#blackexcellence — Public Fediverse posts

Getty: Getty Awards $1.8M to Increase Access to Black Visual Arts Archives. “The Getty Foundation announced today it has awarded $1.8 million for eight grants through its Black Visual Arts Archives initiative, a national, multi-year program to enhance access to archival collections related to Black artists and arts organizations.”

#BlackExcellence #BlackSupremacy #BLACKPOWER

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#BlackExcellence

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Yale Library: Mohamed Diallo ’26 reassembles the story of Yale’s early Black students with archival research and ArcGIS mapping. “As a Community Engagement intern at Beinecke Library, Mohamed Diallo ’26 played a central role in the creation of the online resource ‘Shining Light on Truth: Early Black Students at Yale.’ The website features profiles of Black students who attended Yale from […]

Young, Black, and Powerful: Black Youth as Agents of Change

The Bounce Black Team

At the 5th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, one message came through clearly: young people of African descent are not just future leaders, they are rights-holders and changemakers now.

This framing matters.

Because too often, Black youth are spoken about in terms of deficits: barriers in education, limited access to opportunity, overexposure to systems of punishment, and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces.

These things are real, and they are systemic.

But they are not the full story.

Beyond Barriers: Recognising Agency

The Forum highlighted what many of us already know through lived experience:

Young people of African descent are actively shaping change in their communities, online, in workplaces, and across global movements.

They are:

• Organising and mobilising
• Creating new economic pathways
• Challenging harmful narratives
• Building communities of care and resistance

Yet, their ability to do so is often constrained by the very systems they are trying to transform.

To call young people “changemakers” without addressing structural inequality is incomplete. To address inequality without recognising agency is also incomplete.

Both must exist together.

Where Bounce Black Stands

At Bounce Black, this intersection is where we work.

Our programmes are grounded in a simple but powerful belief:

Black young people deserve not just access, but the tools, support, and environment to thrive.

Through initiatives like the Roots: Career Foundations Programme, we support Black students and early career professionals to:

• Navigate complex and often exclusionary systems
• Build confidence and clarity in their career pathways
• Develop skills that translate into real opportunities
• Prioritise wellbeing in the face of racialised experiences

This is more than standard professional development. It is structural intervention at the level of lived experience.

From Global Dialogue to Local Impact

We were also featured in a Forum side event titled Tomorrow’s Trailblazers: Youth Leadership Across the UK’s African Diaspora hosted by our friends at the Young Africa Centre.

The virtual event showcased YAC, its collaborators and the collective impact of youth-led organisations in London, UK.

Our contribution focused on:

• The realities Black students and professionals face in education and employment
• The impact of racial trauma on confidence, performance, and progression
• The importance of holistic, trauma informed support
• The need to move beyond “access” towards sustainable thriving

We shared how community-led, culturally responsive programmes can:

• Bridge the gap between policy and lived experience
• Equip young people with both practical tools and internal resilience
• Create spaces where growth, healing, and ambition can coexist

The response reinforced something important, namely that this work is needed, and it resonates globally.

What Needs to Happen Next

If young people of African descent are to be truly recognised as rights-holders and changemakers, then:

1. Systems must change
Education, employment, and justice systems must move beyond performative inclusion towards structural transformation.

2. Investment must follow
Community-led organisations doing this work need sustained funding and support. (If you’re feeling generous, consider donating to our crowdfunder here)

3. Young people must be meaningfully included
Not as tokens, but as partners in shaping policy and decision making.

4. Wellbeing must be prioritised
Thriving is not just economic; it is emotional, psychological, and social.

From Recognition to Reality

The conversations at the Forum are important. They set the tone. They shape global priorities.

But the real test is what happens next.

At Bounce Black, we remain committed to ensuring that these global commitments translate into something tangible.

In classrooms, workplaces, and our everyday lives.

Because Black young people are already changemakers.

The question is whether the world will meet them with the support, recognition, and structural change they deserve.

At this point, we’re done asking.

We’re demanding it and building for ourselves.

Young, Black, and Powerful: Black Youth as Agents of Change

The Bounce Black Team

At the 5th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, one message came through clearly: young people of African descent are not just future leaders, they are rights-holders and changemakers now.

This framing matters.

Because too often, Black youth are spoken about in terms of deficits: barriers in education, limited access to opportunity, overexposure to systems of punishment, and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces.

These things are real, and they are systemic.

But they are not the full story.

Beyond Barriers: Recognising Agency

The Forum highlighted what many of us already know through lived experience:

Young people of African descent are actively shaping change in their communities, online, in workplaces, and across global movements.

They are:

• Organising and mobilising
• Creating new economic pathways
• Challenging harmful narratives
• Building communities of care and resistance

Yet, their ability to do so is often constrained by the very systems they are trying to transform.

To call young people “changemakers” without addressing structural inequality is incomplete. To address inequality without recognising agency is also incomplete.

Both must exist together.

Where Bounce Black Stands

At Bounce Black, this intersection is where we work.

Our programmes are grounded in a simple but powerful belief:

Black young people deserve not just access, but the tools, support, and environment to thrive.

Through initiatives like the Roots: Career Foundations Programme, we support Black students and early career professionals to:

• Navigate complex and often exclusionary systems
• Build confidence and clarity in their career pathways
• Develop skills that translate into real opportunities
• Prioritise wellbeing in the face of racialised experiences

This is more than standard professional development. It is structural intervention at the level of lived experience.

From Global Dialogue to Local Impact

We were also featured in a Forum side event titled Tomorrow’s Trailblazers: Youth Leadership Across the UK’s African Diaspora hosted by our friends at the Young Africa Centre.

The virtual event showcased YAC, its collaborators and the collective impact of youth-led organisations in London, UK.

Our contribution focused on:

• The realities Black students and professionals face in education and employment
• The impact of racial trauma on confidence, performance, and progression
• The importance of holistic, trauma informed support
• The need to move beyond “access” towards sustainable thriving

We shared how community-led, culturally responsive programmes can:

• Bridge the gap between policy and lived experience
• Equip young people with both practical tools and internal resilience
• Create spaces where growth, healing, and ambition can coexist

The response reinforced something important, namely that this work is needed, and it resonates globally.

What Needs to Happen Next

If young people of African descent are to be truly recognised as rights-holders and changemakers, then:

1. Systems must change
Education, employment, and justice systems must move beyond performative inclusion towards structural transformation.

2. Investment must follow
Community-led organisations doing this work need sustained funding and support. (If you’re feeling generous, consider donating to our crowdfunder here)

3. Young people must be meaningfully included
Not as tokens, but as partners in shaping policy and decision making.

4. Wellbeing must be prioritised
Thriving is not just economic; it is emotional, psychological, and social.

From Recognition to Reality

The conversations at the Forum are important. They set the tone. They shape global priorities.

But the real test is what happens next.

At Bounce Black, we remain committed to ensuring that these global commitments translate into something tangible.

In classrooms, workplaces, and our everyday lives.

Because Black young people are already changemakers.

The question is whether the world will meet them with the support, recognition, and structural change they deserve.

At this point, we’re done asking.

We’re demanding it and building for ourselves.

Young, Black, and Powerful: Black Youth as Agents of Change

The Bounce Black Team

At the 5th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, one message came through clearly: young people of African descent are not just future leaders, they are rights-holders and changemakers now.

This framing matters.

Because too often, Black youth are spoken about in terms of deficits: barriers in education, limited access to opportunity, overexposure to systems of punishment, and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces.

These things are real, and they are systemic.

But they are not the full story.

Beyond Barriers: Recognising Agency

The Forum highlighted what many of us already know through lived experience:

Young people of African descent are actively shaping change in their communities, online, in workplaces, and across global movements.

They are:

• Organising and mobilising
• Creating new economic pathways
• Challenging harmful narratives
• Building communities of care and resistance

Yet, their ability to do so is often constrained by the very systems they are trying to transform.

To call young people “changemakers” without addressing structural inequality is incomplete. To address inequality without recognising agency is also incomplete.

Both must exist together.

Where Bounce Black Stands

At Bounce Black, this intersection is where we work.

Our programmes are grounded in a simple but powerful belief:

Black young people deserve not just access, but the tools, support, and environment to thrive.

Through initiatives like the Roots: Career Foundations Programme, we support Black students and early career professionals to:

• Navigate complex and often exclusionary systems
• Build confidence and clarity in their career pathways
• Develop skills that translate into real opportunities
• Prioritise wellbeing in the face of racialised experiences

This is more than standard professional development. It is structural intervention at the level of lived experience.

From Global Dialogue to Local Impact

We were also featured in a Forum side event titled Tomorrow’s Trailblazers: Youth Leadership Across the UK’s African Diaspora hosted by our friends at the Young Africa Centre.

The virtual event showcased YAC, its collaborators and the collective impact of youth-led organisations in London, UK.

Our contribution focused on:

• The realities Black students and professionals face in education and employment
• The impact of racial trauma on confidence, performance, and progression
• The importance of holistic, trauma informed support
• The need to move beyond “access” towards sustainable thriving

We shared how community-led, culturally responsive programmes can:

• Bridge the gap between policy and lived experience
• Equip young people with both practical tools and internal resilience
• Create spaces where growth, healing, and ambition can coexist

The response reinforced something important, namely that this work is needed, and it resonates globally.

