The CanAfro Research Institute has announced two major developments: the launch of a dedicated helpline for Black male survivors criminalized after self‑defense, and a significant grant from the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) to build Canada’s first national anti‑Black racism data tracker.
Helpline Launch – Interrupting the Cycle
The new legal navigation helpline provides plain‑language legal information, court‑related referrals, and trauma‑informed support for Black men who have been harmed or threatened and then charged by the justice system. The service bridges the gap between victim services and criminal defence, operating one to two days per week starting in mid‑March. A peer‑mentorship program is also launched. The helpline is part of the Interrupting the Cycle project.
FFBC Grant – Black Data Sovereignty Project
Separately, CanAfro has received Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.) 3.0 Catapult award from the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) for its Black Data Sovereignty Project. The Foundation for Black Communities is Canada’s first philanthropic foundation dedicated to Black‑led and Black‑serving nonprofits.
For helpline access or more information, contact the CanAfro Research Institute.
About CanAfro Research Institute
Based in Waterloo, Ontario, CanAfro advances equity, justice, and inclusion for African, Caribbean, and Black communities through community‑centered research, policy advocacy, and evidence‑based programming.
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CanAfro Research Institute
contact@canafroinstitute.com