SUMMARY OF VAL MORIN BLACK COMMUNITY FORUM AND REPORT WITH AMENDMENTS for PRESENTATION AND REVIEW at BCRC Black Community Leadership Forum, June 16 2016

Prepared by Dr. Clarence S. Bayne

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Val Morin Conference July 3-5 1992.

In 1990 and 1991 a group of activists and organizations from the English Speaking Black communities met with the Provincial Government of Quebec and the City of Montreal to demand that the Governments recognize the presence of Blacks in Quebec and to engage with the community in the development of a plan for the systematic development of the Black communities. As a result, the provincial Government of Quebec created a “Table de Concertation for the English Speaking Black Community” in 1991-2; and in 1992 the City of Montreal declared February Black History Month to be celebrated by all Montrealers in recognition of the contributions of Blacks to the development of Montreal.

The Val Morin Forum

The Val Morin Community Forum (July 1992) was organized at the request of the “Table de Concertation for the English-Speaking Black community”. It was funded by the Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship, and supported by the City of Montreal and the provincial Minister of Cultural Communities. The principal organizer was the BCCQ Administration which hired two independent researchers to conduct the research and set up and manage the Forum. The organizing of the Forum was based on a cooperative planning process and concepts of participatory democracy; a recognition of common values and the exercise of mutual respect. Thus the recommendations of the Forum is a synthesis of an extended debate and discussions in the English speaking Black Community of Montreal stimulated by the leadership of the Black Community Council of Quebec and a number of specialist organizations (the QBBE, the BSC, the Black Theatre Workshop, the Garvey Institute); and the representatives of the Table de Concertation for the English Speaking Black community. The Community Forum identified the following issues as priorities for the Black community and created ad hoc community committees chaired by specialists and professionals from the Black communities to address the following priorities:

Support for the Black Family, Anti-Racism Strategies, Economic development,

Reinforcement of Community Structures, Education and Arts/Culture.

The Val Morin Community Forum was created as the mechanism fro informing and involving the wider community in the policy initiatives being discussed at the Table de Concertation with the three levels of government. The Forum was represented by the widest possible cross section of diverse organizations and agencies operating in or offering services to the diverse English Speaking Black Communities of Montreal: island associations, churches, Pan-Black organizations, the old established Black Canadian Associations and Clubs; Black-Professional Associations; arts and cultural agencies; business professionals; Black public sector professionals; Community leaders/social entrepreneurs. The Forum received these reports and recommendations from the ad hoc community committees from which the Forum generated a Report and recommendations.

The Authority of the Forum

It is important to note the Forum was not an organization with a charter. It derived its power and authority from the will and commitments of the chartered organizations in good standing and from formal agreements between organizations and between individuals to carry out certain missions and mandates in an efficient and most effective way possible. The Forum existence is extended through its recommendations/articles published In the Black Community Forum Report (1992) and its statement of purposes. A general description of that vision and purpose was captured by Mr Leith Hamilton in his address to the Forum.

Leith Hamilton Addresses the Form July 5 1992

“The vision for the community is that of unity and is not just one of a small handful of people working towards the goal. There is a need to develop an internal agenda in the community that leads to strength and not weakness. We must look at specific things that strengthen and reinforce community structures. The ultimate goal is to get more resources into the community. We must determine how we can help organizations use the funding effectively once they do receive their resources”.

The purpose of the Forum.

The purpose of the community Forum was stated as follows :

1. To develop a process which will identify a long-term development plan for the Black community

2. To ensure that this planning process is a cooperative effort within the Black community

3. To identify and promote a structure to support the planning process . 4. To develop effective partnerships within the network of Black community groups and to

encourage effective implementation strategies for the benefit of the total community.5. To provide a Forum for networking and strengthening existing relationships.

Source: page 4 of the Community Forum, Val Morin, 1992.

PROPOSED REVISIONS OF 2, 4 and 5

2, To ensure that this planning process is corporative and collaborative.