What Needs to Happen Next

If young people of African descent are to be truly recognised as rights-holders and changemakers, then:

1. Systems must change
Education, employment, and justice systems must move beyond performative inclusion towards structural transformation.

2. Investment must follow
Community-led organisations doing this work need sustained funding and support. (If you’re feeling generous, consider donating to our crowdfunder here)

3. Young people must be meaningfully included
Not as tokens, but as partners in shaping policy and decision making.

4. Wellbeing must be prioritised
Thriving is not just economic; it is emotional, psychological, and social.

From Recognition to Reality

The conversations at the Forum are important. They set the tone. They shape global priorities.

But the real test is what happens next.

At Bounce Black, we remain committed to ensuring that these global commitments translate into something tangible.

In classrooms, workplaces, and our everyday lives.

Because Black young people are already changemakers.

The question is whether the world will meet them with the support, recognition, and structural change they deserve.

At this point, we’re done asking.

We’re demanding it and building for ourselves.

Young, Black, and Powerful: Black Youth as Agents of Change

The Bounce Black Team

At the 5th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, one message came through clearly: young people of African descent are not just future leaders, they are rights-holders and changemakers now.

This framing matters.

Because too often, Black youth are spoken about in terms of deficits: barriers in education, limited access to opportunity, overexposure to systems of punishment, and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces.

These things are real, and they are systemic.

But they are not the full story.

Beyond Barriers: Recognising Agency

The Forum highlighted what many of us already know through lived experience:

Young people of African descent are actively shaping change in their communities, online, in workplaces, and across global movements.

They are:

• Organising and mobilising
• Creating new economic pathways
• Challenging harmful narratives
• Building communities of care and resistance

Yet, their ability to do so is often constrained by the very systems they are trying to transform.

To call young people “changemakers” without addressing structural inequality is incomplete. To address inequality without recognising agency is also incomplete.

Both must exist together.

Where Bounce Black Stands

At Bounce Black, this intersection is where we work.

Our programmes are grounded in a simple but powerful belief:

Black young people deserve not just access, but the tools, support, and environment to thrive.

Through initiatives like the Roots: Career Foundations Programme, we support Black students and early career professionals to:

• Navigate complex and often exclusionary systems
• Build confidence and clarity in their career pathways
• Develop skills that translate into real opportunities
• Prioritise wellbeing in the face of racialised experiences

This is more than standard professional development. It is structural intervention at the level of lived experience.

From Global Dialogue to Local Impact

We were also featured in a Forum side event titled Tomorrow’s Trailblazers: Youth Leadership Across the UK’s African Diaspora hosted by our friends at the Young Africa Centre.

The virtual event showcased YAC, its collaborators and the collective impact of youth-led organisations in London, UK.

Our contribution focused on:

• The realities Black students and professionals face in education and employment
• The impact of racial trauma on confidence, performance, and progression
• The importance of holistic, trauma informed support
• The need to move beyond “access” towards sustainable thriving

We shared how community-led, culturally responsive programmes can:

• Bridge the gap between policy and lived experience
• Equip young people with both practical tools and internal resilience
• Create spaces where growth, healing, and ambition can coexist

The response reinforced something important, namely that this work is needed, and it resonates globally.

What Needs to Happen Next

If young people of African descent are to be truly recognised as rights-holders and changemakers, then:

1. Systems must change
Education, employment, and justice systems must move beyond performative inclusion towards structural transformation.

2. Investment must follow
Community-led organisations doing this work need sustained funding and support. (If you’re feeling generous, consider donating to our crowdfunder here)

3. Young people must be meaningfully included
Not as tokens, but as partners in shaping policy and decision making.

4. Wellbeing must be prioritised
Thriving is not just economic; it is emotional, psychological, and social.

From Recognition to Reality

The conversations at the Forum are important. They set the tone. They shape global priorities.

But the real test is what happens next.

At Bounce Black, we remain committed to ensuring that these global commitments translate into something tangible.

In classrooms, workplaces, and our everyday lives.

Because Black young people are already changemakers.

The question is whether the world will meet them with the support, recognition, and structural change they deserve.

At this point, we’re done asking.

We’re demanding it and building for ourselves.

Young, Black, and Powerful: Black Youth as Agents of Change

The Bounce Black Team

At the 5th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, one message came through clearly: young people of African descent are not just future leaders, they are rights-holders and changemakers now.

This framing matters.

Because too often, Black youth are spoken about in terms of deficits: barriers in education, limited access to opportunity, overexposure to systems of punishment, and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces.

These things are real, and they are systemic.

But they are not the full story.

Beyond Barriers: Recognising Agency

The Forum highlighted what many of us already know through lived experience:

Young people of African descent are actively shaping change in their communities, online, in workplaces, and across global movements.

They are:

• Organising and mobilising
• Creating new economic pathways
• Challenging harmful narratives
• Building communities of care and resistance

Yet, their ability to do so is often constrained by the very systems they are trying to transform.

To call young people “changemakers” without addressing structural inequality is incomplete. To address inequality without recognising agency is also incomplete.

Both must exist together.

Where Bounce Black Stands

At Bounce Black, this intersection is where we work.

Our programmes are grounded in a simple but powerful belief:

Black young people deserve not just access, but the tools, support, and environment to thrive.

Through initiatives like the Roots: Career Foundations Programme, we support Black students and early career professionals to:

• Navigate complex and often exclusionary systems
• Build confidence and clarity in their career pathways
• Develop skills that translate into real opportunities
• Prioritise wellbeing in the face of racialised experiences

This is more than standard professional development. It is structural intervention at the level of lived experience.

From Global Dialogue to Local Impact

We were also featured in a Forum side event titled Tomorrow’s Trailblazers: Youth Leadership Across the UK’s African Diaspora hosted by our friends at the Young Africa Centre.

The virtual event showcased YAC, its collaborators and the collective impact of youth-led organisations in London, UK.

Our contribution focused on:

• The realities Black students and professionals face in education and employment
• The impact of racial trauma on confidence, performance, and progression
• The importance of holistic, trauma informed support
• The need to move beyond “access” towards sustainable thriving

We shared how community-led, culturally responsive programmes can:

• Bridge the gap between policy and lived experience
• Equip young people with both practical tools and internal resilience
• Create spaces where growth, healing, and ambition can coexist

The response reinforced something important, namely that this work is needed, and it resonates globally.

What Needs to Happen Next

If young people of African descent are to be truly recognised as rights-holders and changemakers, then:

1. Systems must change
Education, employment, and justice systems must move beyond performative inclusion towards structural transformation.

2. Investment must follow
Community-led organisations doing this work need sustained funding and support. (If you’re feeling generous, consider donating to our crowdfunder here)

3. Young people must be meaningfully included
Not as tokens, but as partners in shaping policy and decision making.

4. Wellbeing must be prioritised
Thriving is not just economic; it is emotional, psychological, and social.

From Recognition to Reality

The conversations at the Forum are important. They set the tone. They shape global priorities.

But the real test is what happens next.

At Bounce Black, we remain committed to ensuring that these global commitments translate into something tangible.

In classrooms, workplaces, and our everyday lives.

Because Black young people are already changemakers.

The question is whether the world will meet them with the support, recognition, and structural change they deserve.

At this point, we’re done asking.

We’re demanding it and building for ourselves.

🫶🏾 look 🫶🏿 #BlackExcellence

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Black Brilliance Across Borders: My first Black History Month in Canada

Nikki Adebiyi, Founder, Bounce Black

This February marked my first Black History Month in Canada, and my first Canadian winter!

Aside from the fact that I’ve never seen this much snow in my life, nor have I ever been so cold that my face hurts…it’s been wonderful, I promise.

In the words of one speaker at an event I attended, “I’m all blacked out”.

As a speaker and event producer myself, that is a sentiment that applies everywhere because I typically feel the same during October, which is Black History Month in the UK. It’s busy and exhausting, but all in the best of ways!

This year, Canada celebrated 30 years of Black History Month with the theme: ‘Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries’.

There was no shortage of events, to say the least. There were certainly much more than I was able to attend. But the ones that I did go to have left a profound impression on me, and I’d love to tell you about them…

Black people play hockey? On ice!?

I kicked off my February at the A Different Booklist store in the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. In the middle of the historically Black neighbourhood of Bathurst, people of all ethnic backgrounds gathered in a gorgeous Black bookstore for the launch of Black Aces by The Athletic’s NHL staff writer Julian McKenzie.

Black Aces is McKenzie’s debut book, featuring a collection of stories about renowned Black hockey players, which, as you can imagine, is a huge part of winter sporting in Canada.

As curious and as open as I can be, ice hockey is a sport that I have yet to acquaint myself with. Unless you count PE at school, where we sometimes ran around the sports-and-lunch hall, whacking plastic pucks into makeshift goalposts.

Still, different gear, different climate and a different arena makes for a different experience entirely.

