This February, we at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) are honoured to celebrate the Black-led communities we partnered with during this Black History Month.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to honor the amazing legacy of Black communities and empower the leaders of tomorrow. With engaging storytelling, fun educational activities, and community-led events, we’ll focus on this year’s theme: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”
Black History Month is all about recognizing the incredible resilience, contributions, and leadership of Black communities—both in Canada and around the world. It’s a time for us to reflect on the past, celebrate our present achievements, and inspire future generations to strive for a more fair and inclusive society.
At AHC, our Community Development Unit (CDU) is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting Black-led groups and organizations in the Greater Edmonton area. We’re all about collaboration, building leadership, and creating sustainable solutions that make a real difference for Black individuals and organizations.
“Action for Healthy Communities provided us with the required technical support and funding to get us off the ground with community gatherings space, which provided opportunities to learn from each other how to overcome family problems and promote personal, physical, and mental health in a new country,” said a CDU participant.
Together with a variety of fantastic Black-led organizations, CDU helps amplify voices, strengthen grassroots efforts, and drive positive change. Groups like the Eritrean Canadian Multicultural Association, Young Learners from South Sudan, Congo Canadian Youth Association, Edmonton Women Sewing Program, Bashi Community, Guinean Community, Tunisian Community, Burundian Community, Sierra Leone Community, and Ivory Coast Community have received our support as they roll out programs that tackle important social, economic, and cultural challenges.
Our initiatives have been key in:
- Supporting youth leadership through fun mentorship and skill-building programs that spark enthusiasm and growth.
- Helping newcomers feel welcome with culturally responsive services and resources that make integration smoother.
- Promoting economic inclusion by lifting up entrepreneurship and workforce opportunities that empower individuals and families.
- Advocating for mental health and well-being through community support networks that foster connection and understanding.
- Celebrating cultural heritage with vibrant storytelling and events, highlighting our shared identities and belonging.
As we celebrate Black History Month, CDU is thrilled to reaffirm its commitment to equity, social justice, and the progress of Black communities. We believe that together, through solidarity and collective action, we can make a meaningful impact and recognize the contributions of Black individuals who enrich our lives in so many ways.
“Working with community leaders has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s allowed me to form meaningful friendships and deepened my appreciation for other cultures. Joining the Cultural Group team is about embracing collaboration—where diverse voices unite to build healthier, more resilient communities through shared culture, mutual understanding, and collective action.”
Let’s come together to celebrate, reflect, and take action—because a brighter, more inclusive future starts with the communities we build today!