Anti-Black Racism in the Canadian Music Industry: Vol. 1 Released

By Karen Bliss

Anti-Black Racism in the Canadian Music Industry: Volume 1 is now available on the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) and Breaking Down Racial Barriers’ websites and the directive to members of the Canadian music industry is simple: Read it.

“The report should just be seen as a step in the process towards the eradication of anti-Black racism. It is an executive summary. There is more to come,” said author Ian Andre Espinet during the CIMA discussion about Volume 1 on Feb. 28. “This is an ongoing conversation.”

The report — co-produced by Espinet and David “Click” Cox after they booked and co-hosted a 10-part web series in 2020 with over 60 Black music professionals called Breaking Down Racial Barriers — is 23-pages, including recommendations.

Added at the conclusion is the Breaking Down Racial Barriers Declaration to end anti-Black racism in the Canadian music industry, which, to date, has been signed by more than 500 members of the music industry from individuals to major corporations, associations and government organizations.

CIMA also announced the launch of a resources section on its website under “equity” with a submission form for additional recommendations.

The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), the Government of Canada (through the Canada Music Fund), Ontario Creates, and the Radio Starmaker Fund helped support the report.