After the book launch, and a few conversation primers on the rules of the game, it’s now on my list of essential things to do in Canada.

Side note: I love that people who look like me have ventured into activities that I probably wouldn’t even think to try. Not only do you have to be excellent at hockey, you have to be competent at skating on ice! That’s an impressive level of hand-eye coordination, so kudos to them for doing it well enough to merit recognition. I love that for us!

Further side note: How much Julian knows about Black British culture tickled me, and further confirmed my belief that Black London and Black Toronto are much like identical twins who were separated during childhood, but when later reunited, it’s uncanny how alike they are.

I also later returned to the Blackhurst Cultural Centre for the free headshots they were offering to young Black creatives. Here’s my favourite one:

Word, Sound & Power Showcase

Next, I visited York University for its Word, Sound & Power event which showcased, and paid homage to, an array of Black talent in the arts, including musical composition, singing, dance, poetry and dramatic monologues.

To my great surprise, we were honoured to be joined by Toronto’s poet laureate Lillian Allen (pictured), as well as Canada’s first Black female MP, the Hon. Jean Augustine herself, who is responsible for passing the law that made Black History Month officially recognised across the nation.

Overeall, it was an eventful night of warm reflections, riveting stories and powerful calls to action. I especially enjoyed Ms. Augustine’s reflections on her life, career and social progress in Canada. The question she centred her speech on, “are we there yet?”, remains with me even now.

Living In Colour Symposium

Downtown at the University of Toronto, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) held their Black History Month Symposium on ‘Black Life, Law and Belonging in Canada’.

The organisation itself is remarkable, being the only legal clinic in the province of Ontario that is dedicated to tackling anti-Black racism through legal advocacy.

Their additional focus on public education and community engagement resulted in an impactful itinerary of powerful speech after speech interspersed with thoughtful panel discussions.

The sessions covered a range of topics, including:

• Black history in Canada
• The role of legal advocacy in advancing justice and equity for Black comunities
• The complexity of belonging and integration in immigration
• The work required for Black longevity and equity in Canada
• The changing landscape of advocacy in the age of AI

Speakers included MPs, lawyers, other legal professionals, and grassroots activists.

Although, unfortunately, I missed out on most of the talks due to commute time and weather-related delays on public transport, what I did gain during my time there was an insight into how similar the issues of racial justice are across the Black diaspora.

As ever, as always, this is both comforting and infuriating.

That there is a shared language of racialised experiences across borders and cultuers is helpful as I could immediately make sense of the discussion despite not being a Black Canadian.

However, it is not fun learnng that people who look like me struggle in similar ways wherever we are in the world.

Still, I left the event encouraged by the work being done and the shared understanding of the cultural, spiritual and intellectual shift that is going to be necessary for us to move forward collectively.

The Power of Community Symposium

On the penultimate weekend of Black History Month, I returned to the City Hall area for the Black Founders Network Power of Community Symposium. This was a whole-day affair, that I missed a lot of due to commuting issues again, but what I caught of it was powerful.

The theme was ‘The Next Era: Sustaining the Momentum’ as a nod to the last three years of the Symposium’s gathering of Black founders, investors, professionals and other ecosystem partners.

Having attended only once and left with a profound impression of the lesson that I need to bet on myself more, I certainly hope to see more from the BFN team.

Their BeHer Summit on March 6th, too, was spectacular and inspiring. I made sure to be there on time as I could not risk missing out on the wisdom and networking opportunities with powerhouse women from all over the GTA. And sure enough, it did not disappoint!

BFN events embody the message of refusing to play small because they certainly know how to do it big. Both events fed me more than just physically, but the food, too, was wonderful, with Caribbean cuisine at the Symposium, and soul food at the Summit.

It was also wonderful to meet some of the team behind the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map (BEEM), and learn more about both the background and the future of the project.

Overall, I was inspired to bet on myself and see this entrepreneurial journey through, and not only for my good but for the good of the community I serve. Legacy was a running theme, and I have begun thinking more about what it would look like for my work to outlast me.

Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite Conference

My Canadian Black History Month concluded with the Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite conference, which I had heard about before arriving in Canada, and I was grateful that I won a sponsored ticket to attend.

Between the keynotes, the firesides, the panels and the workshops, gem after gem was shared by the speakers. I took pages and pages of notes, both paper and digital. And weeks later, I am still meditating on the insights and reflections of the sessions.

In particular, Suzannah Kelly’s workshop on intentional leadership and legacy left a profound impression on me. She led a powerful session that inspired much reflection, with questions based on the premise that legacy is built through our daily choices, not by chance.

A good leader’s legacy is less about results and more about the culture, access and opportunities we create for others.

Our legacy shows up in the small moments, such as what we challenge, who we elevate, and how people feel after encountering us.

Every interaction leaves an impact, and the impact that we leave behind is our legacy.

True leadership, she also stressed, is measured by what changes because we were present. That is, who grows, what shifts, and what becomes possible for others. This requires clarity of values, courage to use our voice, and a willingness to be visible. Ultimately, legacy is what remains because we chose not to stay silent.

This, in addition to the other talks, guaranteed that I came away with much to think through, much to hope for and much to be proud of.

I also enjoyed the RBC photo booth, which had one of the best lighting setups for candid photography of Black skin that I have seen in a long time. All the photos came out great!

Lastly, as with most of the events I attended, there were a number of Black-owned businesses on display, from beauty and jewellery brands to authors and coaches.

One particular brand that made an impression on me was Blaque Wellness, whose Matriarch of the family-run business drew me in. A beautiful Black grandmother who showered me with care and compliments, seeking to understand my skincare needs, and offered me a hands-on demonstration of how their products could be embedded in my regimen.

It reminded me of how warm and wonderful it is to be seen and thought of from start to finish, including in product design.

Final Thoughts

The previous sentiments are exactly how I would summarise my experience of my first Canadian Black History Month, namely that it catered for and catered to me. I was the target audience for whom an experience was specifically designed and curated, and I came away from it with abundance. I received so much more than I expected, and I am inspired to implement my learnings, so that other people can benefit from them too.

The first being sharing what I learned with you all here in this blog.

Although it is March, we celebrate Black history all year-round. I hope you found something useful in this post to help you champion Black futures!

Black Brilliance Across Borders: My first Black History Month in Canada

Nikki Adebiyi, Founder, Bounce Black

This February marked my first Black History Month in Canada, and my first Canadian winter!

Aside from the fact that I’ve never seen this much snow in my life, nor have I ever been so cold that my face hurts…it’s been wonderful, I promise.

In the words of one speaker at an event I attended, “I’m all blacked out”.

As a speaker and event producer myself, that is a sentiment that applies everywhere because I typically feel the same during October, which is Black History Month in the UK. It’s busy and exhausting, but all in the best of ways!

This year, Canada celebrated 30 years of Black History Month with the theme: ‘Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries’.

There was no shortage of events, to say the least. There were certainly much more than I was able to attend. But the ones that I did go to have left a profound impression on me, and I’d love to tell you about them…

Black people play hockey? On ice!?

I kicked off my February at the A Different Booklist store in the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. In the middle of the historically Black neighbourhood of Bathurst, people of all ethnic backgrounds gathered in a gorgeous Black bookstore for the launch of Black Aces by The Athletic’s NHL staff writer Julian McKenzie.

Black Aces is McKenzie’s debut book, featuring a collection of stories about renowned Black hockey players, which, as you can imagine, is a huge part of winter sporting in Canada.

As curious and as open as I can be, ice hockey is a sport that I have yet to acquaint myself with. Unless you count PE at school, where we sometimes ran around the sports-and-lunch hall, whacking plastic pucks into makeshift goalposts.

Still, different gear, different climate and a different arena makes for a different experience entirely.

After the book launch, and a few conversation primers on the rules of the game, it’s now on my list of essential things to do in Canada.

Side note: I love that people who look like me have ventured into activities that I probably wouldn’t even think to try. Not only do you have to be excellent at hockey, you have to be competent at skating on ice! That’s an impressive level of hand-eye coordination, so kudos to them for doing it well enough to merit recognition. I love that for us!

Further side note: How much Julian knows about Black British culture tickled me, and further confirmed my belief that Black London and Black Toronto are much like identical twins who were separated during childhood, but when later reunited, it’s uncanny how alike they are.

I also later returned to the Blackhurst Cultural Centre for the free headshots they were offering to young Black creatives. Here’s my favourite one:

Word, Sound & Power Showcase

Next, I visited York University for its Word, Sound & Power event which showcased, and paid homage to, an array of Black talent in the arts, including musical composition, singing, dance, poetry and dramatic monologues.

To my great surprise, we were honoured to be joined by Toronto’s poet laureate Lillian Allen (pictured), as well as Canada’s first Black female MP, the Hon. Jean Augustine herself, who is responsible for passing the law that made Black History Month officially recognised across the nation.

Overeall, it was an eventful night of warm reflections, riveting stories and powerful calls to action. I especially enjoyed Ms. Augustine’s reflections on her life, career and social progress in Canada. The question she centred her speech on, “are we there yet?”, remains with me even now.