3. To encourage and promote the development of strategic partnerships and networks that benefit the Black community and the larger society

5.To provide a network for communication, the transfer of knowledge and information; and to facilitate the general expansion of ingenuity (i.e., capacity for innovation and problem solving) and )social capital

One of the keys to the success of this plan rested with the willingness of a community based organization with a mission and capacity to assist and help to strengthen community organizations to accept the responsibility for hosting and motivating the implementation of the recommendations of the Forum. The BCCQ was given the responsibility to set up a training program for the entire community with its focus on “how to build organizations, how to help organizations that are just starting, and finally, how to build a network of cooperation, instead of going out doing things on our own” (page 11, Forum Val Morin 92). In a background paper published by Clarence Bayne on the BSC portal at https://bscportal.wordpress.com/black-community-resource-center/ Bayne argued that this responsibility, partly by default and competitive political rivalry, evolved to the BCRC and it organizational members and partners ( the QBBE, BSC, ICED, and CEDEC).

To operationalize this process the Community Forum (Val Morin 1992) approved a statement of principles and protocols that were to be the guidelines and political philosophy for establishing and managing a permanent Community Forum. The statement was prepared by Dr. Leo Bertley and was set within a Pan-Black/Pan-African perspective.

In my opinion, the political philosophy used by Dr Bertley to introduce the Statement of Principle raised more questions than it provided answers to the queries it aroused about issues of identity and truth. Therefore, for the purpose of this Community Forum (June 16 2016) , I will leave those transcendental statements about the Black and African nature of our soul ( pages 21 -25 of the Val Morin, 1992 Document ) to the reader. However, the following

protocols adopted by the Plenary Session of the Forum are important guidelines for interactions between, what I will describe as, “ self-defining” Blacks.

BLACK COMMUNITY PROTOCOL ON OPERATIONS OF THE FORUM

By Dr. Leo Bertley, June 1992

As a Black community we have learned the art of adaptation to and survival in mainstream society. We have been resourceful, inventive and tenacious. We have always been able to find modes of unity that enabled us somehow, to keep on moving.

During our continuous struggle to keep our community viable we have responded to environmental stimuli in ebbs and flows. We have continually come together when crisis threaten the core of our existence, only to drift away again when the external risk is diminished….The time has come however for us to realize that while these sensitivities are natural devices that keep us safe, that we must not continue to use them as reasons to hinder the bonding of a community that has had a continuously tenuous hold on itself

Some of our strengths are our introspection, our wisdom, our sense of humour, our optimism and our willingness to forgive and to try again. And it is by drawing on these strengths that we can develop a protocol, giving ourselves guidelines that will enable us to work in love, peace and unity, knowing that we have common understandings that bind us irrevocably together.

Objective:

All community groups when meeting will practice behaviour that will inspire confidence, allow uninhibited constructive criticism and foster progressive unity.

PROTOCOL S OF MEETINGS:

1. All community groups will respectfully recognize one another's efforts, for after all, each group's effort is symbolic of the willingness to work for the good of the community.

2. All community groups will establish within group and between group, credibility that is strong enough to allow for confident working relationships within and outside of the community.

3. All community groups will operate in such a way that a great amount of trustworthiness will exist between groups and among members of all groups.

4. All views expressed at meetings are done with the best of intentions and will be accepted in the spirit of open-mindedness and with the willingness to compromise.

5. In the spirit of cooperativeness, views expressed are "platforms" for constructive criticism; therefore responses to issues presented will reflect an understanding of ideas that are open for discussion and will not result in any personal attack.

6. The language of presentation at all meetings whether within our groups or with outside bodies, will at all times reflect the community's interest in a positive way.

7. The Chair will maintain proper decorum at all times. At the beginning of each meeting the ground rules will be identified.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE VAL MORIN FORUM 1992: EXTRACTS

FINAL PLENARY SESSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS ( Pages 54-56 Val Morin Document).

6.5.1. RECOMMENDATIONS:

BLACK COMMUNITY FORUM ACTION:

6.5.1.1.It is recommended that the Forum structure be continued to review policy issues impacting on the Black community and inform the wider community on proposed positions.

6.5.1.2 It is recommended that a concerted effort be made to expand the membership of the Forum to all Black organizations (having missions and mandates consistent with the purposes and priorities of the Forum; and follow the general principles guidelines established by the Forum).

