McMaster helps launch Hamilton’s new Anti-Racism Resource Centre

McMaster is partnering with the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion to address racism and to provide support, information and referrals to persons impacted by racism and race-related oppression.

The new Anti-Racism Resource Centre will be located at the street level offices of the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion at 267 King Street East and will include confidential intake space, meeting rooms, a community meeting hall and a resource library.

The Centre will include one staff person, employed by McMaster, who will offer telephone and in-person support, information about options for reporting and referral to legal and social services. The Anti-Racism Coordinator will also offer a range of volunteer placements for McMaster students and community members in order to provide timely and effective responses to racism in Hamilton.

“This collaborative partnership is really meant to bridge the gap that has been identified by community members for support and information around issues of race, racism and racialization in Hamilton,” says Milé Komlen, Director of McMaster’s Office of Human Rights & Equity Services. “Our vision is that the Anti-Racism Resource Centre serves as a welcoming and supportive place that promotes the rights of all members of racialized communities to safety, respect and inclusion.”

Organizers of the Anti-Racism Resource Centre will pilot the program for three years and will rely on the expertise and scholarship of faculty members in McMaster’s School of Social Work to evaluate its success.

Hamilton city councilors have approved an annual $100,000 contribution to the Centre, with McMaster and the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion covering the rest of the budget in cash and in-kind help.