Living In Colour Symposium

Downtown at the University of Toronto, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) held their Black History Month Symposium on ‘Black Life, Law and Belonging in Canada’.

The organisation itself is remarkable, being the only legal clinic in the province of Ontario that is dedicated to tackling anti-Black racism through legal advocacy.

Their additional focus on public education and community engagement resulted in an impactful itinerary of powerful speech after speech interspersed with thoughtful panel discussions.

The sessions covered a range of topics, including:

• Black history in Canada
• The role of legal advocacy in advancing justice and equity for Black comunities
• The complexity of belonging and integration in immigration
• The work required for Black longevity and equity in Canada
• The changing landscape of advocacy in the age of AI

Speakers included MPs, lawyers, other legal professionals, and grassroots activists.

Although, unfortunately, I missed out on most of the talks due to commute time and weather-related delays on public transport, what I did gain during my time there was an insight into how similar the issues of racial justice are across the Black diaspora.

As ever, as always, this is both comforting and infuriating.

That there is a shared language of racialised experiences across borders and cultuers is helpful as I could immediately make sense of the discussion despite not being a Black Canadian.

However, it is not fun learnng that people who look like me struggle in similar ways wherever we are in the world.

Still, I left the event encouraged by the work being done and the shared understanding of the cultural, spiritual and intellectual shift that is going to be necessary for us to move forward collectively.

The Power of Community Symposium

On the penultimate weekend of Black History Month, I returned to the City Hall area for the Black Founders Network Power of Community Symposium. This was a whole-day affair, that I missed a lot of due to commuting issues again, but what I caught of it was powerful.

The theme was ‘The Next Era: Sustaining the Momentum’ as a nod to the last three years of the Symposium’s gathering of Black founders, investors, professionals and other ecosystem partners.

Having attended only once and left with a profound impression of the lesson that I need to bet on myself more, I certainly hope to see more from the BFN team.

Their BeHer Summit on March 6th, too, was spectacular and inspiring. I made sure to be there on time as I could not risk missing out on the wisdom and networking opportunities with powerhouse women from all over the GTA. And sure enough, it did not disappoint!

BFN events embody the message of refusing to play small because they certainly know how to do it big. Both events fed me more than just physically, but the food, too, was wonderful, with Caribbean cuisine at the Symposium, and soul food at the Summit.

It was also wonderful to meet some of the team behind the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map (BEEM), and learn more about both the background and the future of the project.

Overall, I was inspired to bet on myself and see this entrepreneurial journey through, and not only for my good but for the good of the community I serve. Legacy was a running theme, and I have begun thinking more about what it would look like for my work to outlast me.

Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite Conference

My Canadian Black History Month concluded with the Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite conference, which I had heard about before arriving in Canada, and I was grateful that I won a sponsored ticket to attend.

Between the keynotes, the firesides, the panels and the workshops, gem after gem was shared by the speakers. I took pages and pages of notes, both paper and digital. And weeks later, I am still meditating on the insights and reflections of the sessions.

In particular, Suzannah Kelly’s workshop on intentional leadership and legacy left a profound impression on me. She led a powerful session that inspired much reflection, with questions based on the premise that legacy is built through our daily choices, not by chance.

A good leader’s legacy is less about results and more about the culture, access and opportunities we create for others.

Our legacy shows up in the small moments, such as what we challenge, who we elevate, and how people feel after encountering us.

Every interaction leaves an impact, and the impact that we leave behind is our legacy.

True leadership, she also stressed, is measured by what changes because we were present. That is, who grows, what shifts, and what becomes possible for others. This requires clarity of values, courage to use our voice, and a willingness to be visible. Ultimately, legacy is what remains because we chose not to stay silent.

This, in addition to the other talks, guaranteed that I came away with much to think through, much to hope for and much to be proud of.

I also enjoyed the RBC photo booth, which had one of the best lighting setups for candid photography of Black skin that I have seen in a long time. All the photos came out great!

Lastly, as with most of the events I attended, there were a number of Black-owned businesses on display, from beauty and jewellery brands to authors and coaches.

One particular brand that made an impression on me was Blaque Wellness, whose Matriarch of the family-run business drew me in. A beautiful Black grandmother who showered me with care and compliments, seeking to understand my skincare needs, and offered me a hands-on demonstration of how their products could be embedded in my regimen.

It reminded me of how warm and wonderful it is to be seen and thought of from start to finish, including in product design.

Final Thoughts

The previous sentiments are exactly how I would summarise my experience of my first Canadian Black History Month, namely that it catered for and catered to me. I was the target audience for whom an experience was specifically designed and curated, and I came away from it with abundance. I received so much more than I expected, and I am inspired to implement my learnings, so that other people can benefit from them too.

The first being sharing what I learned with you all here in this blog.

Although it is March, we celebrate Black history all year-round. I hope you found something useful in this post to help you champion Black futures!

Black Brilliance Across Borders: My first Black History Month in Canada

Nikki Adebiyi, Founder, Bounce Black

This February marked my first Black History Month in Canada, and my first Canadian winter!

Aside from the fact that I’ve never seen this much snow in my life, nor have I ever been so cold that my face hurts…it’s been wonderful, I promise.

In the words of one speaker at an event I attended, “I’m all blacked out”.

As a speaker and event producer myself, that is a sentiment that applies everywhere because I typically feel the same during October, which is Black History Month in the UK. It’s busy and exhausting, but all in the best of ways!

This year, Canada celebrated 30 years of Black History Month with the theme: ‘Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries’.

There was no shortage of events, to say the least. There were certainly much more than I was able to attend. But the ones that I did go to have left a profound impression on me, and I’d love to tell you about them…

Black people play hockey? On ice!?

I kicked off my February at the A Different Booklist store in the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. In the middle of the historically Black neighbourhood of Bathurst, people of all ethnic backgrounds gathered in a gorgeous Black bookstore for the launch of Black Aces by The Athletic’s NHL staff writer Julian McKenzie.

Black Aces is McKenzie’s debut book, featuring a collection of stories about renowned Black hockey players, which, as you can imagine, is a huge part of winter sporting in Canada.

As curious and as open as I can be, ice hockey is a sport that I have yet to acquaint myself with. Unless you count PE at school, where we sometimes ran around the sports-and-lunch hall, whacking plastic pucks into makeshift goalposts.

Still, different gear, different climate and a different arena makes for a different experience entirely.

After the book launch, and a few conversation primers on the rules of the game, it’s now on my list of essential things to do in Canada.

Side note: I love that people who look like me have ventured into activities that I probably wouldn’t even think to try. Not only do you have to be excellent at hockey, you have to be competent at skating on ice! That’s an impressive level of hand-eye coordination, so kudos to them for doing it well enough to merit recognition. I love that for us!

Further side note: How much Julian knows about Black British culture tickled me, and further confirmed my belief that Black London and Black Toronto are much like identical twins who were separated during childhood, but when later reunited, it’s uncanny how alike they are.

I also later returned to the Blackhurst Cultural Centre for the free headshots they were offering to young Black creatives. Here’s my favourite one:

Word, Sound & Power Showcase

Next, I visited York University for its Word, Sound & Power event which showcased, and paid homage to, an array of Black talent in the arts, including musical composition, singing, dance, poetry and dramatic monologues.

To my great surprise, we were honoured to be joined by Toronto’s poet laureate Lillian Allen (pictured), as well as Canada’s first Black female MP, the Hon. Jean Augustine herself, who is responsible for passing the law that made Black History Month officially recognised across the nation.

Overeall, it was an eventful night of warm reflections, riveting stories and powerful calls to action. I especially enjoyed Ms. Augustine’s reflections on her life, career and social progress in Canada. The question she centred her speech on, “are we there yet?”, remains with me even now.

Living In Colour Symposium

Downtown at the University of Toronto, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) held their Black History Month Symposium on ‘Black Life, Law and Belonging in Canada’.

The organisation itself is remarkable, being the only legal clinic in the province of Ontario that is dedicated to tackling anti-Black racism through legal advocacy.

Their additional focus on public education and community engagement resulted in an impactful itinerary of powerful speech after speech interspersed with thoughtful panel discussions.

The sessions covered a range of topics, including:

• Black history in Canada
• The role of legal advocacy in advancing justice and equity for Black comunities
• The complexity of belonging and integration in immigration
• The work required for Black longevity and equity in Canada
• The changing landscape of advocacy in the age of AI

Speakers included MPs, lawyers, other legal professionals, and grassroots activists.

Although, unfortunately, I missed out on most of the talks due to commute time and weather-related delays on public transport, what I did gain during my time there was an insight into how similar the issues of racial justice are across the Black diaspora.

As ever, as always, this is both comforting and infuriating.

That there is a shared language of racialised experiences across borders and cultuers is helpful as I could immediately make sense of the discussion despite not being a Black Canadian.

However, it is not fun learnng that people who look like me struggle in similar ways wherever we are in the world.

Still, I left the event encouraged by the work being done and the shared understanding of the cultural, spiritual and intellectual shift that is going to be necessary for us to move forward collectively.

