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About Black Legacy Collective

Preserve the Past, Empower the Present, Inspire the Future

 – Black Legacy Collective

Challenges

Black communities in Ottawa continue to be impacted by systemic racism, including the absence of Black histories from public records, schools, and cultural spaces. When these stories are missing, stereotypes persist and Black youth are less likely to feel seen and valued.

This work is needed now. By supporting Black communities in Ottawa to document and share their histories, we help build a more inclusive local record and create a model that can be used by Black communities across Canada.

Our Mission

Founded in 2023 by Keisha Cuffie, Black Legacy Collective (BLC) is a Black-led, Ottawa-based non-profit preserving and sharing the heritage of Black people in what we now call Ottawa. Through education, partnerships, and bilingual STEAM programs, we work with communities to ensure Black stories are seen, valued, and passed on for future generations.

Our Vision

We envision an Ottawa where Black history and contributions are fully recognized, celebrated, and integrated into education, institutions and heritage. By fostering representation, equity, and pride, we aim to build an inclusive society where all communities see themselves reflected in the nation’s past, present, and future.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT BLC’S VALUES AND STRATEGIC PLAN.

Where You’ll Find Us

Black Legacy Collective is headquartered in Ottawa and delivers programs rooted in the Ontario curriculum. Our work takes place in schools, community spaces, cultural institutions, and online.

While locally grounded, our reach extends across Canada – including the Atlantic provinces, Central Canada, the Prairies, the West Coast, and the Northern territories – making our programs accessible to communities nationwide.

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Land Acknowledgement

Black Legacy Collective recognizes and acknowledges with gratitude the sacred land on which our main office is situated as the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeq Nation. We are cognizant that Canadian contemporary society, beneath a veil of “equality” and “reconciliation”, maintains the long-held colonial tactic to dispossess our Indigenous friends of their traditional lands and livelihoods. We stand in solidarity with these lands’ original peoples. We acknowledge the continued presence and vibrance of these Nations as well as the growing, thriving communities of urban Indigenous peoples. We remain committed to learning how to be better neighbours. A portion of our annual proceeds is donated to Indigenous led causes.

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