Black History Month: Spotlighting Black Co-op Leaders

Published February 13, 2025

February is Black History Month, and the 2025 theme is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” CHF Canada celebrates the leadership of Black individuals and communities to the co-operative housing movement. 

We recently asked three of our board members to share their insights on Black History Month and what it means to them as Black leaders in the Canadian co-op housing movement. 

Allison Chase, Regional Director for Ontario, CHF Canada

“Reflecting on my years as a teacher, I’ve always believed in the importance of fostering young talent and encouraging others to step into leadership roles, especially Black women.

Black History Month reminds us that progress is built on the shoulders of those who came before us, and it’s our responsibility to mentor and uplift the next generation. In the co-op housing sector, that means working to ensure greater access to affordable, inclusive co-operative housing where everyone has an equal voice at the table. Just like in the classroom, the power of listening, respect, and shared learning can transform communities for the better.” 

Nicole Waldron, Vice President, CHF Canada

“Black History Month is a time to celebrate our rich history and the triumphs of our ancestors, and to reflect on and learn from their advocacy as they fought for the rights of all to live a free and inclusive life.  Our ancestors paved the way for us, and I am humbled to be a beneficiary of their resilience. They broke many glass ceilings for Black Women like me to sit at Board tables, including formerly as the first Black President of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada.

It is important for me to pave pathways for others, “Each one, Reach one”.  We need to see ourselves represented at all levels and bring others through the doors with us. 

I have always believed that housing is a right, not a privilege, and that co-op housing is an opportunity to foster inclusive communities. Advocating for co-op housing is my passion.  I know we can create a sustainable future where co-op housing is available to all who wish to take on the benefits and responsibility of membership.

I wish that our ancestors could see that their struggles and advocacy made a difference. I hope that each day we remember that we are becoming a part of history and have opportunities to make significant contributions to society.

Here is to Black History Month – a reminder that Black History is to be included & acknowledged throughout the year.” 

Laura Williams, Regional Director for Manitoba / Saskatchewan, CHF Canada

“Black History Month is a time to honor the resilience and strength of Black communities. It is a time to reflect on how we can build more inclusive, accessible spaces for everyone, but especially for those who have too often been marginalized, including Black communities.

I believe an essential component is ensuring Black voices are at the table, contributing to the ongoing story of Black history. In my role on the CHF Canada Board of Directors, I am committed to advancing co-op housing as a powerful solution to the exclusion so many have experienced. Solving the housing crisis in an inclusive way means more co-op housing. With each new housing co-operative we develop, we are truly building a better world and changing lives.”