The Power of Community Symposium

On the penultimate weekend of Black History Month, I returned to the City Hall area for the Black Founders Network Power of Community Symposium. This was a whole-day affair, that I missed a lot of due to commuting issues again, but what I caught of it was powerful.

The theme was ‘The Next Era: Sustaining the Momentum’ as a nod to the last three years of the Symposium’s gathering of Black founders, investors, professionals and other ecosystem partners.

Having attended only once and left with a profound impression of the lesson that I need to bet on myself more, I certainly hope to see more from the BFN team.

Their BeHer Summit on March 6th, too, was spectacular and inspiring. I made sure to be there on time as I could not risk missing out on the wisdom and networking opportunities with powerhouse women from all over the GTA. And sure enough, it did not disappoint!

BFN events embody the message of refusing to play small because they certainly know how to do it big. Both events fed me more than just physically, but the food, too, was wonderful, with Caribbean cuisine at the Symposium, and soul food at the Summit.

It was also wonderful to meet some of the team behind the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map (BEEM), and learn more about both the background and the future of the project.

Overall, I was inspired to bet on myself and see this entrepreneurial journey through, and not only for my good but for the good of the community I serve. Legacy was a running theme, and I have begun thinking more about what it would look like for my work to outlast me.

Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite Conference

My Canadian Black History Month concluded with the Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite conference, which I had heard about before arriving in Canada, and I was grateful that I won a sponsored ticket to attend.

Between the keynotes, the firesides, the panels and the workshops, gem after gem was shared by the speakers. I took pages and pages of notes, both paper and digital. And weeks later, I am still meditating on the insights and reflections of the sessions.

In particular, Suzannah Kelly’s workshop on intentional leadership and legacy left a profound impression on me. She led a powerful session that inspired much reflection, with questions based on the premise that legacy is built through our daily choices, not by chance.

A good leader’s legacy is less about results and more about the culture, access and opportunities we create for others.

Our legacy shows up in the small moments, such as what we challenge, who we elevate, and how people feel after encountering us.

Every interaction leaves an impact, and the impact that we leave behind is our legacy.

True leadership, she also stressed, is measured by what changes because we were present. That is, who grows, what shifts, and what becomes possible for others. This requires clarity of values, courage to use our voice, and a willingness to be visible. Ultimately, legacy is what remains because we chose not to stay silent.

This, in addition to the other talks, guaranteed that I came away with much to think through, much to hope for and much to be proud of.

I also enjoyed the RBC photo booth, which had one of the best lighting setups for candid photography of Black skin that I have seen in a long time. All the photos came out great!

Lastly, as with most of the events I attended, there were a number of Black-owned businesses on display, from beauty and jewellery brands to authors and coaches.

One particular brand that made an impression on me was Blaque Wellness, whose Matriarch of the family-run business drew me in. A beautiful Black grandmother who showered me with care and compliments, seeking to understand my skincare needs, and offered me a hands-on demonstration of how their products could be embedded in my regimen.

It reminded me of how warm and wonderful it is to be seen and thought of from start to finish, including in product design.

Final Thoughts

The previous sentiments are exactly how I would summarise my experience of my first Canadian Black History Month, namely that it catered for and catered to me. I was the target audience for whom an experience was specifically designed and curated, and I came away from it with abundance. I received so much more than I expected, and I am inspired to implement my learnings, so that other people can benefit from them too.

The first being sharing what I learned with you all here in this blog.

Although it is March, we celebrate Black history all year-round. I hope you found something useful in this post to help you champion Black futures!

Black Brilliance Across Borders: My first Black History Month in Canada

Nikki Adebiyi, Founder, Bounce Black

This February marked my first Black History Month in Canada, and my first Canadian winter!

Aside from the fact that I’ve never seen this much snow in my life, nor have I ever been so cold that my face hurts…it’s been wonderful, I promise.

In the words of one speaker at an event I attended, “I’m all blacked out”.

As a speaker and event producer myself, that is a sentiment that applies everywhere because I typically feel the same during October, which is Black History Month in the UK. It’s busy and exhausting, but all in the best of ways!

This year, Canada celebrated 30 years of Black History Month with the theme: ‘Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries’.

There was no shortage of events, to say the least. There were certainly much more than I was able to attend. But the ones that I did go to have left a profound impression on me, and I’d love to tell you about them…

Black people play hockey? On ice!?

I kicked off my February at the A Different Booklist store in the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. In the middle of the historically Black neighbourhood of Bathurst, people of all ethnic backgrounds gathered in a gorgeous Black bookstore for the launch of Black Aces by The Athletic’s NHL staff writer Julian McKenzie.

Black Aces is McKenzie’s debut book, featuring a collection of stories about renowned Black hockey players, which, as you can imagine, is a huge part of winter sporting in Canada.

As curious and as open as I can be, ice hockey is a sport that I have yet to acquaint myself with. Unless you count PE at school, where we sometimes ran around the sports-and-lunch hall, whacking plastic pucks into makeshift goalposts.

Still, different gear, different climate and a different arena makes for a different experience entirely.

After the book launch, and a few conversation primers on the rules of the game, it’s now on my list of essential things to do in Canada.

Side note: I love that people who look like me have ventured into activities that I probably wouldn’t even think to try. Not only do you have to be excellent at hockey, you have to be competent at skating on ice! That’s an impressive level of hand-eye coordination, so kudos to them for doing it well enough to merit recognition. I love that for us!

Further side note: How much Julian knows about Black British culture tickled me, and further confirmed my belief that Black London and Black Toronto are much like identical twins who were separated during childhood, but when later reunited, it’s uncanny how alike they are.

I also later returned to the Blackhurst Cultural Centre for the free headshots they were offering to young Black creatives. Here’s my favourite one:

Word, Sound & Power Showcase

Next, I visited York University for its Word, Sound & Power event which showcased, and paid homage to, an array of Black talent in the arts, including musical composition, singing, dance, poetry and dramatic monologues.

To my great surprise, we were honoured to be joined by Toronto’s poet laureate Lillian Allen (pictured), as well as Canada’s first Black female MP, the Hon. Jean Augustine herself, who is responsible for passing the law that made Black History Month officially recognised across the nation.

Overeall, it was an eventful night of warm reflections, riveting stories and powerful calls to action. I especially enjoyed Ms. Augustine’s reflections on her life, career and social progress in Canada. The question she centred her speech on, “are we there yet?”, remains with me even now.

Living In Colour Symposium

Downtown at the University of Toronto, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) held their Black History Month Symposium on ‘Black Life, Law and Belonging in Canada’.

The organisation itself is remarkable, being the only legal clinic in the province of Ontario that is dedicated to tackling anti-Black racism through legal advocacy.

Their additional focus on public education and community engagement resulted in an impactful itinerary of powerful speech after speech interspersed with thoughtful panel discussions.

The sessions covered a range of topics, including:

• Black history in Canada
• The role of legal advocacy in advancing justice and equity for Black comunities
• The complexity of belonging and integration in immigration
• The work required for Black longevity and equity in Canada
• The changing landscape of advocacy in the age of AI

Speakers included MPs, lawyers, other legal professionals, and grassroots activists.

Although, unfortunately, I missed out on most of the talks due to commute time and weather-related delays on public transport, what I did gain during my time there was an insight into how similar the issues of racial justice are across the Black diaspora.

As ever, as always, this is both comforting and infuriating.

That there is a shared language of racialised experiences across borders and cultuers is helpful as I could immediately make sense of the discussion despite not being a Black Canadian.

However, it is not fun learnng that people who look like me struggle in similar ways wherever we are in the world.

Still, I left the event encouraged by the work being done and the shared understanding of the cultural, spiritual and intellectual shift that is going to be necessary for us to move forward collectively.

The Power of Community Symposium

On the penultimate weekend of Black History Month, I returned to the City Hall area for the Black Founders Network Power of Community Symposium. This was a whole-day affair, that I missed a lot of due to commuting issues again, but what I caught of it was powerful.

The theme was ‘The Next Era: Sustaining the Momentum’ as a nod to the last three years of the Symposium’s gathering of Black founders, investors, professionals and other ecosystem partners.

Having attended only once and left with a profound impression of the lesson that I need to bet on myself more, I certainly hope to see more from the BFN team.

Their BeHer Summit on March 6th, too, was spectacular and inspiring. I made sure to be there on time as I could not risk missing out on the wisdom and networking opportunities with powerhouse women from all over the GTA. And sure enough, it did not disappoint!

BFN events embody the message of refusing to play small because they certainly know how to do it big. Both events fed me more than just physically, but the food, too, was wonderful, with Caribbean cuisine at the Symposium, and soul food at the Summit.

It was also wonderful to meet some of the team behind the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map (BEEM), and learn more about both the background and the future of the project.

Overall, I was inspired to bet on myself and see this entrepreneurial journey through, and not only for my good but for the good of the community I serve. Legacy was a running theme, and I have begun thinking more about what it would look like for my work to outlast me.

Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite Conference

My Canadian Black History Month concluded with the Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite conference, which I had heard about before arriving in Canada, and I was grateful that I won a sponsored ticket to attend.

