Thank you for subscribing to the Centre for Black Student Excellence mailing list. This newsletter is designed to share timely information with families of Black students in York Region District School Board, including information about school board and community programs and events. You can expect to receive updates one to two times per month.
Thank you to all of the families, students and staff who joined us at our Black History Month Celebrations in each area. These events provided a wonderful opportunity to gather and celebrate with community. We are deeply grateful for everyone’s enthusiastic participation. Your presence and engagement enriched our celebrations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black heritage as we honour the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black communities. Together, we’ve created lasting memories and meaningful conversations that we must extend beyond the month of February.
This month, we had the opportunity to profile some of the work happening in our schools.
- Students and educators at Kleinburg Public School came together for a hands-on African drumming experience, kicking off Black History Month with rhythm, culture and learning. Watch the video.
- Middlefield CI Vice Principal Milton Hart was recently inducted into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his athletic career as a runner and member of the Jamaican Olympic bobsled team. Watch the video.
- In the latest episode of the Tune In YRDSB podcast, four YRDSB staff members explore the importance of creating spaces where Black students feel seen, heard and valued, reflecting on the effects of mentorship, allyship, culturally relevant curriculum, community engagement and much more. Listen to the podcast. Tune In YRDSB is available on all major podcast platforms.
To send your inquiries or feedback, please email: BlackStudentExcellence@yrdsb.ca
YRDSB News and Events
Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Meeting
Families, parents and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 6:30- 7:30 p.m., where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please register online.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
University of Toronto-Various Programs
Registration is now open for the following programs. The deadline to register for the MedLinx program is March 31, while the registration deadline for SMP and STEAM-D is March 16.
Students must be 16 as of June 30th and returning to high school in the upcoming fall school year to be eligible to attend. Students who complete the summer programs will also earn the grade 12 science credit (SNC 4M).
Fall Programming
MedLinx is a comprehensive program that runs from November to April and offers students in grade 9-12, a unique chance to gain real-world experience in healthcare through hands-on activities, mentorship, and academic workshops.
Summer Programming
The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) provides a distinctive opportunity for high school students who are Indigenous or identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, or from multi-racial backgrounds connected to their Black heritage. During a four-week period in July at the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine, participants engage in hands-on activities, experiments, lectures, and specialized projects led by professionals. They explore a variety of fields such as Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, Dentistry, Kinesiology, Physiotherapy, Medicine and much more. Additionally, they also have the opportunity to shadow professionals during clinical placements, gaining valuable mentorship experience.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Design is an experiential learning initiative with an equity focus. The learners participate in interactive sessions led by researchers, graduate students, and practitioners to broaden their understandings of academic and career pathways available within health sciences. This program is for students facing systemic barriers, including those from Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, racialized groups, or students who experience socio-economic challenges.
McMaster Engineering Community Outreach
McMaster is hosting workshops that will run from February-June only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For further details and to register, please visit the website.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
NSBE is thrilled to invite you to participate in the Pre-Collegiate Initiative (PCI) portion of our Annual Conference. The PCI program is designed to inspire high school students, particularly from underrepresented communities, to explore and pursue opportunities in STEM.
Black Mental Health Week NACCA Events
Join us for a week of events focused on mental health and well-being within the Black community. We are offering workshops, discussions, and resources to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote healing. Please share with your Black families (child, youth, adults and seniors)
Mental Health Workshop for Child and Youth: Ubuntu and Wellness: A Journey to Mental Health and Community Care
Dates: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Location: Online
NACCA Presents: Mental Health Workshop for Child and Youth: Ubuntu and Wellness: A Journey to Mental Health and Community Care
We invite children and youth, in grades 5-8, from the Black community to come and learn about and have a discussion regarding mental health and wellness through the lens of UBUNTU—an African philosophy emphasizing the interconnectedness of participants, community, reciprocity, and collective well-being.
Grounded in culturally appropriate and trauma-informed principles, this interactive workshop encourages self-awareness, social responsibility, and the understanding that youth are both part of the solution and the challenge when it comes to mental well-being.
Please register your youth for this event.
Strengthening Families: Educating Black Youth and Parents on Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Dates: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Location: Online
NACCA invites you to join us for an informative and empowering event designed to equip Black youth and their parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to address the challenges of addictions.
Through engaging discussions and practical strategies, we’ll explore prevention, healthy choices, and open communication to strengthen families and support our youth in making positive decisions. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for our community.
This will be facilitated by Rachel Okoro, founder and Psychotherapy of Empathetic Minds Psychotherapy.
Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for our youth. Please register.
Reflections of Resilience: A Mental Health Art Therapy Experience for the Black Youth and Adults.
Dates: Friday, March 7, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (Senior) or 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Youth and Adults)
Location: Newmarket Public Library - 438 Park Avenue
NACCA invites you and family to the Reflections of Resilience: Honouring Black Voices and Visions. A Mental Health Art Therapy Experience for the Black Community. Design personalized reflection boards to honour Black wellness, culture and resilience while connecting through art.
The event is facilitated by Charmaine Johnson, Founder of The Village Creative Healing Community and Counsellor.
All are welcome - no art experience needed!
Please register.
Breathe. Release. Renew - Breathwork Session - Healing Racial Trauma Through the Power of the Breath
Dates: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: TBA (Newmarket)
NACCA invites you to experience the transformative power of Ubuntu Breathwork, a healing practice designed for the Black community. Through deep, intentional breathing, we will connect with our shared humanity, release stress, and promote inner peace. This session offers a safe space for reflection, healing, and empowerment, where we honor our roots and nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits.
The session will be facilitated by Julie Thompson, the founder of Ubuntu Breathwork and Yoga. Julie is a certified breathwork facilitator and yoga teacher holding multiple certificates in mindfulness and meditation. Her approach to wellness is to treat the whole person – mind, body and soul.
Join us on a journey of collective healing and strength. Please register.
Future ACES
Elementary and Secondary students are invited to register to the Future ACES 2025 program. These free programs focus on youth building positive character traits that reinforce positive and inclusive behaviour while encouraging youth to attain the highest level of achievement both personally and academically within their capabilities. Contact communications@futureaces.org for more information and to register.
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
2025 Scholarship Applications
In 2025, NACCA will award scholarships to up to 11 students, providing them with financial support as they pursue their educational goals. Applicants must apply by March 31, 2025 to be considered; winners to be announced early June.
New for 2025 is the Southlake Regional Health Centre Scholarship for students who are entering health-related fields such as medicine, nursing, public health, or other healthcare disciplines. The Scholarship is for $2500.00.
For more information or application to all the scholarships, please visit the NACCA website for scholarships.
Aurora Black Community
Aurora Black Community is hosting a Black History Gala on April 11, 2025. Attendees can expect an evening of culture, flavor, and celebration! Visit the website for more information and to register.
Community Agencies
The Alliance of Educators for Black Students (AEBS)
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!
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).
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 THE OMO AFRICENTRIC CAMPUS IS BACK! video or visit Parents of Black Children.
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. Here are a few links to review.
BFCN – Black Foundation of Community Networks
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (yorkregionaacc.ca)
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA)