Overview

The Alberta Black Advisory Council will advise on ways to address anti-Black racism and support multiculturalism, cultural exchange, and inclusion of Black communities across Alberta. 

This work is a key component in helping to build inclusive communities where all people are appreciated, valued, and respected.

Events

Moving Forward: Canada and the UN International Decade for People of African Descent (Oct 2-3, 2024)

As the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent draws to a close, 2024 represents a significant moment in Alberta and Canada to consider progress in areas of recognition, justice and development for people of African descent in Canada.

Through 6 expert panels, the Moving Forward event reviewed progress, gaps, outstanding challenges and priority actions related to key issues, including:

  • the justice system
  • economic empowerment
  • health and mental health
  • anti-Black racism
  • immigrant integration

On the second day of the event, conference participants prioritized actions to address outstanding gaps and issues. Conference participants included invited public sector professionals, community leaders, scholars and other stakeholders.

Moving forward was co-hosted by the Partnership for Research with African Newcomers and the Alberta Black Advisory Council.

Council mandate

The council will provide advice on:

  • addressing anti-Black racism and systemic barriers faced by Black Albertans
  • developing and implementing initiatives that improve the socioeconomic well-being of Black Albertans
  • increasing educational initiatives and public awareness on the contributions of Black Albertans
  • promoting cross-cultural understanding and celebrating Black heritage including during each annual Black History Month
  • creating a province where Black Albertans feel safe, valued and have opportunities to fully contribute to the growth of Alberta’s economy

Council members will be appointed for terms of up to 3 years and are eligible for reappointment up to a maximum of 7 consecutive years of service.

The council will be established for 7 years, after which time it will be reviewed.

Roles and responsibilities

The council consists of up to 11 members who represent Alberta’s Black communities. Two of these members serve as co-chairs. Council members will engage in respectful dialogue with individuals and organizations to better understand the needs and concerns of Alberta’s diverse Black communities.

Council members

  • Dr. Nketti Johnston-Taylor (Co-Chair)

    As executive director at Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council, Dr. Johnston-Taylor is passionate about empowering marginalized and disadvantaged communities, and helping to support newcomer professionals getting employment in their field.

    She is a non-profit and community leader with extensive experience in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and anti-racism related work, including over 7 years of board experience including Black North Initiative, Alberta Chapter. Dr. Johnston-Taylor has a doctorate in economics, politics and community development from Leeds University, England.

  • Yusuf Mohammed (Co-Chair)

    Yusuf owns and operates Lantern Glocal Co. and is founder of the Connection Intercultural Association in Medicine Hat. A management and human resource professional for nearly 20 years, he also holds numerous degrees and certificates, and is chair of the Medicine Hat Local Immigration Partnership Executive Council and a member of the Medicine Hat College Board of Governors.

  • Deborah Dobbins

    A cultural and special education consultant in Edmonton, Deborah is founder and director of the Shiloh Centre for Multicultural Roots organization, which is dedicated to heritage recognition of African-American Western Canadians.  

    A retired teacher and administrator with Edmonton Public Schools, Deborah holds a bachelor of education from the University of Alberta and bachelor of religious fine arts from Friends International Christian University.

  • Robert Tyndale

    An entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience in marketing, Robert “Bobby” specializes in brand development, partnerships and social engagement. He founded Version Me Media, which focuses on business development through content creation and influencer marketing.

  • Samuel Juru

    Samuel is executive director of the Africa Centre and serves on the Federation of African Canadian Economics board. A transformational leader with a passion for community development, he was also a strategic planner and the lead for immigration, settlement and anti-racism with the City of Edmonton. Samuel holds a master of arts in international development and a bachelor of arts in global studies and served on the board of the Tatamagouche Centre.

  • Dr. Faith-Michael Uzoka

    A professor of mathematics and computing at Mount Royal University, Michael holds degrees in mathematics and business administration, and a doctorate in computer science.

    A prolific researcher and community volunteer, he has received numerous awards in Canada and Africa, and is a recipient of the Alberta Newcomers Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal from the Government of Alberta.

  • Farah Ali

    Executive director and co-founder of the Calgary African Community Collective, Farah is also an Africa advisory board member with the Calgary Police Service and a champion for Alberta’s Black community. He is a former president of the Somali Canadian Society of Calgary and holds an associate degree in information technology, as well as credentials in public administration.

  • Brittany Stahl

    Brittany is a stormwater team lead at Stantec’s Community Business Development Centre. A dedicated community-builder and engineer, she holds a master of science in water resources engineering management, from Heriot-Watt University and the University of Glasgow, as well as a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Calgary Schulich School of Engineering.

  • Dr. Akinseinde Osakuade

    Dr. Osakuade is a family and emergency physician in Didsbury and clinical lecturer at the University of Calgary.

    Educated and trained in Nigeria and practicing in Canada for nearly a decade, he provides mentoring and support for international medical doctors interested in working in rural Alberta. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for contributions to the healthcare and disability sector.

  • Brian Morrissey

    Vice President Operations for Above and Beyond Adult Care Inc., an organization that permanently homes and cares for persons with disabilities.

    Brian has been volunteering and working with clients since 2007, supporting people with high complex needs and medical issues such as stage 4 cancer and multiple sclerosis. His strong leadership skills and entrepreneurial skills helped him develop state of the art infrastructure supporting those with physical disabilities.

  • Dr. Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika

    Dr. Okeke-Ihejirika is a professor of women’s and gender studies at the University of Alberta.

    She holds multiple degrees in education and economics from Dalhousie University and the University of Ibadan and has contributed significantly to research on the plight of African immigrants, including with the University of Alberta’s Pan African Collaboration for Excellence (PACE) and the Partnership for Research with African Newcomers through the Social Science and Humanities Council of Canada (SSHRC).

    Dr. Okeke-Ihejirika is the co-chair of the Premier’s Council on Multiculturalism.

Compensation disclosure

Public sector bodies are required to post online the names and compensation paid to:

This is a requirement under the Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act. The postings are required by June 30 each year and will be maintained for 5 years.

For inquiries about compensation disclosures, including exemption requests, contact:

Allison Pfeifer, Executive Director
Immigration and Multiculturalism
Email: [email protected]

News

Contact

Connect with council members, ask questions or provide comments:

Email: [email protected]