The City of Victoria has selected who will receive their next round of funding for initiatives to help empower Black youth.
The funding comes from the City’s International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) youth grant program.
This year, five unique initiatives have been selected — each one eligible for up to $10,000 from the city.
“The return of this grant program is an important step towards making Victoria a more welcoming and safer city for all residents,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
“By creating opportunities for Black youth, this program helps to improve equity and challenge systemic racism.”
The five organizations who will receive money this year through the IDPAD youth grants are:
- A youth-led journalism and storytelling program
- A documentary about Black student, teacher and staff experiences in Victoria schools
- A community celebration to honour student achievements and milestones
- A basketball tournament and off-court activities celebrating Black players and their legacy on the game
- A series of arts, culture and career-development workshops
More information will be released in the coming months about the details of the different endeavours and how much each one will receive.
All these initiatives will be overseen by the IDPAD Advisory Committee.
“This grant creates an opportunity for Black youth to realize the pride of their culture, be inspired by those that have come before them and serve as role models for those that follow them,” said Me-Kon Hayes, Executive Director of the Binkadi Wellness Society and 2023 IDPAD grant recipient.
All these endeavours will help to celebrate Victoria’s Black communities and will pave the way for the future generations to benefit from their efforts.
