What happens when a journalist’s heart for storytelling meets a strategist’s vision for business? For Camille and Roger Dundas, it resulted in ByBlacks.com – not just a magazine, but a movement. Before ByBlacks was founded in 2013, Black Canadian stories were often told about them by mainstream media, which frequently focused on either high-profile success or extreme criminality. Camille (the journalist) and Roger (the publisher) changed the game by creating a space where Black excellence is normalized through diverse stories from across the country.
Beyond the Directory: A Personal Deep Dive
While ByBlacks is home to the largest online directory of Black-Canadian-owned businesses, it’s the editorial heart of the site that kept me scrolling. I recently spent time exploring their archives and found gems that really resonated with me:
Design Inspiration:
I read a beautiful feature on Leslie Rivers, the founder of September Collective. Her story of creating cultural furniture and decorative pieces born out of her own search for representation is exactly what “Love in Action” looks like in the home.
Literary Excellence:
I also dove into an interview with Dr. Suzette Mayr about her 2022 Giller Prize winning book, The Sleeping Car Porter. I loved reading this book so reading this interview was a real treat providing background personally from the author on her own inspiration and journey through the research. Seeing ByBlacks provide such a thoughtful platform for Black Canadian authors makes it clear that they aren’t just reporting news – they are archiving our culture.
Celebrating the Culinary Scene:
I even found a section dedicated to ByBlacks Restaurant Week, an annual event that spotlights Black-owned caterers, restaurants, and food trucks across Canada! What a way to support the Black community than discovering the culture through something we can agree Canadians love, FOOD!
The Partnership Secret
This powerhouse wife-and-husband team proves that a partnership built on shared values can support an entire community. They balance their unique strengths to build a legacy that has lasted over a decade – all while raising two children and running multiple family businesses. As we look toward the future in 2026, their guiding principals remain clear: “Consistency is the cornerstone” and “Authenticity is the new algorithm.”
Advocacy In Action: Speaking Truth to Power
Beyond the screen, Camille and Roger are fierce advocates for systematic change in the Canadian media landscape. They don’t just report the news; they hold the industry accountable. From Camille’s work as a DEI consultant to their collective efforts in advising national media organizers on how to better represent Black voices, their influence reaches far beyond their website. They’ve even received a Certificate of Commendation for their tireless advocacy. For the Dundas duo, community love means standing up in rooms where black voices haven’t always been heard and making sure the door stays open for those coming next.
The “Conversation” Logo
Have you noticed the ByBlacks logo? It features a stylized talk bubble. Camille shares that this represents their work as a “constant conversation” with their audience – a mix of both critique and celebration. In 2026, that conversation is louder and more vital than ever. In a world where everyone has a soapbox in the form of social media to spew hatred or ignorance actual conversation is important to seek out and be a part of. This conversation starts with us, our neighbours, our community, and strangers coming from a place of love and curiosity to discover, learn, and grow.
Love in Action: A Growing Ripple Effect
Their marriage serves as the foundation for a platform that now supports nearly 5,000 Black-owned businesses through Canada’s largest online directory. The impact of their creation is seen in events like the annual ByBlacks Restaurant Week, which celebrates Black-owned eateries across six provinces, and the People’s Choice Awards, which allows thousands of readers to vote for their favourite artists and entrepreneurs.
Their dedication has earned them:
- Three national ethnic media press awards.
- The 2024 DEI Category award at the Foodism TO ICON awards.
- A certificate of commendation from the former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau for their advocacy work.
A Lesson For Us All
When we build together, we don’t just survive; we thrive. By recognizing all the unique “tiles” of culture, language, and potential that make up our country. ByBlacks creates a stronger mosaic for all Canadians. We are stronger together, and having a resource like this makes me proud to see every facet of what it means to be Canadian.