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Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Online via MS Teams
Clarington ABRAC Members:
A. Anderson (Chair)
A. Phillips
Councillor Rang
J. Browne
J. Glean
L. Reyes-Grange
N. Nembhard-Hunt
U. Sauter
Absent:
J. Adesanya
S. Innocent
T. Ologun-Kolawole
Also Present:
J. Gardner – Clarington Library, Museums and Archives
N. Balakumar - Supervisor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Meeting was called to order at 7:47pm.
1. Land Acknowledgement
A. Anderson shared a land acknowledgement statement.
2. Declaration of Interest
No declaration of interest by members.
3. Review and Approval of November 6, 2026, Meeting Minutes
Moved by J. Glean; seconded by L. Rang.
That the minutes from November 6, 2026, for the ABRAC meeting, be approved as
presented.
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Carried.
4. Committee Membership Updates
4.1 Resignation
The Committee was informed that H. Mire formally resigned from ABRAC but will
continue contributing to the Black Vendor Village planning committee as a volunteer.
4.2 Attendance Review
The Chair reported that J. Adesanya has attended one of the last eight meetings. As per
committee procedures, absence from three consecutive meetings without
communication may result in removal.
After discussing the attendance expectations and recruitment needs, the Committee
agreed to conclude the member’s appointment.
Moved by A. Anderson; seconded by L. Reyes-Grange.
That the membership of J. Adesanya on ABRAC be concluded due to prolonged non-
attendance.
Carried.
N. Balakumar to advise the Clerk’s Division that two vacancies now exist.
5. Staff Update
The Staff Liaison provided an update in response to earlier concerns about hateful and
divisive online activity targeting committee work and concerns around the safety and
well-being of volunteers.
Staff clarified requirements and procedures for the publication of agendas and minutes.
Committee members were informed that online hate has escalated across the public
sector, affecting many committees and staff teams.
The Municipality continues to monitor and moderate its official channels, follow
established social media conduct policies and engage in ongoing regional discussions
on this issue.
Members discussed the limitations of current legal frameworks in addressing harmful
online behaviour and reflected on potential areas for future advocacy.
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6. ABRAC Workplan Subcommittee Updates
6.1 Black Vendor Village (BVV) Update
The Staff Liaison provided an update on preparation for the upcoming Black Vendor
Village (BVV) event, noting strong interest from the community and a diverse range of
vendors and activities planned for the day.
The planning team is exploring opportunities to highlight ABRAC’s role, including a
committee representative delivering the African Ancestral Acknowledgement.
N. Balakumar will share the draft acknowledgement used in previous years as a
reference point. A volunteer will need to be confirmed before the next meeting.
Members also discussed incorporating the African Ancestral Acknowledgement into
regular committee meetings.
7. Adjournment
Moved by A. Anderson; seconded by L. Rang
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:43pm.
Next Meeting: Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 7:30pm (virtual)