‘Beacon of hope for future generations’
Chimbganda honoured for work helping young Black women
Dr. Tapo Chimbganda did not let the racism and discrimination she faced hold her back after arriving in Canada from Zimbabwe more than 20 years ago.
But despite everything she has accomplished in the years since, Chimbganda said some of those challenges have not ended.
“To this day, I still receive emails like: Everybody needs help. Black people just need to know how to work for yourselves. Why are Black people always looking for charity? White people also need mental health. Why are Black girls special? Why, why, why?” she told about 500 people who gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, in an event organized by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Niagara Council at Sheraton Fallsview Hotel.
“You get to a point sometimes where you think, ‘Why am I doing this to myself. I can find a job somewhere else. I left the world of academia to do this work.”
Chimbganda is a former professor at universities in Canada and England, and continues to teach future clinicians in the practice of mental health, focusing on equity, diversity, inclusion and racial trauma. She founded Future Black Female in 2019, a St. Catharines-based nonprofit organization.
But despite the ongoing challenges, she remained confident that, “one day, someone will see the work that we’re doing and give us what we’re due.
“And here I am,” she said. Chimbganda was presented with the International Women’s Day award for the work her team at Future Black Female is doing, helping young Black women access social, political and economic
opportunities.
Debbi Tonnies-Violette, from event sponsor PenFinancial Credit Union, said Chimbganda “refused to succumb to the oppressive forces around her,” despite facing exclusion and discrimination in various academic and professional settings.
“Instead, she drew upon her experiences to fuel her drive for change.”
After earning her PhD, Tonnies-Violette said Chimbganda’s “journey did not end with her own success.”
She said Chimbganda instead used her knowledge, expertise and experience to help others.
“Through Future Black Female, Dr. Tapo and her team have created some incredible and impactful initiatives,” Tonnies-Violette said.
“Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, Dr. Tapo’s true impact lies in her tireless advocacy for those whose voices have been silenced by systemic injustice. Her dedication to empowering Black girls and women to take charge of their education, careers and civil engagement is an inspiration to all of us.
“Her courage, resilience, and commitment to social justice serve as a beacon of hope for future generations, reminding us that change is possible when we stand together and refuse to be silenced,” she said. “When we empower and educate we not only help others, but we build a better world.”
Chimbganda said she is one of many women who are overcoming obstacles to help others.
“I know a lot of women like myself who are doing this work without payment, without the stability of a regular income,” she said. “And even those who do have funding and a regular paycheck still encounter a lot of discrimination, racism, a lot of micro-management from people who have no business managing them at all.”
Chimbganda attributes her achievements to people “who have come along beside me, supporting me.”
She described them, including board members from the nonprofit organization she founded, as “passionate Black women.”
“There’s no way I would be standing up here if it wasn’t for people like these.”
She said people of all races have helped her make a difference for the people Future Black Female assists.
“It doesn’t matter that they’re not Black women, they’re still doing whatever they can. We can call it ally-ship, but I like to call it partnership. They’re partnering with us in many different ways and we are so grateful.”