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=='''Context'''==

=='''Context'''==

The recent and recorded instances of police brutality against Black people in North America and the subsequent global outcry for racial equality and justice, juxtaposed against the UN Declaration for People of African Descent (UNDAPD) adopted by Canada, and the decades of work and sacrifice, have brought the issue of anti-Black and systemic racism to the forefront. These events have highlighted the need to accelerate progress in these areas.  

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other federal legislation provide a strong foundation for human rights, equity, and inclusion—protecting Canadians from discrimination. Yet, Black federal public servants continue to face systemic barriers within the federal workforce.  

The roots of anti-Black and systemic racism and discrimination in Canada run deep. As Black employees in the federal public service this is a foundational aspect of both our professional and personal lived experiences, impacting everything from career progression and representation, to our mental health. The experiences of anti-Black racism, as well as its impacts are varied. For example, Black women, Black LGBTQ2+ persons and Black persons with disabilities face further marginalization due to other forms of discrimination intersecting with racial discrimination.

In 2020, global outcry over police brutality against Black communities, combined with Canada’s adoption of the UN International Decade for People of African Descent (UNDPAD) and decades of advocacy, brought anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination to the forefront. The Dr. Zellars Study on Black Executives in the federal public service further uncovered persistent inequities and offered clear recommendations to address them.

 

These developments—grounded in legislation, international commitments, and federal initiatives such as the Clerk’s Call to Action against Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion—underscore the urgent need for sustained action to dismantle systemic racism and promote lasting change.

 

The Black Executives Network (BEN/REN) is rooted in these frameworks and committed to advancing anti-racism by supporting the removal of systemic barriers and upholding every federal employee’s right to a safe, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

== '''Mission''' ==

== '''Mission''' ==