The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention is Pride Toronto 2022 charity of choice

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been over thirty years now since the Black Coalition for AIDs Prevention (Black CAP) has been addressing significant issues in the Black community related to the stigma and threat of HIV and AIDS.

According to its website: www.blackcap.ca, the non-profit organization is driven by the motto “Because ALL Black People’s Lives Are Important,” which serves as a reminder of our commitment to the human rights and dignity of all Black people who are vulnerable to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Since its launch in 1989, Black CAP has become the biggest Black AIDS service organization that has an active board and staff that offers programs and services in order to fulfil the following two missions:

• Reduce the spread of HIV infection within Toronto’s Black community
• Enhance the quality of life of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS

According to Black Cap, there are over 3,000 people currently living with AIDS are from the Black, African and Caribbean community and they make up 20% of the AIDS population in Ontario which translates to approximately 1 in 20 of Ontario’s general population.

It was announced that Black CAP was selected by Pride Toronto’s community advisory panel to be the Charity of Choice. This means it will be featured in the honoured position during Pride 2022 commemorations. This is an important recognition for Black CAP, which means that it will get great exposure and visibility during June, Pride Month and the annual Festival, which will be held from June 24^th -26^th.

Gareth Henry, Executive Director of Black CAP states, “Black CAP provides much-needed counselling, settlement, practical and peer-support, employment, housing and social support services that help people achieve their goals.

We also work with men, women, youth, and LGBTQ + communities to increase awareness about their vulnerability to HIV, AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections.”

Black CAP utilizes a participatory approach in its delivery of community-based programs and has been able to obtain funding to assist 2SLBTQ refugees and newcomers to Canada. In addition, it is presently involved in collaborations with organizations such as: the Dignity Network, the Federal Anti-racism Secretariat, the HIV Legal Network, Gay Men’s Health, and HUB (HQ) in order to enhance the rights of 2SLBTQ + communities. It is through these diverse initiatives and programs that it continues to foster positive social change and empower individuals to self-advocate.

Anyone interested in learning about Black CAP can check its social media platforms:

Website: https://www.blackcap.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackcapto

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackcapto

Instagram: https://instagram.com/blackcapto/