Thank you for subscribing to the 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.
We also welcome you to visit our Centre for Black Student Excellence on the board website to find information about our programs, Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy, resources for students and families and links to community agencies.
To send your inquiries or feedback, please email: BlackStudentExcellence@yrdsb.ca
YRDSB News and Events
York Region Presidents’ Council Election Applications Deadline
Nominations are open to any student entering Grades 10 to 12 at a YRDSB secondary school in September 2025. Nominations close May 18 at 6 p.m. Learn more about the York Region Presidents' Council and the application and election process.
Y2 Legacy
York Region District School Board, in partnership with York University, presents: Y2 LEGACY – A Black-Centred Approach to Leadership, Innovation, and Excellence
This is a transformative credit-bearing summer learning program that empowers students through a Black-centred lens, celebrating leadership, innovation, and academic excellence.
Learn more and registration link
We are now accepting applications for the second round of acceptances to the Y2 LEGACY Program. The application deadline is Friday, May 30, 2025, and students will be notified of their acceptance status during the week of June 2, 2025
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
An Empowering Session on Navigating Community and Government Services
This webinar is presented by Vaughan Community Health Centre and York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities. The virtual session will provide information on accessing African, Caribbean and Black services in York region, support navigating various systems including education, legal, housing and employment, support completing applications or forms and referrals to other community organizations or government services. To register, please contact info@yorkregionaacc.ca.
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtually on Zoom
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association
MACCA is offering a Reading and Robotics Summer Camp for ages 6-12 years old at Wilclay P.S.
Please visit the website for more information and to register.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association
MACCA will be awarding scholarships of $1000.00 to selected recipients.
Please visit the website for more information and to register. Deadline to apply is Monday, June 30 2025.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association
MACCA is hosting a Potluck Fundraiser on Saturday May 17, 2025
Please visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets.
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)