6.5.1.3. It is recommended that efforts be initiated as soon as possible to strengthen existing relationships with the (Francophone) French speaking and other linguistic Black communities.

6.5.1.4. It is recommended that the Forum develop a structure that is democratic, non-partisan, and respects the autonomy of its membership.

6.5.1.5. It is recommended that the "Black Community Protocols On Operations of The Community Forum" be respected.

6.5.1.6. It is recommended that the Forum be a pro-active policy formulation body.

6.5.1.7. It is recommended that the Forum, in the event of a crisis in the community, convene a special issues meeting of all organizations to develop a public position and to mandate its spokes people .

6.5.1.8. It is recommended that all organizations submit their mission statements/objectives in order to clarify their mandates.

6.5.1.9. It is recommended that a subcommittee of the Forum puts in place a mechanism which would examine keep track of the performance of community organizations or "community events" which are structured or which are not structured effectively and or are dysfunctional. to determine their strengths, weakness and sustainability; their effectiveness and social contributions. The objective is to improve transparency I reporting; and to facilitate the provision of appropriate assistance to considering that Black community organizations in need, all the help necessary in order to survive, especially those with a track record of good service in the community.

6.5.1.10 It is recommended that there be community input into "community events" [This needs to be interpreted so that it does not violate the autonomy of organization as defined by the Quebec Civil Code and the Company act]

6.5.1.11. It is recommended that a special mechanism be developed (as part of the) Economic Development agenda to reduce potential exploitation of the community by fraudulent and other acts . businesses and individuals. There should be a structure to identify those businesses and individuals in good standing. [This needs modification. Does good standing mean as defined by the Government and the Quebec Civil Code and the Company Act; or does it mean by some socially legitimization process. If the latter, what is this process?]

6.5.1.12 It is recommended that the Church's function is to address the spiritual wellness of the individual. It is recommended that the Church address the everyday issues experienced by the individual, ensuring that the instruments and icons historically held up as examples, be presented in such a way as to reflect the historical accuracy and the experience of the Black community.

WE CANNOT DICTATE TO THE CHURCH WHAT ITS RELIGIOUS PRACTICE AND BELIEFS ARE

6.5.1.13 It is recommended that the community initiate a " Defense Fund" to help defray legal costs for social action campaigns.

6.5.1.14 It is recommended that the Forum resolve, in its future consultation with the wider Black community, to ensure that a proper and timely system of notification and communication be employed to allow for more meaningful participation from groups. Other groups are encouraged to also share this objective.

GOVERNMENT:

6.5.1.15 It is recommended that the Government of Canada and the Provincial Government of Quebec provide sustaining funds for Black organizations with a long-term mandate serving the community and Canadians: and that in particular, that Library and Archives Canada and Heritage Canada provide long term recurring funding to for the FOTTQ The Black Studies-QBBE--BCRC Community Archives and Communication Information Center Project to ensure the implementation and maintenance of a professional communications network center and digitized archival system.

6.5.1.16 It is recommended that the Ministries, departments, and administrative bodies of the Quebec government place paid advertisements of interest to the Black community in the Black media. Public notices of concern to the community should be placed in the community's network of media resources. The criteria for choosing Such resources: quality of service, usership, length of uninterrupted service

WORKSHOPS

Anti-racism strategiesCriminalization of racist acts :

We must develop and promote a zero tolerance to racist attitudes in the workplace and develop legal and quasi-judicial consequences when these attitudes are acted upon against Blacks. We have to criminalize those acts that enable individuals, institutions,and organizations to practice racism as defined in Canadian and Quebec Charters of Human Rights. There are legal sanctions for sexual discrimination and harassment, but there is nothing in the criminal code (yet) providing for sanctions against acts of racism.For example, there should be an anti-racism directorate, or programme that functions at the Labour Board/Commission des norms du Travail, so that there is some kind of effective recourse for individuals when they experience discrimination in the work force. The law will not force people to always think differently. There must be more effective mechanisms to teach people new ways of dealing with diversity. For example, at the managerial level of mainstream organizations, there must be a cross-cultural training programme for professionals or decision makers. This applies particularly to professionals such as judges, teachers, police officers, etc. There is much to be said about partnerships with the community in developing these sensitization programmes. Members of the community have not been involved in this training process, and yet are directly affected by it.

