ships but now we are in the same boat’.
Upholding the intention of the National objectives, since its inception 38 years ago, the Edmonton Chapter has elaborated on and fine-tuned these objectives to respond to local circumstances. Over the years CBWC (Edmonton Chapter) continue to provide a network of solidarity for Black Women through its programs and services. As previously mentioned, the demographic make-up is very diverse in terms of, for example, age, country of origin, education, profession, occupation, income level. Yet it is critical for us to remember our ‘same boat’ status as it relates to the default treatment that is most often meted out to us by mainstream society. But more importantly, we recognize the numerous social, attitudinal and other commonalities that have survived the diasporic journey – strengths on which we can build.
Yet, wittingly or unwittingly, expressions of these strengths often are misunderstood, downgraded and even maligned by the larger society including government institutions. Over time this results in a threat to the sense of self, with one result being scant and/or non-participation in programs that are meant to serve the whole society. For everyone, the sense of self - self-identity - is very important. and for Black Women and their families, self-identity is not just important, it is crucial. Furthermore, we realize that there can be special challenges for those who are sort of ‘caught in the middle’: our young people who are second- and third-generation Black Canadians, came here as children, and/or who are of bi/multiracial parentage. As usual, the Edmonton Chapter continues to explore, find and plan ways to effectively address these issues. Feedback from our latest workshop has reinforced our position while giving insights into areas that we need to highlight in upcoming sessions.
Sixty-four demographically diverse Congress members and their guests participated in the workshop. As we have come to expect in these settings, they all stated that the underlying element that enhanced their learning and satisfaction was socialization. Socializing with other Black women in an environment where their particular issues were highlighted was empowering for them. They all indicated whilst the learning was useful to them, it was greatly enriched by the fact that it was geared to their particular needs, and with facilitators to whom they could relate easily. What we heard is that even though there is a wide range of opportunities and resources available in the community, many of our Black Women still experience isolation and obstacles in accessing the services they require. Black seniors are especially affected. They stated that some areas on which we need to follow up are:
Range of diversity among Black Women and their families – celebrating our similarities and Differences
Financial and career planning for Black Women, including youth and wellness for Black Women: Particular needs and opportunitiesagingHealthy
Retirement planning
Healthy eating, to include cultural aspects and food preferences as noted by FAO’s definition 2 of Food Security
Black youth and inter-generational interaction and communication: passing on knowledge about our and culture - grounding Black youth history
In planning upcoming activities that are geared to the needs of Black senior women, CBWC (Edmonton) consider the following factors which cause low or no participation in available programs:
Most programs are not delivered in a manner with which the Black Woman and her family can relate.
As they get older and retire, they lose the workplace camaraderie. Craving for deep and meaningful connections become even more pressing. Some say that the fellowship that they experience in our sessions is ‘like food for the soul’.
Losing sense of worth: Many older Black Women were the caregivers for children and grandchildren who depended on them. Now that they are no longer needed in this role, ensuing loneliness and even depression result.
Fear of technology: Technology is moving so fast and for many, especially Black and other seniors, it is scary and difficult to keep up.
To meet stated needs above, while accounting for overall factors that need consideration, here are some strategic activities being explored:
As much as possible retain black facilitators and professionals to lead group activities.
Encourage senior Black Women to tell their personal stories of growing up in their country of origin, including Canada. This is an ideal way to employ various electronic media and engage young Black People.
Plan events that inform and celebrate our similarities and raise awareness about our heritage.
Ensure intergenerational issues are addressed
Act as an information/resource centre for Black Women
We are dedicated to the empowerment of Blacks so that they are better able to contribute to Canadian society. CBWC does this by focussing on the Black Woman because this is one of the most effective ways to empower our community. The Black Woman is the one who provides strength and nurturing to manage and support family and community structures, often without due recognition or validation or support. So, our organization aim to provide the tools she needs to carry out this function. We do it in a way that honours our tradition which includes respect for our seniors, the elders.
REFERENCES
1 Lawrence Hill (1996) Women of Vision: The Story of the Canadian Negro Women’s Association 1951 - 1976
2 FAO (1996) Chapter 2. Food security: concepts and measurement [21] –FAO
(www.fao.org/docrep/005/y4671e/y4671e/06.htm)