Canada | Press release – Firm | December 2023
The funds donated will support the Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism and the BlackNorth Initiative, which the Council established to increase the pipeline of Black talent in leadership positions. The firm will also provide pro bono legal services for Black entrepreneurs.
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada is pleased to announce a donation of $100,000 disbursed over four years to the Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism and the BlackNorth Initiative (BNI), created by the Council to support Black professionals. Our firm has also entered into an agreement to provide pro bono services to Black-led businesses and Black entrepreneurs.
“We are committed to racial equity, raising awareness and ending the systemic anti-Black racism prevalent in our society,” said Charles Hurdon, Canadian Managing Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright. “This donation will support various initiatives and programs designed to empower young and upcoming Black talent to achieve their goals and reach leadership positions, securing a professional pipeline of future generations of leaders,” added Mr. Hurdon.
Providing this funding will allow affiliated organizations to build the momentum to reach their goals. Specifically, the funding will support student bursaries and scholarships, and more broadly, learning and education, as well as assist in organizational stewardship, granting, management and operating costs.
“We are thrilled to receive this generous donation and commitment of pro bono legal services from Norton Rose Fulbright,” said Dahabo Ahmed Omer, CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative. “This contribution is a powerful testament to their dedication to fighting anti-Black systemic racism. It aligns perfectly with our mission at BNI to break down barriers and open doors for Black professionals and entrepreneurs.”
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada will offer pro bono services to small qualifying business owners and entrepreneurs. The pilot program will focus on assistance in the following areas:
Applications for pro bono services can be made through BNI’s Black Entrepreneurship Growth and Innovation Network (BEGIN) portal/platform.
In July 2020, Norton Rose Fulbright became one of the first signatories of the BNI Law Firm pledge. The pledge is a call to action for Canadian law firms to commit to specific activities and targets designed to end systemic anti-Black racism.
Click here to read more about the actions Norton Rose Fulbright has taken since becoming a signatory of the BNI Law Firm Pledge:
About BlackNorth Initiative
The BlackNorth Initiative is dedicated to eradicating anti-Black systemic racism in all facets of Canadian life, leveraging a business-first approach. Committed to removing systemic barriers that hinder the progress of Black Canadians, the initiative aims to foster an inclusive society for all. To learn more, please visit: https://blacknorth.ca/ and follows us on social media @blacknorthca.
Basia Radomski, Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: +1 416.333.3865
Top
© Norton Rose Fulbright LLP 2023
Norton Rose Fulbright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Norton Rose Fulbright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.
