Charline Grant assumes the Chief Executive Officer position of the Advocacy Group Parents of Black Children

BY PAUL JUNOR

The parent’s advocacy group Parents of Black Children (PoBC) continues to exert a significant influence on the contour and landscape of public education in Ontario since it was launched in 2020. It has been consistent in their mission, “To eliminate anti-Black racism from all systems through transformational change, advocacy and accountability.” Their overall and prevailing vision is “To create an equitable and peaceful educational experience for Black students, free from oppression and anti-Black racism.” Since it was co-founded by Kearie Daniel and Charline Grant they have served in senior leadership capacities on many levels. There was an email sent to its supporters on July 9^th, 2024, which indicated that there had been some changes made. Charline will now assume the Chief Executive Officer position from her current Chief Advocacy Officer role with the PoBC.

Charline is a mother of three children who has been active over the years as an: entrepreneur, equity consultant, writer, and advocate and systems navigator. She has been featured in: Toronto Life, Chatelaine Magazine and the Toronto Star as well as being interviewed by many local television stations in Toronto. She is known for her pioneering and revolutionary work as a consultant in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion. She knows firsthand what it is like to fight against systemic racism, particularly anti-Black racism as she filed a human rights complaint against the York Region District School Board for discrimination by school staff against her children in 2019. The case was successfully settled, and she received a formal apology with the YRDSB agreeing to implement concrete steps to address racism and implement anti-racism for its staff.

The email notes described details about Charline’s equity work with the PoBC. It highlighted her extensive background and unwavering dedication to advocacy for Black children and families. It has been foundational to their organization’s mission and success. Her leadership and commitment have driven every initiative they have undertaken, and they are confident that she will continue to lead them towards even greater accomplishments.

These four core values are integral to the successful operation of PoBC:

• Analyzing power
• Active listening
• Appreciation and gratitude
• Transparency and accountability

PoBC offers a range of services, programs and initiatives to support families and help their children excel in the public school system. These include:

For Families

• Child Welfare System Support
• Education System Support
• Mental Health Support
• Mentorship
• Workshops

The Education System

• Africentric Virtual Campus
• Education System Navigation Support
• Navigating the Education System
• School Racism reporting Tool
• The Student and Family Advocate Program

Resources

• For Families
• Education Resources
• Media and Publications
• Our Reports
• The Ontario Trustee Tracker

For the past four years, Kearie Daniel has served as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer, but her recent absence has been conspicuous in the organization. The move of Charline into this position is intended to hopefully create a long-term and stable transition. The email notes further, “Our vision and mission will continue to advance under Charline Grant’s leadership. Over the last four years, our Co-Founders, the Board of Directors, and the leadership of Kearie Daniel and Charline Grant have built a strong foundation for PoBC, ensuring our growth and empowerment of our community.”

The email is optimistic about the future of PoBC in the years ahead. It mentions,” Looking ahead, PoBC are hopeful about the possibilities that lie before us as a charity and a community organization. Together, we will continue to innovate, advocate, and empower our community like never before.”

It is because of positive feedback and interactive engagement that PoBC believes that it is positioned to make significant progress forward. The new leadership believes it will strategically reposition so that it continues making significant strides in advocating for Black children and their families, ensuring a brighter future for our community.