Call for Action to Address Anti-Black Racism

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is calling for immediate and on-going action to address anti-Black racism.

The events of recent weeks have sparked a vigorous response from community and activists tired of violence and abuse targeting people of African descent.

Reaction from members of the public to high-profile incidents of violence against people of African descent in recent weeks has been exacerbated by conditions resulting from global and local response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Higher levels of isolation, stress and anxiety are compounded as individuals and families struggle to find support.

The Commission asks Nova Scotians to acknowledge the trauma and harm incidents of anti-Black violence has historically caused and how they continue to suppress communities of African descent. We ask all institutions and Nova Scotians to come together to identify and address practices, policies and procedures that promote anti-Black racism and racism and discrimination of all forms.    

We call on stakeholders engaged in work on the issue of street checks following the Commission’s release of an independent report by Dr. Scot Wortley last year to reconvene and detail steps for implementation of the outstanding recommendations, particularly those related to  improving police-community relations.

It is not enough to simply sympathize and stand in support of those harmed and traumatized by ongoing anti-Black racism. Our institutions must act to address this pervasive issue and act now.