Who we are
About blac
Established in 2017, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is an independent not-for-profit community legal clinic that combats individual and systemic anti-Black racism by providing free legal services, conducting research, developing public legal education materials, and engaging in test case litigation and law reform.
ANTI-BLACK RACISM
We define anti-Black racism as policies and practices embedded within Canadian institutions that reflect and reinforce beliefs, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination that is directed at people of Black-African descent and is rooted in the unique history and experience of enslavement and colonization in Canada.
(Anti-Racism Directorate, Ontario; Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, City of Toronto).
ANTI-BLACK RACISM
We define anti-Black racism as policies and practices embedded within Canadian institutions that reflect and reinforce beliefs, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination that is directed at people of Black-African descent and is rooted in the unique history and experience of enslavement and colonization in Canada.
(Anti-Racism Directorate, Ontario; Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, City of Toronto).
VISION
A society where anti-Black racism is named and meaningfully addressed; where the humanity and dignity of Black people are centred; where the laws and the legal system are just and fair; and where racial equity and full participation of all Black people in society is achieved.
MISSION
To combat and eradicate individual and systemic anti-Black racism in Ontario through education, advocacy, and litigation.
VALUES
Community
Abolition
Intersectionality
Anti-Discrimination
Inclusion
STRATEGIC PLAN
BLAC’s Strategic Plan provides the framework for 2022 – 2027. This Strategic Plan will form the basis on which we develop a focused list of valid, necessary and measurable actions and outcomes. Internally, it provides the basis for more detailed operational plans to make sure that all BLAC’s organizational activities connect to results.
Over the next five (5) years, we will concentrate our efforts on three (3) strategic focus areas:
- Decarceration is aimed at reducing the number of Black people held in custody or custodial supervision.
- Full participation is aimed at addressing the social determinants of health and justice by fighting anti-Black racism with respect to such things as income, employment, housing, education, health.
- Poverty relief is aimed at permanently lifting Black people out of poverty in all its forms and improving the living conditions of Black people with low or no income.
Read the full report, available in English and French:
Consolidated Amended By-Law 2023-1
Please see the consolidated By-Law 2023-1 by clicking here.
2023/2024 Annual Report
Our annual report highlights some of our work over from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. It also includes information about how much money we received and how we spent it.
2022/2023 Annual Report
Our annual report highlights some of our work over from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. It also includes information about how much money we received and how we spent it.
2021/2022 Annual Report
Our annual report highlights some of our work over from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. It also includes information about how much money we received and how we spent it.
2020/2021 Annual Report
Our annual report highlights some of our work over from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. It also includes information about how much money we received and how we spent it.
2018/19 and 2019/20 Annual Report
Our annual report highlights some of our work over from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2020. It also includes information about how much money we received and how we spent it.
Complaints Policy
Any member of the public may file a complaint. This Policy outlines your rights and responsibilities and our commitment to dealing with all complaints in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.
Complaint Form
If you want to file a complaint, please fill out and submit our complaints form.
General Brochure
This document provides general information about who we are, what we do, and how people can reach us. You can download, print, and share it.