The Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba’s job and career fair, a longstanding event that returned on February 17 last to the Holy Eucharist Parish Centre on Munroe Avenue in Winnipeg, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between job-seekers and employers for over two decades, said co-ordinator Jim Ogunnoiki .

He noted that the fair, launched in1999, has evolved significantly, reflecting positive shifts in employment dynamics.

Ogunnoiki recalled the stark racial imbalances in employment during the event’s inception, noting that individuals from Nigeria, despite having high levels of education, often had to settle for menial jobs. However, he said that “today, if you have what your employers need, you will be hired.”

He pointed out the fair has facilitated increased representation of Black Winnipeggers across various fields, including finance, health care, the military, and IT. Noting the fair’s role in boosting the number of Black police officers in the city, he said that while there were only three in the late 1990s, many more have since been hired through the fair.

The event welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, offers opportunities beyond immediate hiring and advises attendees to engage with employers to understand what it takes to secure a position, he pointed out.

Ogunnoiki said the Manitoba Afro-Caribbean Association’s job and career fair continues to serve as a crucial platform for job-seekers and businesses to connect, fostering a more diverse and inclusive employment landscape in Winnipeg.

  job seekers, Winnipeg Black Winnipeggers