BY MICHAEL THOMAS
This was a free Zoom online event about resiliency and the strategies being used to support Toronto, Peel & York region’s black communities through the challenges of this present situation.
The February 3rd, 2021 event kicked off Black History Month by bringing the region together in this celebration. Linden King who is the United Way Black Community Advisory Council Chair hosted it.
Jamaal Magloire, Toronto native, past NBA player and current assistant coach to the Toronto Raptors and Honorary Chair was a keynote speaker.
Although it was a free event, folks were encouraged to consider making a donation of $25 if they were able to, as every dollar that was contributed will help support the neighbors and provide much needed relief to families right here in Toronto, Peel and York.
Here is a brief history of the United Way and some of the things they have done.
United Way launched the Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC) in 2010 to increase the organization’s understanding of challenges impacting the black community in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, and to collectively address these issues.
Today the United Way and the BCAC
- Catalyzed a study of the social well-being of black youth in Peel, resulting in the 2015 FACES report, evidence to foster action.
- Established the Black Youth Student Success Initiative (BYSSI), an action item following the FACES report, that addresses systemic discrimination in the Peel District School Boards and works with the Boards to improve organizational culture and educational outcomes for black students as well as improve service capacity for black-led organizations in the region.
- Helped foster relationships between the Peel District School Board and the broader black community in Peel through the We RISE
- Coordinate an annual breakfast to celebrate Black History Month and use the event to facilitate community discussions on youth educational success.
- Will continue to support development of youth-focused initiatives and expand membership across York and Toronto.
I spoke with Mr Linden King about the event and how things are progressing in light of the present situation.
“We have this breakfast annually and we usually invite a lot of elected officials like the mayors from each of the regions, but this time we have to go virtual, and we always try to showcase a lot of the stuff that is happening in the community.”
“Especially when it comes to the youths,” he said, “whether it be education, youth success and empowerment. This year we have chosen Jamaal Magloire who has given back to the community quite a bit. In addition to Black History Month, we also recognize individuals that are doing well.
We have a leadership in the community award, a leadership in business, and we also have a youth leadership as well.
We tried to make this as interactive as possible. This year we put a twist on it with regards to the recipients and in co-operate video messages with live interaction at the same time.”
They had chat functions and an ability to ask questions to the panel, and if someone did not get an answer to their question, they could put it in the chat group and someone from the United Way got back to them.”
The awards ceremony recipients are:
- Leadership in Business:
Beverly Griffiths – Jerk & BBQ Heaven - Community Leadership
Floydeen Charles – Fridel – Caribbean African Canadian Social Services
Adebola Adefioye Afro Women and Youth Foundation - Youth Leadership
BYSSI Youth Team: Tyanna Browne, Crystel Campbell, and Gerry Small.
For more information, please contact the following links. unitedwaygt.org
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