6.1.2.4. MOBILIZATION OF THE BLACK COMMUNITYCommunity ForumIt is recommended that there be a "mobilization" of the community to combat racism. The Community Forum structure should encourage an anti-racism network within the community and develop coalitions with other external organizations. That this community resource advocate for "zero" tolerance of racism in the workplace, encourage the development of community structures to support victims of racism lie hotlines, legal clinics, defense funds, etc.]That this community resource advocate for a public redefinition of the terms presently allotted to "ethnics" which has a negative connotation THIS NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED. And removed.

.6.1.2.5. CRISIS RFSPONSE MECHANISM OF THE BLACK COMMUNITYIt is recommended that a crisis response mechanism be developed for the Black community. The proposed mechanism will be the continuation of the Forum structure. A special issues meeting will beconvened to review the issues, to develop a planned response, and to mandate spokespeople to deal with the press and to negotiate with the government/public institutions.

6.1.2.6. CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING FOR INSTITUTIONAL REPRESENTATIVES, TEACHERS, AND POLICE OFFICERS.That there be increased training for these institutional representatives and that the Black community be used as a resource in the development of these programmes.

6.1.2.7. INSTlTUTE AN ANTI-RACISM DIRECTORATE WITHIN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS, i.e., COMMISSION DES NORMES DU TRAVAIL.

6.1.2.8 INCREASE REPRESENTATION AT DECISION-MAKING LEVELS WHERE THERE IS A STRONG AND SIGNIFICANT DEMOGRAPHIC PRESENCE OF OUR COMMUNITY NUMBERS. That the Forum will advocate at the provincial and municipal levels for long over-due representation. For example, the City of Montreal should involve the Black community in its consultation on the Urban Development Plan.

6.1.2.9 ENLARGE THE BLACK COMMUNITY'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE QUEBEC GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES. EDUCATlON, TRADE AND COMMERCE, lNTERNATIONAL TRADE, SUPPLIES AND SERVICES, ETC That the. COMMISSION DES NORMES DU TRAVAIL, for example,be mandated to set up a specific structure to combat racism within the Quebec workforce.

INCREASE REPRESENTATION AT DECISION-MAKING LEVELS WHERE THERE IS A STRO NG AND SIGNIFICANT DEMOGRAPHIC PRESENCE OF OUR COMMUNITY NUMBERS. That the Forum will advocate at the provincial and municipal levels for long over-due representation. For example, the City of Montreal should involve the Black community in its consultation on the Urban Development Plan. The Black community [utilize its excellent present relationship with the Premier's office, and the Minister of Cultural Communities and Immigration to] must develop a liaison with Ministries whose mandate impacts on this community.

6.2 WORKSHOP: "ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT"

RECOMMENDATIONS

6.2.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS BUSINESS EXPANSION

6.2.1.1. BLACK BUSINESS USE THE OPERATION AND/OR OWNERSHIP OF FRANCHISES AS A ROUTE TO ENTER NEW AREAS OF BUSINESS

6.2.1.2. BLACK BUSINESS BE ENCOURAGED TO ENTER MARKETS WHICH ARE OUTSIDE THEIR TRADITIONAL MARKETPLACE.

6.2.1.3. BLACK BUSINESS IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP MARKET NICHES SO BLACK ENTREPRENEURS CAN BECOME IDENTIFIED AS EXPERTS IN THOSE FIELDS BLACK

6.2.1.4 THE BLACK COMMUNITY, THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE MABBP, CONTINUE TO WORK TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT BLACK BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ENTRTEPRENEURSHIP STRUCTURES AND OR PARTNERSHIPS. FUND AS PROPOSED BY THE TASK FORCE AND ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORKGROUP OF THE TABLE DE CONCERTATION OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING BLACK COMMUNITY (1992). AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

6.2.1.5. THE BLACK COMMUNITY, THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP OF A BLACK COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND TRAINING FORUM MABBP, INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN CONTACTS WITH BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE INSTITUTIONS.

