Ruth Goba Steps Down as Executive Director of Black Legal Action Centre

 

Photo contributed     Ruth Goba, former executive director of Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC)

By Neil Armstrong

Ruth Goba, executive director of the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC), has stepped down from that position, effective September 3.

BLAC has appointed Lesa Francis as interim executive director as the organization searches for a permanent candidate to fill the role. 

In a letter to colleagues and community, said she made the very difficult decision to after much deliberation. 

“Over two years ago, BLAC was created thanks to the vision and hard work of the founding Board of Directors, including the past Chair of our Board, Zanana Akande. The Board envisioned a legal clinic overseen and staffed by members of the community that would speak out on important issues of systemic anti-Black racism and provide critical services to the community. I am honoured to have been chosen to implement that vision.

“As I depart, I want to thank, first and foremost, the extraordinary members of the Black community who we strive to serve. Our community is a remarkable one. We all exist in a society that is rife with systemic racism and prejudice; a society that overlooks and diminishes Black success and devalues Black life. The disproportionately negative impacts of Covid-19 on the Black Community and far too many deaths at the hands of the police have revealed how deeply entrenched anti-Black racism is in our society. Despite that, we are diverse, strong, proud, resilient, tenacious, and beautiful. Our community has been a constant source of strength, support and inspiration to me. Thank you for blessing me with the opportunity to work alongside you. “

Goba also thanked the staff with whom she worked, noting that they are smart, tenacious, compassionate and thoughtful. 

“Their zealous advocacy on behalf of the community and against anti-Black racism will continue. We have worked hard to set a high standard for service and I am excited to see all that BLAC will achieve in the future. I also thank Legal Aid Ontario for their funding and support of BLAC’s work. 

“I am so grateful for having being granted this extraordinary opportunity and I will continue to work (after a break!) toward achieving an equitable society,” she said.

In a letter to the community dated September 3, Rinaldo Walcott, Chair of the Board and Zanana Akande, Ex Officio (Past Chair) said Goba joined BLAC in June of 2018 as executive director and has shown “true leadership during her tenure, advocating tirelessly and steering our organization through some of the most pivotal times for our community. Under her guidance, BLAC has grown to be a leading advocate in confronting anti-Black racism and a strong resource in providing legal support to Black Ontarians.” 

They said the work that was done under her leadership and the credibility BLAC has established is evident by the significant amount of donations the organization has received in recent months, which are being responsibly and transparently managed to ensure their future use for the clinic and the Black community. 

“Our work has only just begun, and because of Ms. Goba’s efforts, BLAC is in a strong position to build on our achievements as we continue to serve our community and combat individual and systemic anti-Black racism in Ontario.”

The Board extended its thanks to Goba for her dedication and hard work, and said it trust that she will continue to have a positive impact the Black community. 

Goba will support the organization through this transition phase. 

Meanwhile, BLAC says it is overwhelmed by the support it has been receiving “as our society continues to confront anti-Black racism and embraces the extraordinary movement taking place in Ontario and around the world.”

“Support for our legal clinic has ranged from everyday Ontarians donating a few extra dollars of their hard-earned money, to small businesses, law firms, students and others hosting fundraising initiatives, to some of Canada’s largest corporations offering significant financial support. We are deeply grateful for every donation we receive and are empowered by the broad support from the people of Ontario and the business community. It is clear that you share in our mission to build a more just society.” 

It said equal access to justice is a critical and fundamental part of ensuring human rights are upheld in Ontario. 

“The contributions we receive enable us to better serve and represent the most vulnerable members of the Black community, and help improve the laws that affect marginalized and low-income Ontarians. It is through these services that we can support the Black community in accessing justice and advance change in our society,” said BLAC.