Honouring Black resilience: Message from Ombudsman Addo marking Black History Month

Every February, we honour the monumental achievements and enduring contributions of Black Canadians. This year the federal government’s theme marks three decades of observing Black History Month in Canada. It is a time to celebrate the roots of Black communities, reflect on their resilience and continue to learn and take action.

Black communities in Toronto carry many histories. Some trace their lineage to ancestors who were brought to these lands through slavery. Some are part of families who have built lives here over generations and others are newcomers who arrived seeking opportunity. While these lived experiences are different, they reflect a shared resilience in the face of systemic barriers that remain today.

Ombudsman Toronto stands in solidarity with Black communities in Toronto. We affirm our commitment to fairness, equity and accountability in all aspects of our work. Trust is central to that responsibility. We are grateful to those who place their trust in us by coming forward and sharing their experiences, and we recognize the responsibility that trust carries. We also know that there is more work to do. This commitment extends beyond Black History Month and guides our role as an accountability office every day.

Last year, in response to the calls for action from many in the Black community, City Council unanimously passed a motion that adopted the recommendations from our investigation into the City’s decision to stop allowing refugee claimants access to its base shelter system—a decision that disproportionately impacted Black refugees. These calls were essential to getting the City to adopt our recommendations, following Council’s earlier decision not to take any action on our findings. We acknowledge the role of Black community leaders and organizations in bringing attention to our investigation’s findings and are deeply grateful for the time and effort they dedicated to this work.

Progress is rarely a straight line. We move forward, we face setbacks and we continue the work. Progress requires sustained effort, accountability and partnership. And progress happens every day, often behind the scenes. As a Black a leader in the public service, I carry both humility and responsibility. Representation matters, not only in who holds leadership roles but in how institutions listen and respond. I also know that no one reaches these spaces alone.  My own path has been shaped by family, community, and Black leaders and organizers who have pushed for change long before many of us entered these systems. I am reminded every day that real progress comes from people coming together to organize, advocate and care for one another. It is an honour to serve Toronto, and an honour to work alongside Black communities whose leadership continues to move this city forward.