6.2.1.6. THE BLACK COMMUNITY CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN AND EXPAND EMPLOYMENT TRAINING Programmes LIKE THOSE BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE MABBP, THE JAMAICA ASSOCIATION OF MONTREAL, THE BLACK COALITION, AND THE BLACK COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF QUEBEC.CURRENT ADDITIONS: BSC-QBBE-ICED business summer programs; the BSC_ICED Internet management and business courses; BCRC management training and administrative workshops.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

6.2.1.9 THAT A FORUM BE HELD TO INFORM AND INVOLVE THE WIDER BLACK COMMUNITY IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

6.2.1.10 A BOOKLET BE COMPILED WITH INFORMATION GATHERED FROM KNOWLEDGEABLE INDIVIDUALS ON IDEAS FOR FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

6.2.1.11 A REGISTER BE DEVELOPED LISTING ALL BLACK BUSINESSES WITH APPROPRIATE INFORMATION. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD ALSO DOCUMENT THE EXPERTISE AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY IN THE AREA OF FINANCE, BANKING, REAL ESTATE, FINANCIAL PLANNING, ETC. 6.2.1.12 INFORMATION SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE AS TO THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE WALKER CREDIT UNION6.2.1.12 PLANS SHOULD PROCEED TO DEVELOP AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH GOVERNMENT AND OTHER COMMUNITY AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS. AND THE STRUCTURE FOR THE PROPOSED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ARISING OUT OF THE DEVELOPMENT FUND.

Comments by Dr. Clarence S. Bayne, Director of ICED , JMSB, Concordia In response to Val Morin 92, there was a Black Task Force on the Fuller Participation of the Black communities in the economy and society of Quebec. One of the negative effects of the the implementation of the recommendations of that Task Force was to separated the Black communities into four sectors based on language and country of origin. The second negative effect was that it retained the financial aspects of the planning process essential in community development in the French private –public spheres of control. Filaction launched Fonds Afro-entrepreneurs in 2008 based on a one million dollar fund as part of the Provincial Government initiative to create Black enterprises in Montreal and Quebec. The primary objective of the Fonds Afro-Entrepreneurs is to

promote the creation of businesses in all industry segments within Quebec’s Black communities. The fund targets start-ups or businesses that have been in existence for less than five years. Notwithstanding these two negative features of the Government implementation plan, there have emerged a number of initiatives that may have or are producing positive results. First of all, the internet provides a large number of online courses and instructions on how to start a business; and services providing mentoring to business entrepreneurs. Several banks have gotten into the business of providing online assistance to business start-ups as part of their marketing strategies. In the English Speaking sector the EMSB offers courses in business start-ups as part of their adult education programs. In the African communities and the French and English speaking Black communities, four sets of financial and economic institutions have emerged that are potential nodes of growth within those communities : Ujamaa Initiative for Black Entrepreneurs (U.I.B.E) and its annual Conference and networking event, AFPRO (this is similar to the services offered by the Mathieu Da Costa Program that preceded it); REPAF|Réseau des Entrepreeneurs et Professionels African (2005). “ le REPAF a pour objectif de regrouper un réseau d’affaires de professionnels, d’étudiants et d’entrepreneurs majoritairement d’origine africaine ainsi que des sympathisants de la diaspora africaine. REPAF states : “Our goal is to manage the strategic development of membership, promote business involvement while ensuring the satisfaction of our members”. We are given a simple mission: to mobilize the talents of our community, create value and loyalty of our active members.The third institution is the Chambre de Commerce et de L’Industrie Haiti which primarily serves Haitian interests and hold strong ties to Haiti. REPAF has significant connections with the English speaking Black communities and has a national and international reach and growing influence. Its structure and objectives resemble that of the early Montreal Association of Black Business and Professionals (MABBP) that gave birth to the Mathieu Da Costa Foundation. The fourth is the CEDEC which offers assistance to minority communities in economic development; workforce development; small business support. The CEDEC has a very close and long term working with the English speaking Black community through volunteers such as Beverly Through, Dr. Clarence S. Bayne, Dr. Dorothy Williams, Dave McKenzie. The CEDEC and BCRC are partnering in a major project aimed at addressing the loss of strong, highly educated young adults from the Greater Montreal Area as they face issues of unemployment and underemployment in the region. Mindful of the struggles of the Black community to sustain its own institutions, build vital and dynamic neighbourhoods, and support economic growth, CEDEC and the BCRC created a joint-initiative in 2009 to stem this out-migration of Black graduates. ACCE now holds one of CEDEC’s longest-running partnership agreements and Action Plans, with a 20-year timeline leading into 2030. (http://cedec.ca/workforce-development/acce/)At this point in time, it is not known what impact the strategic moves of the business leaders (Social and business entrepreneurs) in the four sectors of the Black communities (English speaking Canadian Born, Haitian, Caribbean , English speaking African, and French Speaking Africans) have had in advancing the objective to attain a full participation of the Black communities into Quebec society. It is not well known what impact these strategies have had on the contribution of newly created Black entrepreneurs to Black community self-employment and the reduction of un-employment in these communities.Thus, IT WOULD SEEM APPROPRIATE THAT WE UNDERTAKE A detailed Review of the Current Status of Black employment and employability in the Black communities to measure the changes if any that have taken place since 1992 as a result of ; To accomplish we should revisit recommendation 6.2.1.9 above. That is renew the recommendation that,

