AGL Registered 2008-2010 The Beginning

 As the new year begins, most organizations are in a reflective mood.  Emphasis is placed on past challenges and how these can be converted into successes in the future.   At parties and cocktails, the atmosphere is celebratory as organizations brace for the future. This is no different for AGL.  Although a fledgling organization, AGL‘s impact on the African community in Canada has proved the importance of organizing in the fight for equality and integration.  “Our people are vulnerable to the social determinants of health more than any other demographic,” “Although most of the Africans who come to this country are highly educated,” “we are at the bottom of the poverty datum.” Poverty, inadequate housing, unemployment, non-access to education, human rights abuses, discrimination, exclusion  and healthcare that are among the challenges facing most black people in Canada.

The vision to create AGL crystallized in the minds of its founders in 2008, but the non-profit organization did not actually come to life until 2010.  Now five years after its inception, AGL is in the process of evaluating its impact on the community, and to instill new life into the organization via the increased hosting of a series of forums.  The organization is credited with some tangible achievements.  Case in point: AGL’s collaboration with local community organizations, civil society and other groups ensure that the basic needs reach the African and others minority communities in their  efforts to promote their well-being.  “AGL continues to be instrumental in collaboration with the a likes of universities and other Agencies to ensure that the research work that involves African communities is relevant and useful for the advancement of the People of African Descent in North America and globally,” “We are looking to increase the collaboration with SFU/UBC other colleges to co-host seminars different programs relevant to our communities.