Between the keynotes, the firesides, the panels and the workshops, gem after gem was shared by the speakers. I took pages and pages of notes, both paper and digital. And weeks later, I am still meditating on the insights and reflections of the sessions.

In particular, Suzannah Kelly’s workshop on intentional leadership and legacy left a profound impression on me. She led a powerful session that inspired much reflection, with questions based on the premise that legacy is built through our daily choices, not by chance.

A good leader’s legacy is less about results and more about the culture, access and opportunities we create for others.

Our legacy shows up in the small moments, such as what we challenge, who we elevate, and how people feel after encountering us.

Every interaction leaves an impact, and the impact that we leave behind is our legacy.

True leadership, she also stressed, is measured by what changes because we were present. That is, who grows, what shifts, and what becomes possible for others. This requires clarity of values, courage to use our voice, and a willingness to be visible. Ultimately, legacy is what remains because we chose not to stay silent.

This, in addition to the other talks, guaranteed that I came away with much to think through, much to hope for and much to be proud of.

I also enjoyed the RBC photo booth, which had one of the best lighting setups for candid photography of Black skin that I have seen in a long time. All the photos came out great!

Lastly, as with most of the events I attended, there were a number of Black-owned businesses on display, from beauty and jewellery brands to authors and coaches.

One particular brand that made an impression on me was Blaque Wellness, whose Matriarch of the family-run business drew me in. A beautiful Black grandmother who showered me with care and compliments, seeking to understand my skincare needs, and offered me a hands-on demonstration of how their products could be embedded in my regimen.

It reminded me of how warm and wonderful it is to be seen and thought of from start to finish, including in product design.

Final Thoughts

The previous sentiments are exactly how I would summarise my experience of my first Canadian Black History Month, namely that it catered for and catered to me. I was the target audience for whom an experience was specifically designed and curated, and I came away from it with abundance. I received so much more than I expected, and I am inspired to implement my learnings, so that other people can benefit from them too.

The first being sharing what I learned with you all here in this blog.

Although it is March, we celebrate Black history all year-round. I hope you found something useful in this post to help you champion Black futures!

Black Brilliance Across Borders: My first Black History Month in Canada

Nikki Adebiyi, Founder, Bounce Black

This February marked my first Black History Month in Canada, and my first Canadian winter!

Aside from the fact that I’ve never seen this much snow in my life, nor have I ever been so cold that my face hurts…it’s been wonderful, I promise.

In the words of one speaker at an event I attended, “I’m all blacked out”.

As a speaker and event producer myself, that is a sentiment that applies everywhere because I typically feel the same during October, which is Black History Month in the UK. It’s busy and exhausting, but all in the best of ways!

This year, Canada celebrated 30 years of Black History Month with the theme: ‘Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries’.

There was no shortage of events, to say the least. There were certainly much more than I was able to attend. But the ones that I did go to have left a profound impression on me, and I’d love to tell you about them…

Black people play hockey? On ice!?

I kicked off my February at the A Different Booklist store in the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. In the middle of the historically Black neighbourhood of Bathurst, people of all ethnic backgrounds gathered in a gorgeous Black bookstore for the launch of Black Aces by The Athletic’s NHL staff writer Julian McKenzie.

Black Aces is McKenzie’s debut book, featuring a collection of stories about renowned Black hockey players, which, as you can imagine, is a huge part of winter sporting in Canada.

As curious and as open as I can be, ice hockey is a sport that I have yet to acquaint myself with. Unless you count PE at school, where we sometimes ran around the sports-and-lunch hall, whacking plastic pucks into makeshift goalposts.

Still, different gear, different climate and a different arena makes for a different experience entirely.

After the book launch, and a few conversation primers on the rules of the game, it’s now on my list of essential things to do in Canada.

Side note: I love that people who look like me have ventured into activities that I probably wouldn’t even think to try. Not only do you have to be excellent at hockey, you have to be competent at skating on ice! That’s an impressive level of hand-eye coordination, so kudos to them for doing it well enough to merit recognition. I love that for us!

Further side note: How much Julian knows about Black British culture tickled me, and further confirmed my belief that Black London and Black Toronto are much like identical twins who were separated during childhood, but when later reunited, it’s uncanny how alike they are.

I also later returned to the Blackhurst Cultural Centre for the free headshots they were offering to young Black creatives. Here’s my favourite one:

Word, Sound & Power Showcase

Next, I visited York University for its Word, Sound & Power event which showcased, and paid homage to, an array of Black talent in the arts, including musical composition, singing, dance, poetry and dramatic monologues.

To my great surprise, we were honoured to be joined by Toronto’s poet laureate Lillian Allen (pictured), as well as Canada’s first Black female MP, the Hon. Jean Augustine herself, who is responsible for passing the law that made Black History Month officially recognised across the nation.

Overeall, it was an eventful night of warm reflections, riveting stories and powerful calls to action. I especially enjoyed Ms. Augustine’s reflections on her life, career and social progress in Canada. The question she centred her speech on, “are we there yet?”, remains with me even now.

Living In Colour Symposium

Downtown at the University of Toronto, the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) held their Black History Month Symposium on ‘Black Life, Law and Belonging in Canada’.

The organisation itself is remarkable, being the only legal clinic in the province of Ontario that is dedicated to tackling anti-Black racism through legal advocacy.

Their additional focus on public education and community engagement resulted in an impactful itinerary of powerful speech after speech interspersed with thoughtful panel discussions.

The sessions covered a range of topics, including:

• Black history in Canada
• The role of legal advocacy in advancing justice and equity for Black comunities
• The complexity of belonging and integration in immigration
• The work required for Black longevity and equity in Canada
• The changing landscape of advocacy in the age of AI

Speakers included MPs, lawyers, other legal professionals, and grassroots activists.

Although, unfortunately, I missed out on most of the talks due to commute time and weather-related delays on public transport, what I did gain during my time there was an insight into how similar the issues of racial justice are across the Black diaspora.

As ever, as always, this is both comforting and infuriating.

That there is a shared language of racialised experiences across borders and cultuers is helpful as I could immediately make sense of the discussion despite not being a Black Canadian.

However, it is not fun learnng that people who look like me struggle in similar ways wherever we are in the world.

Still, I left the event encouraged by the work being done and the shared understanding of the cultural, spiritual and intellectual shift that is going to be necessary for us to move forward collectively.

The Power of Community Symposium

On the penultimate weekend of Black History Month, I returned to the City Hall area for the Black Founders Network Power of Community Symposium. This was a whole-day affair, that I missed a lot of due to commuting issues again, but what I caught of it was powerful.

The theme was ‘The Next Era: Sustaining the Momentum’ as a nod to the last three years of the Symposium’s gathering of Black founders, investors, professionals and other ecosystem partners.

Having attended only once and left with a profound impression of the lesson that I need to bet on myself more, I certainly hope to see more from the BFN team.

Their BeHer Summit on March 6th, too, was spectacular and inspiring. I made sure to be there on time as I could not risk missing out on the wisdom and networking opportunities with powerhouse women from all over the GTA. And sure enough, it did not disappoint!

BFN events embody the message of refusing to play small because they certainly know how to do it big. Both events fed me more than just physically, but the food, too, was wonderful, with Caribbean cuisine at the Symposium, and soul food at the Summit.

It was also wonderful to meet some of the team behind the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map (BEEM), and learn more about both the background and the future of the project.

Overall, I was inspired to bet on myself and see this entrepreneurial journey through, and not only for my good but for the good of the community I serve. Legacy was a running theme, and I have begun thinking more about what it would look like for my work to outlast me.

Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite Conference

My Canadian Black History Month concluded with the Black Talent Initiative’s Ignite conference, which I had heard about before arriving in Canada, and I was grateful that I won a sponsored ticket to attend.

Between the keynotes, the firesides, the panels and the workshops, gem after gem was shared by the speakers. I took pages and pages of notes, both paper and digital. And weeks later, I am still meditating on the insights and reflections of the sessions.

In particular, Suzannah Kelly’s workshop on intentional leadership and legacy left a profound impression on me. She led a powerful session that inspired much reflection, with questions based on the premise that legacy is built through our daily choices, not by chance.

A good leader’s legacy is less about results and more about the culture, access and opportunities we create for others.

Our legacy shows up in the small moments, such as what we challenge, who we elevate, and how people feel after encountering us.

Every interaction leaves an impact, and the impact that we leave behind is our legacy.

True leadership, she also stressed, is measured by what changes because we were present. That is, who grows, what shifts, and what becomes possible for others. This requires clarity of values, courage to use our voice, and a willingness to be visible. Ultimately, legacy is what remains because we chose not to stay silent.

This, in addition to the other talks, guaranteed that I came away with much to think through, much to hope for and much to be proud of.

I also enjoyed the RBC photo booth, which had one of the best lighting setups for candid photography of Black skin that I have seen in a long time. All the photos came out great!

Lastly, as with most of the events I attended, there were a number of Black-owned businesses on display, from beauty and jewellery brands to authors and coaches.

