César Ndéma- Moussa a notable activist in the fight against systemic racism and inequality, recently shared his experiences and insights during a webinar hosted by the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR).
Ndéma- Moussa, Eastern Ontario Regional Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in Child Welfare and President of North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada, has been instrumental in advancing human rights causes, particularly within Black communities.
Isabelle Vladoiu, Founder of USIDHR, introduced the webinar, highlighting Ndèma-Moussa’s significant contributions to promoting fairness, diversity, and inclusiveness. She also mentioned his participation in USIDHR’s human rights consultant training program, showcasing his commitment to education and advocacy.
Reflecting on his training with USIDHR, Ndèma-Moussa echoed Isabelle’s emphasis on the importance of translating training into concrete actions. He elaborated on how North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada integrate human rights education into its programs, empowering Black youth, adults, and seniors. “Our organization has a longstanding commitment to promoting human rights education, largely thanks to our CEO, Mrs. Ketsia Peters,” he emphasized.
Ndéma- Moussa further underlined the value of certification from respected organizations like USIDHR, which not only validates knowledge but also builds connections with fellow changemakers worldwide.
Responding to Isabelle’s inquiry, he shared three impactful examples.
Firstly, their organization implements a crime prevention program offering mentorship, human rights education, and exposure to positive role models, particularly Black professionals, to counter negative stereotypes faced by at-risk youth.
Secondly, he recounted a story of a young Haitian man who, with his organization’s assistance, investigated his African ancestry through DNA testing and established connections with his ancestral tribe.
Thirdly, in response to the earthquake and political upheaval in Haiti, Ndéma- Moussa’s organization partnered with international collaborators to deliver essential supplies and assistance to the Haitian people.
Responding to a question from participants, César acknowledged the challenges faced by black Canadians in securing housing due to systemic discrimination and negative stereotypes. He compared this situation to the housing crisis in the United States, stressing the need to combat misinformation and fight against discriminatory practices.
In April 2024, César Ndéma- Moussa will represent the Canadian Black Civil Society as a delegate in Geneva, Switzerland, at the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent. This follows his previous engagement in 2023 at the U.N. Headquarters in New York City, where he actively participated alongside the leadership of North South Development Roots and Culture Canada.
In his upcoming role, César will focus on addressing systemic issues affecting Black Canadians. As a committed Pan-Africanist, he will also provide insights into the evolving power dynamics impacting Black communities globally.
