Welcome to our March 2024 Newsletter.
It was wonderful to see the community and families participate during Black History Month events both online and in-person. The Family Cookout with Chef Maxine Knight was amazing and well attended. Watch this short video to hear from Chef Maxine Knight and see what happened at the cookout. We hope to see everyone again next year at all the BHM community events.
We had the pleasure this month of speaking with freelance travel writer, Heather Greenwood Davis about travel, parenting, education and more. Listen to the conversation on SHINE, a Tune In YRDSB podcast.
The York Region District School Board trustees are seeking feedback from the community to help inform the development of the new Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP). From March 7 – April 5, 2024, all members of the YRDSB community are invited to provide their feedback through an online survey.
We are also continuing to grow and expand some of our Centre for Black Student Excellence programs, including Ascending Sisters+ and RISE Brothers.
We welcome you to visit our Centre for Black Student Excellence on the website where you can find information about our programs, Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy, Black History Month resources for students and families, and links to community partners.
YRDSB News and Events
Camp Black Brilliance - Summer Program 2024
Camp Black Brilliance will offer families the opportunity to get to know the Kindergarten program and have their children experience their introduction to schooling in a way that is culturally responsive and affirming of their identity, through experiential learning. Learn more about the program and hear from students and families who participated in 2023. Register by June 1, 2024.
Summer Institute Registration
Looking for summer learning and fun activities for students entering Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8? Summer Institute offers academic, recreational and athletic programs and activities with intentional links to the Ontario Curriculum. The program runs for six weeks during July and August. It is offered at nine school sites around York Region. For more information on dates, programs and locations, please visit the Summer Institute webpage. Find more information and register online here.
Community Programs and Announcements
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association Scholarship Application - Deadline is Friday March 29, 2024
The NACCA Scholarship is awarded to students who are entering their first year of full time posts-secondary studies; this also includes apprenticeship or trade programs. These students demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to community service in order to break down barriers and build inclusive spaces. Learn more about this scholarship program
NACCA will be awarding Scholarships of $1500 each to selected recipients in support of their post-secondary education. One student who has overcome significant setbacks while excelling in these areas will receive the Iris Malcolm Memorial Award* ($2500). For example, if five students are selected, four will receive an award of $1500 each and one will receive $2500 (not both). In 2024, up to ten students will be awarded NACCA scholarships.
The Wasim Jarrah Business Excellence Award is given to graduating students who are looking to pursue post-secondary education and who have demonstrated excellence in business and entrepreneurship studies. NACCA Scholarship Award recipients who are graduating from a secondary school in York Region and pursuing business will be eligible for this award. The value of the award is $500. A total of three students will be awarded. This means that a student entering business has the opportunity to earn $2000 in scholarship.
Timelines: All scholarship applications are due by March 29, 2024. Scholarship winners are announced at the end of June, 2024.
University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine Summer Mentorship Program - Deadline is Friday, March 29, 2024
The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) gives high school students of Indigenous or African ancestry a chance to explore health sciences at the University of Toronto over four weeks in July. Students can explore health science education and careers and earn a credit. Applications are due by March 29, 2024. Learn more about the Summer Mentorship Program and how to apply.
The York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (York Region AACC)
YRAACC presents the Sankofa Mentoring Program, this program is a collaborative and leadership skills development journey for students in grades seven to 12. The program runs online on Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm and in-person two Saturday’s per month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bur Oak Secondary School, Markham Ontario. The environment creates a safe space for students and mentors to come together in unity and learn more about their heritage. Through collective work/responsibility, we have created an environment where creativity and cooperative economics work together to engender self-determination and self-empowerment. The program was developed in the following structure:
- Rooted in an Afrocentric Framework
- Three tier model (life skills, community engagement and civic responsibility)
- It highlights the principles of the Nguzo Saba – (The Seven Principles) Unity, Self-Determination Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith, and Self-Respect
Youth School Success Initiative – After School Program
YSSI: empower Black Youth (Grades 6-8) for High School Success! Personalized academic support, culturally relevant curriculum, and life skills development. Fostering community, boosting confidence and celebrating diversity. Join us for a brighter future. Register Here.
Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) Scholarship Applications
The BCFN scholarship directory will be relaunched shortly, look for updates on the website. For questions and more information please contact Cheryl Yarde at info@bcfn.ca.
City of Markham Mayor's Black Youth Liaison
The Mayor's Black Youth Liaison (MBYL) is a committee dedicated to representing a voice for Black youth in the City of Markham. MBYL strives to empower and uplift youth through valuable initiatives and advocacy. As a part of the committee, you will be asked to plan events, discuss issues facing Black youth, and develop initiatives to enhance the Black youth experience within the City of Markham. Fill out the general member application form.
Partners
The Alliance of Educators for Black Students (AEBS) is committed to promoting well-being and excellence in achievement for students of African/ Caribbean heritage. You can follow them on Twitter @AEBSyrdsb
Learn more about Black community agencies that provide supports in your area:
Aurora Black Community (ABC)
The Aurora Black Community Association (ABC) is led by a dedicated group committed to the work needed to dismantle anti-racism and discrimination, elevate and marginalize voice and bridge culture. ABC community is proud to be the reason the town of Aurora has officially declared February as Black History Month.
ANCHOR Formerly Vaughan African Canadian Association
ANCHOR offers the program aims to find your child’s trouble areas in understanding vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. This program will help strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and improve their reading and writing skills.
Black York Region Youth (BYR Youth)
Black York Region Youth (BYR Youth) was founded in 2020 with the purpose of combating anti-Black racism, systemic racism, anti-Indigenous hate, and discrimination in all of its forms within York Region and its surrounding communities.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA)
At MACCA, Students will follow a grade-appropriate curriculum. Curriculum content will evolve into the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and will be Afri-centric based.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
NACCA’s vision is to focus on African positive identity formation/ Rites of passage as a foundation for mental wellness, and supporting children in developing a positive sense of self. NACCA offers culturally relevant Mental Health Education and Counseling support programs for Black youth and families; financial literacy program; educational programs for the entire family; food security program; presentations and workshops to educate about racial prejudice & bias to reduce discrimination; annual scholarship program and more!
Parents of Black Children
OMO Africentric virtual campus tutoring initiative offered by Parents of Black Children is a free high-touch tutoring program for Black students. Students receive tutoring twice weekly in French, Math, and English (Language Arts). Tutoring takes place on the Omo Africentric Campus. 1-on-1 tutoring support provided. To learn more, watch this video or visit Parents of Black Children.
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN)
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2011 and continues to serve and support local Black communities. Based in Vaughan, Ontario but proudly serves and supports Black communities across the province. BFCN provides free and low-cost programs, advocacy, and resources, and connects people with other local organizations and services.
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC)
YRAACC / Sankofa Program offers an African-centered curriculum that is focused on activities that provide workshop sessions for students to explore their racial and cultural identity, self-esteem, critical thinking, self-reflection, teamwork, and community building. The program’s framework is based on The Seven Principles (The Nguzo Saba) The principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
Volunteer Opportunities
Students are encouraged to connect with community organizations in their local communities to find volunteer jobs, to develop leadership and team building skills. Reach out and connect with various groups via their website to find out various services in addition to important volunteer opportunities. Here are a few links to review.
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (yorkregionaacc.ca)
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association
BFCN – Black Foundation of Community Networks