RDDCF presents $40,000 grant for project designed to address racism, sexism, ableism and prejudice 

Group to create equitable and inclusive spaces for QT/BIWoC communities in Central Alberta thanks to Fund for Gender Equality

Ubuntu – Mobilizing Central Alberta, an organization geared towards promoting full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all organizations, will be embarking on a three-pillar initiative to amplify the voices in Central Alberta that are too often, silenced.  

The Central Alberta 40 Collective, which will focus on connection, education and equitable cultivation, will provide space for QT/BIWOC (Queer Transgender/Black Indigenous People of Colour) to connect in an inclusive environment. After introducing topics that directly affect their identity and wellbeing, the collective will work to become strong community resources on gender equity issues while working to integrate QT/BIWOC perspective and education throughout Red Deer & surrounding communities.  

“Data will be collected from the conversations to amplify the needs, wants and stories of the collective,” Sadia Kahn, co-creator of Ubuntu – Mobilizing Central Alberta said. “Using their own stories, we will develop a digital campaign as well as an educational exhibit.” 

The campaign will be used to draw attention to the collective concerns, highlighting areas racism, sexism and prejudice that create barriers to the QT/BIWOC communities of Central Alberta.  

It is then, organizers said, the collective will work to cultivate an equitable community. “The results of what we learn through this project will be shared with local decision makers to create equitable policies, foster deeper conversations around gender equity and highlight the disparities in the services and systems that affect QT/BIWOC in Central Alberta,” Kahn said.

Dieulita Datus, co-creator of the mobilizing movement said being approved for a grant of this nature means important Central Alberta voices are being heard. “This grant means that an organization led by two women of colour has been given – not just a seat at the table – but full participation and support to mobilize other Central Albertans,” Datus said. “It gives us so much pride to represent the BIPOC community members, but also a sense of feeling valued that our work is being seen and we are being supported.”  

According to Datus, this grant will allow the organization to stand in solidarity with other organizations in ensuring gender equity is present “in all that we do.”  

“We believe our work and efforts, through education advocacy and community building, has the power to address prejudice in equality where it lives – in the hearts and minds of people.”