CBWC | Ontario Region

Congress of
Black Women of
Canada, Ontario Region
CBWC chose the Cactus as a symbol to
represent the strength and resilience of Black Women
Who We Are
Scholarship Awards Program
Scholarships are available through a regional chapter
Regional Chapters
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Who We Are

The Congress of Black Women of Canada is a national non-profit organization, started by Kay Livingstone in 1973. The organization is dedicated to improving the lives of all Black women and their families in their local and national communities. The Congress of Black Women of Canada evolved from the Canadian Negro Women’s Association (CANEWA) which was founded in 1951 by a small group of Black women in Toronto. In recognition of the significance of self respect and self esteem to Black people, CANEWA’s chief goal was to expand Black consciousness in Canada and beyond.

The Ontario regional body of the Congress of Black Women of Canada provides leadership and direction to create and maintain relationship among the Ontario chapters in their mission to address the social, economic and cultural issues and needs of Black women. The Ontario region aims to provide organizational visibility, facilitate consistency of leadership and coordinate responses to the concerns and issues of all Ontario chapters. With a focus on the mission to assist Black women and their families, we collaborate to deliver programs and events that address child development, education, health, housing, pension, racism, sexism and human rights. Working within the framework of the mission and vision of the organization, each chapter is responsible for outreach as is relevant in their respective communities.

The regional organizational structure is as follows: Regional President, Regional Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Discover the Wellness Revolution

The Wellness Revolution Conference is an annual event dedicated to empowering and uplifting women through insightful discussions on health, mindset, and personal growth. This year, our 4th annual conference brought together thought leaders, mental health experts, and a vibrant community to explore the theme of “Mindset and Mindfulness.” Whether you joined us in person or missed the live sessions, you can now catch the impactful moments that made this event unforgettable.

Head to our YouTube channel to view all the sessions from the 2024 Wellness Revolution. Watch Session 1: Mindset & Mindfulness and Session 2: The Wellness Revolution Experience to gain insights, inspiration, and practical tips for your wellness journey.

Let’s make our Community a better place

Regional Chapters

Mississauga Chapter

Oshawa & Whitby Chapter

Scarborough Chapter

Waterloo Chapter

Many Thanks to our Partners and Sponsors

Photo Gallery

News & Press

Ours to tell

“Ours to tell,” is the theme for Black History Month 2023.  In 1995, the Honourable Jean Augustine secured a unanimous win to ensure Black Canadian

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Celebrating Black History Today and Everyday!

Another Black History Month and time to celebrate the past, present and future accomplishments of Black people in Canada.
Black history has sometimes been reduced to the enslavement of Black people and although that has been a component of Black existence, it does not tell the entire story. We know that before slavery Black people were kings and queens. We must also be reminded that the first university was located in Timbuktu, Mali, on the continent of Africa.
Then, as now, Black people are teachers, politicians, nurses and hold many other professional jobs for which they are trained and qualified. When the only narrative Black children are exposed to, is about enslavement, it robs them of their rich heritage, their self-esteem, and the high regard in which they should hold themselves and their ancestors.
Black History Month

Regional Officers

Our Regional Officers are comprised of elected members from Ontario region chapters.

Loris Thomas

Regional President

Mariska Thomas

Regional Vice-President

Rosalind Burton-Wood

Treasurer

Marcia Smellie

Secretary

Our Testimonials

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Congress of Black Women of Canada, Ontario Region