Projects that support and empower Black youth in Victoria have received new funding.
The 2023 recipients of the City of Victoria’s annual International Decade for People of African Descent Youth grant program have been chosen.
The selected projects are a documentary, a journalism program, workshops, a community celebration and a basketball tournament.
“The return of this grant program is an important step towards making Victoria a more welcoming and safer city for all residents,” Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said in a statement. “By creating opportunities for Black youth, this program helps to improve equity and challenge systemic racism.”
The documentary is about Black students, teachers and staff experiences in Victoria schools.
The basketball tournament will also feature off-court activities celebrating Black players and their legacy in the game.
The journalism and storytelling program will be led by young people, and the community celebration will recognize student achievements and milestones.
The series of workshops will focus on arts, culture and career development.
Grant recipients will be awarded up to $10,000.
“This grant creates an opportunity for Black youth to realize the pride of their culture, be inspired by those that have come before them and serve as role models for those that follow them,” said Me-Kon Hayes, executive director of the Binkadi Wellness Society and grant recipient, in a news release.
The projects were selected by the International Decade for People of African Descent advisory committee, which created and oversaw the program.
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