One particular brand that made an impression on me was Blaque Wellness, whose Matriarch of the family-run business drew me in. A beautiful Black grandmother who showered me with care and compliments, seeking to understand my skincare needs, and offered me a hands-on demonstration of how their products could be embedded in my regimen.

It reminded me of how warm and wonderful it is to be seen and thought of from start to finish, including in product design.

Final Thoughts

The previous sentiments are exactly how I would summarise my experience of my first Canadian Black History Month, namely that it catered for and catered to me. I was the target audience for whom an experience was specifically designed and curated, and I came away from it with abundance. I received so much more than I expected, and I am inspired to implement my learnings, so that other people can benefit from them too.

The first being sharing what I learned with you all here in this blog.

Although it is March, we celebrate Black history all year-round. I hope you found something useful in this post to help you champion Black futures!

Crafted in Italy 🇮🇹
Built for presence.
Designed for legacy.
Premium suede & leather.
Engineered for all-day comfort.
From casual to elevated, always on point.
Which pair you stepping in? 👇🏽
https://itsyaboinb.com
#NBDG #SneakerCollection
#LuxurySneakers #BuiltDifferent
#BlackExcellence #SupportBlackBusinesses #orderfromanywhere

#blackgirlmagic #blackboyjoy #blackwealth #blackbeauty #blacksupport #blackexcellence #blacklove #blackhistory #blackchildren #blackmastodon

[[Credit Brian Allen]]

Remember when Google dropped this Black History Month commercial in 2020?

That’s what honoring Black history looks like, telling the truth loudly, not sanitizing it when it makes people uncomfortable.

Happy Black History Month.

#BlackHistoryMonth
#blackexcellence
#BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory

Dr. Gladys West, pioneering mathematician behind GPS technology, has passed away at 95. 🧮🌍 Her groundbreaking Earth models revolutionized navigation worldwide. RIP to a trailblazing "Hidden Figure." https://www.heise.de/en/news/Mathematician-and-GPS-pioneer-Gladys-West-dies-at-95-11147559.html #GPSPioneer #BlackExcellence #STEM #Newz

Mike Tomlin Leaves Steelers After 19 Seasons With No Losing Years

Mike Tomlin Walks Away on His Own Terms After 19 Seasons in Pittsburgh After 19 seasons leading one…
#NFL #PittsburghSteelers #Pittsburgh #Steelers #accountabilityinsports #Blackcoaches #Blackexcellence #featured #Football #MikeTomlin #NFLcoaching #NFLhistory #Opinion #sportsleadership
https://www.rawchili.com/nfl/690728/

Mike Tomlin Leaves Steelers After 19 Seasons With No Losing Years

Mike Tomlin Walks Away on His Own Terms After 19 Seasons in Pittsburgh After 19 seasons leading one…
#NFL #PittsburghSteelers #Pittsburgh #Steelers #accountabilityinsports #Blackcoaches #Blackexcellence #featured #Football #MikeTomlin #NFLcoaching #NFLhistory #Opinion #sportsleadership
https://www.rawchili.com/nfl/690728/

Mike Tomlin Leaves Steelers After 19 Seasons With No Losing Years https://www.rawchili.com/nfl/690728/ #AccountabilityInSports #BlackCoaches #BlackExcellence #featured #Football #MikeTomlin #NFL #NFLCoaching #NFLHistory #Opinion #Pittsburgh #PittsburghSteelers #PittsburghSteelers #SportsLeadership #Steelers

Mike Tomlin Leaves Steelers After 19 Seasons With No Losing Years https://www.rawchili.com/nfl/690728/ #AccountabilityInSports #BlackCoaches #BlackExcellence #featured #Football #MikeTomlin #NFL #NFLCoaching #NFLHistory #Opinion #Pittsburgh #PittsburghSteelers #PittsburghSteelers #SportsLeadership #Steelers

The struggle lives in our minds. The

strength lives in our blood. The

legacy lives in our actions.”

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

and every Black man carrying the

weight of history while still standing

tall. ✊🏾🖤 🇺🇸

#MLKLegacy #BlackExcellence

#Resilience #NBDGMusicGroup

Song By N.B, For My People

Listen on music platforms

We loved getting the opportunity to learn about The Ebony Canall at Impact + Profit 25!

The Ebony Canal examines the HERstoric portal between the disparities of infant mortality and the current state of maternal health orbiting Black women.

Learn more about this Emmy Award-winning social impact film about black infant health narrated by Viola Davis! https://theebonycanal.com/

#PublicHealth #Movies #Health #ImpactPlusProfit #TheEbonyCanal #BlackVoices #BlackExcellence #ViolaDavis #Documentary #SIE2025

Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a celebration of Black Joy, Black Excellence, and Black Activism.

This Oscar-winning documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson examines the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, and its line-up of iconic Black musicians and activists of the 1960s. The soundtrack is 🔥!

You can grab our free film guide to learn more about the historical context of the film, too.

https://journeysinfilm.org/film/summer-of-soul/

@jazz

#Activism #Democracy #History #Protest #CivilRights #BlackHistory #USHistory #BlackJoy #BlackExcellence #Music #Movie

We’re Not Disappearing — We’re the Foundation

By Keisa Stewart-Rucker | Head2Toe Magazine & Entertainment

Editor’s Note:
When extremist Nick Fuentes recently declared that “everyone wants Black people to disappear” and accused Black communities of causing “all the crime, especially in Chicago,” it reignited a familiar fire — the weaponization of false narratives to demean and dehumanize Black people. But at Head2Toe Magazine, we don’t shy away from truth. We confront it, expose it, and speak power to it. This piece isn’t just a rebuttal — it’s a reminder of who we are, what we’ve endured, and why we’re still here.

Let’s passionately assert: Black people are not the problem; we are the undeniable backbone of this nation. America was brutally seized from Indigenous people and forged on the relentless strength of enslaved Africans. Our ancestors toiled on the land, picked the crops, built the railroads, cooked the meals, cared for the children, and fueled an economy that enriched others — all while being deprived of the very freedoms for which they worked so ceaselessly.

The Theft and the Truth

White men did not create America; they took it. They stole land, lives, and labor, then rewrote the history books to cast themselves as pioneers and heroes. The real story — the one they avoid — is that everything great about this country stands on a foundation laid by Black hands.

From inventions that changed the world to music that shaped its heartbeat, Black innovation is America’s hidden engine. Our art, our language, our rhythm, our style — they don’t just influence culture, they define it.

Inventions They Don’t Teach You About

For generations, America has benefited from Black brilliance while pretending it didn’t exist. The truth is, many of the tools and comforts we depend on daily were created or perfected by Black inventors whose names are too often left out of classrooms and history books.

Garrett Morgan — invented the traffic light and the gas mask, saving countless lives.
Lewis Latimer — developed the carbon filament that made Thomas Edison’s light bulb practical.
Madam C.J. Walker — created the first successful Black-owned haircare line and became the first self-made female millionaire in America.
Dr. Patricia Bath — invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device that revolutionized cataract surgery.
Granville T. Woods — known as “the Black Edison,” he held over 50 patents including for the telephone transmitter and railway telegraph system.
Sarah Boone — patented the modern ironing board design that made pressing clothes easier.
George Washington Carver — developed hundreds of uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans, advancing agriculture and sustainability.
Lonnie G. Johnson — NASA engineer and inventor of the Super Soaker, one of the most popular toys in history.
Marie Van Brittan Brown — invented the home security system, laying the foundation for today’s modern surveillance technology.

These innovators — and thousands more — prove that Black genius is woven into every fabric of American progress. We didn’t just contribute; we created.

Destruction Out of Fear

Every time Black people built something powerful, it was met with violence.

Tulsa’s Black Wall Street — bombed and burned to ashes.
Rosewood, Florida — destroyed by mobs fueled by lies.
Seneca Village in New York — bulldozed to make room for Central Park.

Each time, the pattern repeated: Black progress sparked white fear, and white fear birthed destruction. Yet somehow, we’re labeled the violent ones?

The Modern Lie

Today, the same narrative continues under new packaging — “Black people cause all the crime.” It’s a lazy, racist talking point designed to justify over-policing, underfunding, and mass incarceration. It ignores systemic poverty, generational trauma, and deliberate exclusion from opportunity. It refuses to acknowledge that when neighborhoods are stripped of resources, despair is often criminalized instead of healed.

But we know better. Statistics don’t define us — purpose does.

Chosen, Not Cursed

They hate us because they see the divine light within us — the truth that we are chosen. Despite centuries of oppression, we still rise, still create, still lead. From the church pews to the boardrooms, from the beauty salons to the tech labs, from the marching lines to the big screens — Black excellence is alive and unstoppable.

Our faith has always been our armor. What was meant to break us became the very thing that built us. Black people are the dream and the proof that you cannot erase what God has anointed.

We Are Not Disappearing

We are multiplying in brilliance, creativity, and strength. The world borrows our rhythm, our style, our resilience — yet denies us credit. But the truth stands tall: without us, there is no America.

So, to those who wish for our disappearance — keep watching. Because we’re not fading away; we’re taking our rightful place. We’re rebuilding what was torn down, reclaiming what was stolen, and redefining what it means to be powerful, purposeful, and free.

