Who we are

Learn more about who we are through our vision, our missions and our history.

Learn about what we represent

About Us

Our Vision

WIBCA is the West Island’s leading Black community association with the fundamental goal of ensuring that all Black people, especially the English-speaking minority, are integrated as empowered and thriving members of society.

Our Missions

WIBCA’s mission is to empower the Black community to live a full and prosperous life through the development and delivery of high-impact programs and resources open to everyone, regardless of language, ethnic origin, color, gender, religion or race.

What we provide for our community

How we aim to achieve our mission

Educating the public on health issues, various cultures and multiculturalism.

To relieve loneliness and isolation associated with aging and to provide recreational, educational and cultural activities for senior citizens.

Rebuild our community centre to offer a drop-in centre for youths, as well as a community hub providing counseling, educational and recreational activities.

Provide academic scholarships to youths for the purpose of furthering their education.

Raise funds by contributions, gifts, legacies, bequests and grants to promote, foster, and expand the objectives of the association.

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Learn about WIBCA’s origin

Our History

In the spring of 1982, Norma Husbands and Margaret Jolly, the co-founders of WIBCA, were looking for organized activities for their children. Through their inquiries, they met Linton Garner, Juvenile Diversion Worker at the West Island YMCA and Momoh Kakulatomba, member of the BCCQ. Subsequently, a meeting with Black professionals was arranged, which lead to the realization that there was a need for a Black association in the West Island.

1982-1987Chairpersons: Douglas Lloyd (Interim), Momoh Kakulatomba, Veronica Johnson, Donald MacFarlane

WIBCA Phase 1: The First 5 Years

In the spring of 1982, Norma Husbands and Margaret Jolly, the co-founders of WIBCA, were looking for organized activities for their children.   Through their inquiries, they met Linton Garner, Juvenile Diversion Worker at the West Island YMCA and Momoh Kakulatomba, member of the BCCQ.  Subsequently, a meeting with Black professionals was arranged, which lead to the realization that there was a need for a Black association in the West Island.

1987-1992Chairpersons: Donald MacFarlane, Norma Husbands, Marie Garnett, Winston Brathwaite

WIBCA Phase 2: The Second 5 Years

WIBCA continues to fulfill its mandate to provide a variety of cultural, social, and educational programs for the community.

1992-1997Chairpersons: Reynold Clarke, Eileen White

WIBCA Phase 3: The Third 5 Years

WIBCA not only manages to overcome an expropriation crisis, but secures its own building, and begins forming new partnerships.

1997-2002Chairperson: Kenneth Bynoe

WIBCA Phase 4: The Fourth 5 Years

WIBCA continues to maintain its programs and services, and to liaise with the police, as well as with municipal, provincial and federal politicians, and the Lester B. Pearson School Board.  The organization also celebrates its 20th Anniversary in September 2002 with the theme ” Perseverance – a Fundamental Requirement for Success”.

2002-2007Chairpersons: Kenneth Bynoe, Veronica Johnson

WIBCA Phase 5: The Fifth 5 Years

WIBCA focuses on rebuilding, expansion and consolidation by reconnecting with other community groups and continuing relationships with political representatives at all levels of government.

2007-2017Chairpersons: Tomacuita James, Akwasi Yeboah, Elizabeth-Ann Williams, Kemba Mitchell

The Legacy Continues

WIBCA continues to increase its programming.

2017-PresentChairperson: Kemba Mitchell / President: Joan Lee

The Next Generation

WIBCA becomes the owner of its property, and makes a monumental shift in its services in response to a world-wide pandemic.