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 "For Us, By Us" and dedicated to amplifying the voices, perspectives, and wisdom of Black survivors. We boldly and proudly invest in Black lives and futures.

Accountability

We maintain honesty, openness, and transparency regarding our operations, funding, and service goals to our community, donors, funders, and stakeholders.

Intersectionality

We have a critical responsibility to actively prevent all forms of structural oppression and violence. We acknowledge the complex challenges and intersectional barriers faced by Black survivors who possess multiple overlapping social identities. We are called to center Black survivors who experience the highest levels of marginalization in our prevention, intervention, and advocacy efforts.

Curiosity and Bravery

"When you know better, you do better" - We approach our work with openness and gratitude for our progress, mistakes, beliefs, and perspectives while making room for new teachings, frameworks, and practices that will transform and deepen the impact of our work.

Collaboration

We are community-oriented and dependent. We build intentional and reciprocal partnerships and alliances to share resources and respond to evolving community conditions.

Collective Care and Healing

We understand the interconnectedness of our struggles and believe we have a personal responsibility to care for each other. We facilitate access to holistic, integrated, and culturally relevant healing rooted in love, joy, compassion, expression, and (re)connection.