“A FORUM BE HELD TO INFORM AND INVOLVE THE WIDER BLACK COMMUNITY IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT” planning and in an investigation of the measured impact of the initiatives of all levels of government, private and public institutions, and social and private entrepreneurs in the Black

communities on advancing the objective of the Yolande James Task Force: to bring about a full participation of the Black Communities in Québec Society. In particular, special attention need to be given to the status and future of the English speaking Black communities over the last 25 years. . REFERENCES1. McGill Consortium for Ethnicity and Strategic Social Planning; “The Evolution of the Black Community of Montreal; Change and Challenge”. See Jim Torczyner video presentation. Also see: http://bcool http://www.icedportal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=55tv.mcgill.ca/Viewer2/?RecordingID=45145 Professor Bayne ‘s Research on the Evolution of the Black Community of Montreal CEDEC: http://cedec.ca/workforce-development/acce/Modification needed to take into account changes in public policy; public Institutions and the society since 1992: success-failure of the new initiatives. Attention to the following sources of information : Quebec Board of Black Educators-BSC_ICED Summer programs in small business start ups. The McAndrew StudyThe Pre-Coderre initiatives of the Doré, Borque, and Tremblay AdministrationsBlack Task Forces of the City of Montreal (Tremblay Admin) and the Charest Provincial Liberals The Black Entrepreneurs Fund: Fonds Afro-entrepreneurs( Filaction).

THAT A FORUM BE HELD TO INFORM AND INVOLVE THE WIDER BLACK COMMUNITY IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. A BOOKLET BE COMPILED WITH INFORMATION GATHERED FROM KNOWLEDGEABLE INDIVIDUALS ON IDEAS FOR FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT A REGISTER BE DEVELOPED LISTING ALL BLACK BUSINESSES WITH APPROPRIATE INFORMATION. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD ALSO DOCUMENT THE EXPERTISEAVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY IN THE AREA OF FINANCE, BANKING, REAL ESTATE, FINANCIAL PLANNING, ETC. INFORMATION SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE AS TO THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE WALKER CREDIT UNION PLANS SHOULD PROCEED TO DEVELOP THE STRUCTURE FOR THE PROPOSED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ARISING OUT OF THE DEVELOPMENT FUND.

6.4 WORKSHOP: EDUCATION/ART AND CULTURE

Forum July 1992, Val Morin

Education, now more than ever, plays an important role in the progress of the Black Community. The new marketplace requires that Black students have certain skills: literacy in maths, computers, and communications. Art, culture and education are areas which need to be extended beyond the classroom.

