Our Story

Black Women in Motion is a Toronto-based, survivor-led, grassroots organization that empowers and supports the advancement of Black women, girls, nonbinary and gender-non-conforming survivors of gender-based violence. We work within an anti-racist, intersectional feminist, trauma-informed and survivor-centred framework to create culturally-relevant resources, healing spaces, educational and economic opportunities for survivors. 

A York University Research Project - Engaging Girls Changing Communities - supported by Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine and Professor Nombuso Dlamini, gave life to the organization in January 2013. Since then, the Black Women In Motion team has played an essential role in the gender justice and community development ecosystem, bringing critical education, wraparound and healing services to Black victims and survivors of violence. We've worked with small businesses, academic institutions, and community-based service organizations, to address gender-based violence and rape culture at individual and systems levels.

“It is my duty as a Black woman to ensure the well-being, prosperity and advancement of Black survivors. We have endured the unfathomable - and we are still here. We are poignant, prolific, and radiant. We draw our strength from our blackness, ancestry and lived experiences to fight systemic oppression and injustice, while educating others, so that they can do the same.”

- Monica Samuel, Founder and Executive Director

Unapologetically Black

We are by and for Black survivors of gender-based violence. We boldly and proudly invest in Black lives and Black futures.

Integrity, Transparency and Accountability

We are effective in achieving our mission while being honest, open and transparent about our operations, funding and service goals to our clients, donors, funders and stakeholders.

Equity, Intersectionality and Belonging

We are committed to the elimination of anti-black racism, discrimination and gender-based violence in all its forms. We respect the diverse lived experiences of our clients, creating an environment that is inclusive to Black survivors of intersectional identities and experiences. We foster a respectful environment anchored in trust that values the voices, skills, experiences, and contributions of staff, placement students and volunteers.

Collaboration

We actively build strategic partnerships and collaborations with sector leaders, community agencies, businesses, and grassroots collectives locally and nationally to better advocate and support Black survivors.

Service Excellence

We design and implement high-quality initiatives that are survivor-centric and culturally-relevant to meet the diverse needs of our community members. We review our policies, procedures and practices on an ongoing basis to monitor and manage quality and adherence to organizational and sector standards.