In recent decades, Oshawa and Whitby residents have witnessed exponential growth in their populations. Alongside this growth, there has been a significant reshaping of the area’s ethno-racial demographic. Recognizing these changes, the then Congress’ Ontario Regional Representative, Ettie Rutherford, set out to address the need for a wider range of social support systems and resources. For the often marginalized community of black women. Ettie knew that the answer was the establishment of an Oshawa/Whitby chapter.