Because of the absence of representation of education and art and culture at the Table de Concertation, IT was recommended that two [2] additional places be reserved at the Table [Community FORUM ]: one for Education, and one for Arts and Culture, since these are both required for the development of a knowledgeable and healthy community. Community organizations must play a role in the development of educational strategies for Black youth. They need help outside of the classroom, not just inside. The Black community possesses the human

resources and expertise to meet these needs and these needs should generate jobs, but we lack the financial resources. We don't require government intervention in order to identify the problems and develop an appropriate curriculum. We need the financial support to get the job done. Due to the growing multicultural and multi-ethnic population, the education system must abandon its Eurocentric approach to history, and change its curriculum to reflect the backgrounds of its students, and by inference, the society in which they live. We must encourage and continue to support the arts and culture so that our youth develop pride in who they are. There are problems in inner-city schools in Montreal. There are large multicultural and ethnic populations. The school board should hire teachers used to this kind of environment, with specialties and skills necessary to help students in this kind of environment. Many of the problems that arise are because of the lack of sensitivity on the part of the personnel. Many Black teachers will soon retire, and there is a fear that there will not be a new generation of Black teachers to replace them – young Blacks are simply not entering the teaching profession.[IS THIS STILL TRUE?] We must encourage them to do so, and reflect our presence in this society. Black organizations should lobby the school board to have some input into the selection of teachers. The Black community in general, should get behind and support The Garvey Institute, the QBBE, The Jamaica Association, and the BCCQ for their community-based educational initiatives. Black Community organizations with mission and mandates that specialize in education and the development of the child within a multi-racial –multicultural society. It was also pointed out in the paper presented by Dr. Bayne there is a need to support the work (school tours, artists mentorship program, literary readings, etc) of professional artists and arts organization organizations such as Black Theatre Workshop in the promotion of Black literature and the reinforcement of Black Art and Culture.

ChallengesThere is a serious drop out problem and we need to come up with solutions that will alleviate it. The Black community should acknowledge the success of our students in a meaningful way. Perhaps by using awards we can encourage students to continue good work, while at the same time giving others something to which they could aspire.

The Black Students Network of McGill is trying to introduce an African-Canadian history course, but is stuck in bureaucracy. All Black organizations need to show their support for this course, which will put pressure on McGill to seriously consider it. [what is the state of this today?] We need funding, both short and long term, for education and arts and culture; and it is needed on an ongoing basis. In addition, a physical location for cultural activities is required. The community should praise positive cultural activities, and condemn those that are destructive.

RECOMMENDATIONS

6.4.1. WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS:

GOVERNMENT6.4.1.1. It is [was] recommended that two additional seats be created atthe Table Concertation: one to represent the Education agenda, and one to represent Arts and Culture.

[THIS WAS NEVER IMPLEMENTED. BUT NO LONGER RELEVANT SINCE GOVERNMENT DISBANDED THE TABLE De CONCERTATION].

Education and Arts and Culture are now represented at the community table and the BCRC Leadership Forum.

6.4.1. 2. It is recommended that the government be required toprovide a centre for the practice and the development ofthe performance of Arts and Culture of the Black community. Some examples of the needs expressed are: theatre space for the Black Theatre Workshop, facilities and rehearsal space for steel bands and dance groups, space for Carifete costume design and implementation activities, facility for library, and .exhibitions, etc.

6.4.1.3. It is recommended that the government reform theeducational system so that the cultural and ethnic diversityof the Quebec society is portrayed accurately, and that, Black students, as well as others, will learn to respect eachother's culture.

INSTITUTIONAL ROLE:

6.4.1.4. It is recommended that school boards with large multicultural and multiracial populations select teachers with particular attributes which encourage the motivation and development of our youth. Training, monitoring of performance, etc., may be required to ensure teachers are effective with multiracial students.

6.4.1.5. It is recommended that school boards with large multicultural and multiracial populations select teachers with particular attributes which encourage the motivation and development of our youth. Training, monitoring of performance, etc., may be required to ensure teachers are effective with multiracial students. It is recommended that Black community organizations develop partnerships with educational institutions to ensure significant involvement in the monitoring of the effectiveness of the human resources teaching in a multiracial and multicultural school environment.

