As we celebrate the Black History Month, now is a good time to encourage Quebec businesses to initiate a dialogue that builds real ties with Afro-descendant communities. Since 2020, various resources have been allocated directly to promoting diversity in the workforce, particularly in key leadership roles.
However, much remains to be done for real change to take place in the labor market. Black people occupy less than 1% of management positions in Canada (and even less on boards of directors) while they represent 3.5% of the Canadian population and 5.1% of the Quebec population.
If business and institutions do not improve their engagement with Afro-descendant communities, it will simply not be possible to magically conjure up black leaders in a reasonable timeframe.
Learn to become a leader
Obviously, you are not born a leader. We become it. Provided that citizens of underrepresented communities such as Montreal North and Little Burgundy, for example, can connect with businesses and organizations from an early age.
How can children from underserved communities, who are not exposed to the many possibilities, project themselves into a career that is never talked about in their milieu?
I know what it is. I myself grew up in a similar context. I loved cinema and television and had a passion for the media, a passion that continues today. Yet no one – not a teacher or a counselor – ever took the time to recognize my interest and tell me about film studies programs, techniques or professional business aspects possible in this industry.
Targeted partnerships
Businesses can do more by starting by entering into strategic partnerships with local organizations. Take the example of DESTA, the network of black youth in Little Burgundy, and the CEE, Center for Young Black Professionals in Toronto, which have partnered to break down the economic and social barriers that hinder young black people from 14 years and over.
With funding from the NBA Foundation, and in collaboration with partners such as the Montreal Television Film Office, and the Directors Guild of Canada, DESTA and CEE are piloting a filmmaking development program in Montreal to train young black film and television professionals aged 18 to 35 in Quebec. The program focuses on removing barriers to provide young Black people with practical training, skills development and access to employment opportunities.
DESTA is just one of many community organizations in Quebec looking to step up their efforts by building strategic partnerships and seeking funding from businesses and governments. What are we waiting for to do even more? It’s time !
Stephen Dorsey, Recognized author, consultant, speaker, facilitator and moderator in the field of equity, diversity and inclusion.