Celebrating Black History Month with NACCA

Sister Jerisha Grant-Hall BA (Hons), MA , it was an honour to represent YRAACC and participate at the NACCA Community 's Black History Month 2025 celebration with your inspiring theme of self-determination and interconnectedness:

“I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destiny.”

I am grateful for your organization's resilience and remarkable growth over the past seven years. Kudos to your dedicated staff, volunteers, sponsors, and partners for their achievements. Your host, Emily Mills, and the artists, vendors, and caterers were phenomenal.

A Moment of Reflection & Hope

Amanda Suzette Jones' performance of the Canadian and Black National (Lift Every Voice) Anthems was a beacon of freedom and hope. Despite past and present hardships, we remain committed to pursuing a brighter future.

Advancing Equity & Inclusion: Government & Community Leadership

Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament, shared uplifting news about Canada’s adoption of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, starting January 1, 2025, and from 2025 to 2034. This decade (https://tinyurl.com/2ts2tepz) aims to empower Black communities, combat anti-Black racism, and foster equity. Together, we thrive!

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor has been a steadfast ally of NACCA, learning, supporting, and fostering inclusivity in Newmarket for the past seven years. His recent appointment to the York Regional Police Service Board by the York Region Council (https://tinyurl.com/3nchuxrm) is a testament to his dedication. His balanced perspective on the continuous journey toward inclusion and progress is truly inspiring.

Artistry & Expression

Akilah Walcott delivered two powerful spoken word poems. Her first piece explored the deep connection between Black identity, history, and land. Her second poem encouraged self-discovery through introspection, highlighting the balance between recognizing one’s limitations and hidden potential. ?Bravo!

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Chief Jim MacSween of York Region Police reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His long-term dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable environment through community engagement and human rights is commendable.

Powerful Insights from the Panel Discussion

The panel discussion was enlightening, with valuable insights from Dr. Bimpe Ayeni, Dr. Chika Oriuwa (first Black medical graduate and valedictorian of her Toronto medical school class), Joel Callou (Artificial Intelligence Innovator), and Baron Ntambwe (Senior Engineering Leader). Key takeaways included:

? Mental health is a vital component of Black wellness.

? Financial wellness plays a crucial role in addressing disparities.

? Access to primary healthcare is essential for overall community well-being.

? AI’s rise will create job shifts as we must be adaptable and develop elastic skills to stay ahead.

? Encouraging Black youth to lead in tech, innovation, and medicine is critical for representation and progress.

? Diverse hiring is a must—equity in recruitment benefits everyone.

? Understanding your passions and goals is key to impactful content creation.

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Moving from Reflection to Action

?? Connect with at least one individual to discuss these insights.

?? Write down three actionable ideas to implement within a month.

?? Share this event on social media to amplify the message.

This event reinforced that Black history is world history. Our collective progress depends on continued learning, advocacy, and action.

#NACCA #BHM #DecadeForAfricanDescent #TDReadyCommitment #BlackExcellence #DEI #YorkRegion #Woke #SelfDetermination #MentalHealth #FinancialWellness #AI #FutureofWork #BlackYouth #Leadership