MODIFICATION OF 6.4.1.6 TO REFLECT CURRENT DIALOGUE

6.4.1.6. It is recommended that the Black community vigorously support the demands and initiatives of Black arts and cultural institutions, Black student networks , and Black and other scholars of McGill create programmes within the education system and Province wide projects that recognize and study the contributions of Blacks to the arts, culture and the development of Quebec and World societies..6.4.1.7. It is recommended that educational institutions also upgrade adult education programmes for adults in the Black community, i.e., French training, etc.

BLACK COMMUNITY ROLE: EDUCATION

6.4.1.8 Furthermore, it is recommended that there be a Forum on Education and Arts and Culture to marshal the community resources in addressing the present difficulties

6.4.1.9. It is recommended that the Black community continue to support the educational initiatives of organizations such as the QBBE DaCosta Hall], Garvey Institute, Black Community Council of Quebec [BECUM programme], Jamaica Association [office system Technology], and other Black organizations [DESTA, Black Studies Center (Library Communication and Archive System), ICED, etc]

6.4.1.10. It is recommended that the Black community develop immediate strategies to address the serious problem of unacceptably high rates of dropout at the high school level. Measures must be taken to reverse these trends, even at the elementary school level, in partnership with the government and the public institutions. Thus, because several investigations have shown that the problems leading to high dropout rate in high school o manage this potential problem by taking action at the primary level.

6.4.1.11 It is recommended that the family be encouraged to play an increasingly significant role in the education and development of our youth. 6.4.1.12 It is recommended that the institutions of the Blackcommunity structure their resources to support the family in this endeavour.

BLACK COMMUNITY ROLE: ARTS AND CULTURE6.4.1.12 It is recommended that the community encourage and promote Black Culture and Art as an effective means of reinforcing a strong sense of identity and positive self image amongst Black youth.

6.4.1.13 It is recommended that we continue to forcefully praise the positive cultural activities of the community and, condemn in a public way, those behaviours that are destructive to the life of all its members.

EDITED VERSION

It is recommended that we continue to actively and critically praise and support the positive cultural activities of the community and, discourage in an open, critical, professional, and evidenced based way, those practices that are destructive of individuals and institutional life, and the general wellbeing of the community.

YOUTH

6.4.1.14 It is recommended that the youth of the community be encouraged to consider teaching/student counselling as a profession to ensure that Black students continue to benefitfrom a continued Black presence in the educational system.

6.4.1.15 It is recommended that community organizations recognize the achievements of Black students and reward these achievements in the form of scholarships, awards, etc. 6.4.1.16 It is recommended that the implementation of a curriculum teaching Black history be given top priority and that efforts should be made to coordinate programmes across the country to disseminate information about our culture and heritage.

6.4.1.17 It is recommended that our youth should also be encouraged by community organizations to stay in school and that parents be helped to understand and participate in the school system. Programmes should be developed in partnerships with schools to identify youth-at-risk educationallyand to provide assistance to remedy the situation.

NEW UPDATE

In addition and Consistent with the findings of the research and studies conducted by ICED/EIDMC , John Molson School of Business Black Studies Center; YES Montreal, CEDEC, the McGill Consortium for Ethnicity and Strategic Social Planning (2001); and the recommendations of the Yolande James task force (2006), it is strongly recommended that the community organizational and professional leaders create more inclusive community based communication and information networks to encourage and give greater support to “economic diversification through business development” within the Black community; and that Black youth be more intensely exposed to business and entrepreneurship as a career option.

FUNDING

6.4.1.18 It is recommended that funding for these objectives should rely less on a project-based criteria and that organizations receive sustaining grants to achieve long term goals .

FEEDBACK

YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR AMENDMENTS ARE INVITED AND VALUED. INDICATE THE SECTIONS AND ARTICLES IN YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS. PLEASE VISIT THE COMPLETE VERSION OF THE VAL MORIN BLACK COMMUNITY REPORT (1992) AT THE BSCPORTAL: https://bscportal.wordpress.com/