Blacks are not the problem.
We are the pulse.
We are the chosen people.
And we’re just getting started.

#BlackExcellence #BlackInventors #BlackWallStreet #ChosenPeople #Head2ToeSpeaks #HistoryMatters #Rosewood #TruthOverHate #UnapologeticallyBlack #WeAreTheFoundation

Global Grind: Culture On Lock: 15 Black YouTubers You Need To Know. “In a nutshell, YouTube exploded because it democratized content creation. Within that growth, Black creators emerged as some of its most vital voices. They’ve provided necessary representation, driven cultural innovation, and expanded opportunities for others to follow in their footsteps. With that in mind, it’s the […]

https://rbfirehose.com/2025/09/30/culture-on-lock-15-black-youtubers-you-need-to-know-global-grind/

Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian woman to serve as Vice President of the United States. #bahdlex
#KamalaHarris #BlackExcellence#WomenInPolitics #RepresentationMatters #BlackHistory365 #Leadership #Inspiration #BlackWomenLead

Dive into the twists of Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black Season 1 with this full recap – perfect prep for Season 2's September 11 premiere!

Dive in right here:https://www.theomenmedia.com/post/tyler-perry-s-beauty-in-black-season-1-recap-relive-the-drama-before-season-2-drops

Support The Omen Media without spending a penny by clicking here and watching our advertiser's video: https://bit.ly/SupportTheOmenMedia

#BeautyInBlack #TylerPerry #NetflixDrama #Season2Premiere #BlackExcellence #TylerPerrysBeautyInBlack #DramaSeries #SeasonRecap #StreamingHits

Clark Atlanta University: Clark Atlanta University Receives $140,000 Getty Foundation Grant To Preserve Black Visual Arts Archives. “The university has been awarded $140,000 as part of Getty’s $2.6 million investment to support libraries, museums, and universities across the United States in preserving and increasing access to archival collections documenting the work of Black artists.”

https://rbfirehose.com/2025/08/31/clark-atlanta-university-clark-atlanta-university-receives-140000-getty-foundation-grant-to-preserve-black-visual-arts-archives/

Tyrone Brown may be 71 years old, he's battled prostate cancer, and has a pacemaker, but that’s not slowing him down. Tyrone is one of the top master sprinters in the world. He holds five world records!

#BlackExcellence #blackseniors #blackelderly #blackmastodon

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending @Blavity Inc.'s inaugural #Blavity Fest in Atlanta. It was 2 days jam-packed with music, insight, and inspiring content. This week, I'll share my hot takes and some of the nuggets I came away with!

@blavity.bsky.social #BlackExcellence

Irrelevant to the bleakness, but a bright & shiny moment for the sartorial crowd, did anyone check out the Met Gala last night? There was some outstanding costuming, refined tailoring, and many a proudly hoisted bosom. #couture #bespoke #MetGala #fashion #blackExcellence #superfine

Irrelevant to the bleakness, but a bright & shiny moment for the sartorial crowd, did anyone check out the Met Gala last night? There was some outstanding costuming, refined tailoring, and many a proudly hoisted bosom. #couture #bespoke #MetGala #fashion #blackExcellence #superfine

Irrelevant to the bleakness, but a bright & shiny moment for the sartorial crowd, did anyone check out the Met Gala last night? There was some outstanding costuming, refined tailoring, and many a proudly hoisted bosom. #couture #bespoke #MetGala #fashion #blackExcellence #superfine

Irrelevant to the bleakness, but a bright & shiny moment for the sartorial crowd, did anyone check out the Met Gala last night? There was some outstanding costuming, refined tailoring, and many a proudly hoisted bosom. #couture #bespoke #MetGala #fashion #blackExcellence #superfine

Irrelevant to the bleakness, but a bright & shiny moment for the sartorial crowd, did anyone check out the Met Gala last night? There was some outstanding costuming, refined tailoring, and many a proudly hoisted bosom. #couture #bespoke #MetGala #fashion #blackExcellence #superfine

On this 7th day of International Black Women’s History Month, we honor the legacy of Black women who have pressed through systemic barriers to thrive, lead, and inspire.

From the cotton fields to the courtroom… from pulpits to the presidency… they’ve sowed in struggle and reaped in strength.

💡 Read: https://wix.to/0kQbmxa

#ReapWhatYouSow #BlackWomensHistoryMonth #FromBurdenToBreakthrough #BlackExcellence #SowInFaith #ReapInPower #TonyPosts #blackwomen #blackmastodon

On this 7th day of International Black Women’s History Month, we honor the legacy of Black women who have pressed through systemic barriers to thrive, lead, and inspire.

From the cotton fields to the courtroom… from pulpits to the presidency… they’ve sowed in struggle and reaped in strength.

💡 Read: https://wix.to/0kQbmxa

#ReapWhatYouSow #BlackWomensHistoryMonth #FromBurdenToBreakthrough #BlackExcellence #SowInFaith #ReapInPower #TonyPosts #blackwomen #blackmastodon

On this 7th day of International Black Women’s History Month, we honor the legacy of Black women who have pressed through systemic barriers to thrive, lead, and inspire.

From the cotton fields to the courtroom… from pulpits to the presidency… they’ve sowed in struggle and reaped in strength.

💡 Read: https://wix.to/0kQbmxa

#ReapWhatYouSow #BlackWomensHistoryMonth #FromBurdenToBreakthrough #BlackExcellence #SowInFaith #ReapInPower #TonyPosts #blackwomen #blackmastodon

On this 7th day of International Black Women’s History Month, we honor the legacy of Black women who have pressed through systemic barriers to thrive, lead, and inspire.

From the cotton fields to the courtroom… from pulpits to the presidency… they’ve sowed in struggle and reaped in strength.

💡 Read: https://wix.to/0kQbmxa

#ReapWhatYouSow #BlackWomensHistoryMonth #FromBurdenToBreakthrough #BlackExcellence #SowInFaith #ReapInPower #TonyPosts #blackwomen #blackmastodon

More on diversity, equity and inclusion
#DEIInEducation #BlackExcellence #EquityInEducation
#CollegeSuccess #BlackVoicesMatter #EducationEquity
#DiversityMatters #EmpowerBlackStudents
#EndSystemicRacism #SupportBlackAchievement

https://wordinblack.com/2025/04/college-dei-probes-undermine-black-hs-success/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=College%20DEI%20Probes%20Undermine%20Black%20HS%20%20Success&utm_campaign=Education%20newsletter%204%207

More on diversity, equity and inclusion
#DEIInEducation #BlackExcellence #EquityInEducation
#CollegeSuccess #BlackVoicesMatter #EducationEquity
#DiversityMatters #EmpowerBlackStudents
#EndSystemicRacism #SupportBlackAchievement

https://wordinblack.com/2025/04/college-dei-probes-undermine-black-hs-success/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=College%20DEI%20Probes%20Undermine%20Black%20HS%20%20Success&utm_campaign=Education%20newsletter%204%207

More on diversity, equity and inclusion
#DEIInEducation #BlackExcellence #EquityInEducation
#CollegeSuccess #BlackVoicesMatter #EducationEquity
#DiversityMatters #EmpowerBlackStudents
#EndSystemicRacism #SupportBlackAchievement

https://wordinblack.com/2025/04/college-dei-probes-undermine-black-hs-success/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=College%20DEI%20Probes%20Undermine%20Black%20HS%20%20Success&utm_campaign=Education%20newsletter%204%207

More on diversity, equity and inclusion
#DEIInEducation #BlackExcellence #EquityInEducation
#CollegeSuccess #BlackVoicesMatter #EducationEquity
#DiversityMatters #EmpowerBlackStudents
#EndSystemicRacism #SupportBlackAchievement

https://wordinblack.com/2025/04/college-dei-probes-undermine-black-hs-success/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=College%20DEI%20Probes%20Undermine%20Black%20HS%20%20Success&utm_campaign=Education%20newsletter%204%207

More on diversity, equity and inclusion
#DEIInEducation #BlackExcellence #EquityInEducation
#CollegeSuccess #BlackVoicesMatter #EducationEquity
#DiversityMatters #EmpowerBlackStudents
#EndSystemicRacism #SupportBlackAchievement

https://wordinblack.com/2025/04/college-dei-probes-undermine-black-hs-success/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=College%20DEI%20Probes%20Undermine%20Black%20HS%20%20Success&utm_campaign=Education%20newsletter%204%207

More on diversity, equity and inclusion #DEIInEducation #BlackExcellence #EquityInEducation #CollegeSuccess #BlackVoicesMatter #EducationEquity #DiversityMatters #EmpowerBlackStudents #EndSystemicRacism #SupportBlackAchievement wordinblack.com/2025/04/coll...

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More on diversity, equity and inclusion #DEIInEducation #BlackExcellence #EquityInEducation #CollegeSuccess #BlackVoicesMatter #EducationEquity #DiversityMatters #EmpowerBlackStudents #EndSystemicRacism #SupportBlackAchievement wordinblack.com/2025/04/coll...

College DEI Probes Undermine B...