Members of the BIPOC Foundation in Lethbridge. (Photo supplied by Aziz Sani)

By Justin Goulet

Local group addressing gaps in BIPOC community

Sep 7, 2023 | 9:11 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The BIPOC Foundation is looking to make a difference in the community.

The foundation is a federally recognized and mandated non-profit that offers services around western Canada, with its headquarters located in Lethbridge.

Aziz Sani is the volunteer lead at BIPOC Foundation and the officer manager in Lethbridge.

He said the BIPOC’s goal is to “help Black, Indigenous and People of Colour start, grow or scale up their businesses, whether they are in the early setup phase, the idea phase or they are in the growth phase.”

Sani explained that the foundation, with the Executive Director Clement Esene at the helm, helps businesses find information, resources, potential avenues to funding, and whatever they can to help them grow in their entrepreneurial efforts.

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“What we’ve also realized as a group is that there are a lot of gaps in the community, in the BIPOC community specifically,” he added.

GALT MUSEUM EVENT

On Friday, September 8, 2023, the BIPOC Foundation’s sister organization, Leth’s Make it Happen, hosts a Digital Art Exhibition and Fashion Show to address one of the gaps mentioned by Sani.

The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge. It will showcase the talents of artists in a variety of formats, including paintings, animation, photographs and more.

Sani said, “It’s an opportunity to create an innovative space for art because art is one of the gaps that we’ve realized needs to close in the BIPOC community.”

“Be there and be a part of the community and help us bridge the gap that we’re trying to bridge, while also trying to have some fun.”

Sani thanked all those who have helped make the event possible, including the Galt Museum & Archives, Arts Marvels, the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association, Casa, Legend Productions, Strudel Brand, Omo Oba Arts & Entertainment, and Carpel Nation.

GETTING INVOLVED

Those interested in helping with the foundation have a multitude of volunteering options.

The foundation also offers internship opportunities for students at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College. More details about getting involved are available at the BIPOC Foundation website.

Additionally, citizens can subscribe to the BIPOC Foundation newsletter to stay informed on the work of the organization.

READ MORE: $2.6 million to Lethbridge group will support Black entrepreneurs

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