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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-10CJarbgton Clarington Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee Minutes If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 Time: 7:30 p.m. In -Person: Microsoft Teams Roll Call: Present: Councillor Rang A. Anderson (Chair) A. Phillips J. Browne L. Reyes -Grange N. Nembhard-Hunt T. Ologun-Kolawole Regrets: J. Glean S. Innocent Also Present: N. Balakumar — Supervisor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 1. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. 2. Land Acknowledgement Statement The Chair led the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3. Declaration of Interest 4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes Moved by: L. Reyes -Grange Seconded by: J. Browne That the minutes from January 8, 2026, February 5, 2026, and March 5, 2026, meetings, be approved. Carried Page 2 5. DRART Letter to DRPS The Committee discussed the letter issued by the Durham Region Anti -Racism Taskforce (DRART) regarding allegations of misconduct by senior leadership within the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS). Staff clarified that as a Committee of Council, CABRAC cannot issue independent public statements, and that any position must be advanced through a recommendation to Council. Committee members highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, the harm caused by derogatory language used by individuals in positions of authority, and the impact such incidents have on public trust and Black communities. Members agreed that CABRAC's role was to consider endorsement of the letter rather than revisions and discussed the option of including additional contextual language in a recommended Council motion to reflect broader systemic concerns raised by the Committee. Moved by: A. Anderson Seconded by: J. Browne Whereas the alleged use of a racial slur by a senior leader within the Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) is deeply troubling and harmful, given the term's history of dehumanization and systemic oppression against Black people; and Whereas the use of such language by someone in a position of authority within a policing institution undermines public trust and raises serious concerns about respect for the dignity, safety and humanity of Black residents; and Whereas incidents of anti -Black racism further erode already fragile relationships between Black communities and policing institutions, particularly at a time when Black families across Southern Ontario have expressed ongoing concerns about community safety, accountability and the urgency afforded to matters affecting the well-being of Black children, including cases involving missing Black boys in recent years; and Whereas the Clarington Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee (CABRAC) believes it is important for Council to demonstrate leadership by supporting meaningful accountability and has brought forward an attached letter from the Durham Region Anti -Racism Taskforce (DRART); Therefore be it resolved that the CABRAC recommend: Page 3 6. That the Council of the Municipality of Clarington endorse the attached letter from DRART calling for the Deputy Chief to be suspended without pay and for an independent, external investigation into the alleged use of a racial slur; and 7. That Council affirm its commitment to confronting anti -Black racism and to upholding the dignity, safety and trust of Black residents, recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability within public institutions; and 8. That this resolution and the endorsed letter be forwarded to the Durham Regional Police Services Board, the Chief of Police of the Durham Regional Police Service and the Durham Region Anti -Racism Taskforce. Carried 9. CABRAC Work Plan Subcommittee Updates No updates were provided. This item was deferred to a future meeting. The Chair indicated that follow-up communication would be sent to members regarding working groups and priorities. Members were reminded that the current Council term concludes in June 2026 and that any items the Committee wishes to advance to Council should be prioritized for the remaining meetings. 10. DEI Staff Updates Staff provided an overview of the Black Vendor Village, noting an attendance of over 800 people, increased engagement compared to the previous year, and strong participation from vendors, volunteers and community partners. Positive feedback was received regarding programming, performances, children's activities, and community engagement. Challenges discussed included space limitations and vendor concentration in similar categories. Committee members shared suggestions for future improvements, including exploring larger venues, expanding children's programming, and enhancing post -event engagement opportunities. 11. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Clarington Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee is scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, commencing at 7:30p.m. on Microsoft Teams. Page 4 12. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m.