Urban Alliance on Race Relations - UARR

Urban Alliance on Race Relations - UARR UARR is a non-profit charitable organization working with community, public & private sectors to pro

In May 1975, seven concerned Torontonians met in a small restaurant to discuss an issue that was of grave concern to them, namely the increasing frequency of hate-motivated violence against African and South Asian Canadians in Toronto’s streets, subways and shopping plazas. Galvanized by their convictions, this “group of seven” – Sam Fox of the Metro Labour Council, Wilson Head, Marvin Novick and

Anella Parker of the Social Planning Council of Metro Toronto, Ben Kayeftz of the Canadian Jewish Congress, and Al Hershkobvitz and Terry Meagher – recognized the need for community partnership with law enforcement and government to prevent these incidents. A series of planning sessions were initiated to explore ways to achieve this goal, and the rest was the founding meeting of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, held on July 28th, 1975, at the Holy Blossom Temple. Hosted by Rabbi Gunther Plaut, the participants included the original group along with other concerned citizens from a variety of backgrounds; racial, ethnic and religious groups gathered with labour unions and business to lay the foundation. Mary Louise Clements, Ted Harvey and Morrie Latchman of the Social Planning Council attended, along with Ed Clarie of the National Black Coalition. So, too, did John Burke of the Anglican church, Audi Dharmalingam of the University Settlement, and Rev. Eilert Frerichs, Geoff Brown, Derek Hayes, Sid Midanik, and Wilson Brooks. Throughout the months of August and September several other meetings would follow this first meeting. By this time, a decision had been reached: a new race relations organization would be formed. Officially launched in September 1975, the mandate of UARR would be to work to maintain stable, peaceful and harmonious relationships among the various racial and ethnic groups within the Greater Toronto community. Its Board of Directors would be an alliance of ordinary citizens who would reflect the diversity of modern society in Toronto and Canada at large. Governed by a commitment to increase public awareness of race relations, UARR has continually invested in the community through the development of volunteer leadership and potential, the organization of seminars, workshops and conferences, the establishment of groundbreaking policy through extensive research, and the facilitation of dialogue among community groups. As Toronto’s racial demographics continue to change rapidly, the vision of the founders has evolved in an effort to meet these needs. The Toronto Police Services, Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC), Special Investigations Unit, various levels of government, and numerous school boards, community organizations and institutions have all used the consultative, advisory and activist services of the organization.

\The new millennium presents new challenges also with renewed hope for the future. Fuelled by a legacy of past achievement, the struggle continues.

Join our team! We are hiring Community Development Workers to support our programming. Go to the link below to learn mor...
06/06/2026

Join our team! We are hiring Community Development Workers to support our programming. Go to the link below to learn more🔗

www.urbanalliance.ca/opportunities

No more stolen sisters, no more stolen kin.
05/05/2026

No more stolen sisters, no more stolen kin.

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination. Join us and the Toronto & York R...
03/22/2026

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination. Join us and the Toronto & York Region Labour Council on Monday to recognize this important date and build momentum to address racism and hate in our communities.

Event details:
Following years of rising racist, xenophobic, and hateful sentiments and movements in Canada and the world over, this year’s IDERD will focus on unifying working people of all backgrounds around a common platform which builds worker power and rejects hate.

The event will begin with a panel of experts from the labour movement, community, and Toronto City Council and will focus on lessons we can draw on from past and current struggles. We will then move into an open discussion focused on creating the basis for a fighting coalition.

03/21/2026
Eid Mubarak from the UARR team!
03/20/2026

Eid Mubarak from the UARR team!

The Anti-Racism Education Ontario (AREO) initiative, powered by the voices of communities, students, families, and educa...
02/01/2026

The Anti-Racism Education Ontario (AREO) initiative, powered by the voices of communities, students, families, and educators across Ontario, presents 9 asks for the Ministry of Education to increase racial equity in education.

Over the next 9 weeks, we will be diving deeper into each ask, breaking down what it means and why it matters. Follow along and let us know, what do you want to see change in our schools?

As President of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, I’m asking friends, colleagues, and community to stand with us tom...
01/09/2026

As President of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, I’m asking friends, colleagues, and community to stand with us tomorrow.

Together with labour, city councillors, and anti-hate organizations, we’re gathering for a counter-rally and vigil honouring Renée Good — a mother killed after dropping her child off at school during an ICE operation.

This moment demands community.
It demands clarity.
Immigrants are not the problem - billionaire greed and hate is.

I’m especially calling on fellow educators, parents, and community members - please join us.

📍 Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall)
🕧 Saturday at 12:30 PM

Let’s show what solidarity looks like.

🕯️ No to hate. Blame billionaires, not immigrants.

- Nigel Barriffe (he/him)

JOIN US TOMORROW! The anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant group “Canada First” are bringing their hate to Nathan Phillips Squ...
01/09/2026

JOIN US TOMORROW! The anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant group “Canada First” are bringing their hate to Nathan Phillips Square on January 10th. This far-right group, inspired by UK fascist Tommy Robinson, is part of a growing threat around the world. They blame immigrants for crises in housing, jobs and social services, instead of pointing the finger at the true causes – failed government policies that prioritize profit over people.

Let’s make 2026 the year we stop these hate groups from poisoning our communities and our streets with their white supremacist, anti-immigrant and Islamophobic rantings. On January 10th, dig deep into your networks and come with your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to say Solidarity not scapegoating! No to racism and Islamophobia!

As we end the year, we are filled with gratitude reflecting on our recent Racial Justice Awards and 50th Anniversary Cel...
12/24/2025

As we end the year, we are filled with gratitude reflecting on our recent Racial Justice Awards and 50th Anniversary Celebration. Surrounded by activists, community leaders, artists, and supporters, we honoured individuals and organizations who have advanced racial equity across sectors.

A heartfelt thank you to our award recipients, attendees, volunteers, and community partners, and a special thank you to our sponsors whose continued support help make this work possible.

We close this year grateful for 50 years of impact, and hopeful for the future we are building together. Happy holidays and New Year!

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214/2425 Eglinton Avenue E
Toronto, ON
M1K5G8

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