Non-profit organization BlackEstrie is shining light on black culture in the Eastern Townships with the goal of building connections between Quebec society and people from diverse backgrounds.
BlackEstrie started off with a Facebook platform that highlighted the work and contributions of black artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the region. However, BlackEstrie’s activities have since expanded into a television show called Personne n’en parle, covering topics such as “adoption, toxic relationships, and stereotypes against black people,” said founder Aïssé Touré.
As the mother of three children born in Sherbrooke, Touré explained that when she founded BlackEstrie in 2020 it was important for her that they had “positive role models” to look up to and that they experience the “richness” of African and Caribbean heritage and culture.
Touré noted that she believes BlackEstrie’s work, which also includes socio-cultural activities, helps address racism and “the fear of reaching out to others.”
