The Durham Region Police Service, in partnership with Black community leaders, will host a public Forum on Anti-Black Hate on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to confront racism, strengthen accountability, and promote community safety across Durham Region.

The forum will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ajax Public Library’s Main Branch, located at 55 Harwood Avenue South, in Rotary Room A. Organized by the Durham Community Action Group (DCAG), the event is open to residents, service providers, advocates, and members of the broader public.

Organizers say the forum is intended to provide a safe and informed space for dialogue at a time when anti-Black hate continues to disproportionately affect Black Canadians. While police-reported hate crimes targeting Black communities declined by seven per cent from 2022, anti-Black incidents still account for the highest proportion of hate crimes directed at any racial or ethnic group. Between 2018 and 2023, there were 1,776 victims of hate crimes motivated by anti-Black sentiment, representing about 22 per cent of all hate crime victims nationwide. Black males continue to experience particularly high rates of victimization.

Durham Region’s demographics underscore the urgency of these conversations. According to the 2021 Census, 36.6 per cent of the region’s population identifies as a racial minority. Approximately 66,035 Black residents live in Durham, accounting for 9.6 per cent of the population. Ajax has the highest percentage of Black residents of any major Canadian city.

Despite strong educational attainment, 70 per cent of Black residents in Durham hold a post-secondary degree, significant disparities persist. Black residents face higher unemployment rates, lower median household incomes, and are over-represented among low-income households. These inequities are often linked to broader systemic barriers, including over-representation in the criminal justice system.

Forum organizers say addressing anti-Black racism requires honest dialogue, data-driven discussion, and sustained action. By bringing police, community advocates, and residents together, the February 3 forum aims to strengthen understanding, build trust, and identify practical steps toward safer and more equitable communities across Durham Region.