About Us

    The African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) is a Black-led, Black-found, Black-serving, national-level organization based in Edmonton, Alberta that empowers and serves African-descent communities in Canada through advocacy, direct service programs, and research & policy analysis.

    Our vision is for a Canada where African-descent communities are equal, thriving, and respected members of society, and where they have the resources and support, they need to fully participate in and contribute to society. 

    Our mission is to empower and promote the advancement of the rights and opportunities of people of African descent in Canada. We achieve this by providing direct services, conducting research and policy analysis, and advocating for policies that enhance the quality of life for our people and safeguard their human rights. 

    Our commitment is to promote justice, equality, and inclusivity for individuals and communities of African descent across all levels of Canadian society.

    Our five areas of focus consist of youth development, civic engagement, gender-centered support, justice, and community-based research.

    MANDATE

    The African Canadian Civic Engagement Council's mandate is to protect and promote the human rights and dignity of all people of African descent.

    woman in white tube dress sitting beside woman in brown dress
    photography of three women sits beside table inside room during daytime
    man sitting on concrete bench reading book
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    man in blue button up shirt beside woman in black and white stripe shirt

    ACCEC's Achievements

    • ACCEC completed various Train the Trainer sessions for practicing professionals working with families and youth in the criminal justice system.
    • ACCEC is currently providing training and education for a Mother working group who lost their children to gun violence.
    • ACCEC is currently working on a restorative principle approach recommendation as a direction for Alberta Public schools to incorporate as disciplinary measures to reduce the alarming rates of suspension and expulsion.
    • In 2018, ACCEC engineered the groundwork, strongly advocated for, and successfully got the City of Edmonton to pass Edmonton’s first ever anti-racism advisory committee.
    • ACCEC has advocated for and stopped two deportations and is working to address gaps in the system that led to the deportation orders.
    • ACCEC has worked with over 500 youth within the criminal justice system and successfully assisted youth in their rehabilitation journey and transitioned them into mentorship and leadership initiatives.