Black History Month 2025: Bridging the past and the future
During Black History Month, youth in the YMCA Black Achievers Mentorship Program learned from inspiring leaders and created lifelong memories at the National Black Canadians Summit in Montreal. They also explored the complexities of historical representation in Canada at our debate competition in Scarborough, visited a deeply resonant Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) exhibition on hip-hop and contemporary art, visited a key site along the Underground Railroad in Oakville, and attended a Black health fair at Central YMCA.
Read on to learn more about the transformative experiences the Black Achievers youth had throughout the month.
National Black Canadians Summit in Montreal
The Black Achievers team started Black History Month with an incredible trip to Montreal to attend the National Black Canadians Summit by the Michaëlle Jean Foundation. This conference brought together Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and other changemakers from across the country to share their journeys, initiatives, and lessons.
Our Black Achievers delegation included Zimra Obimdike, Dahlia Egirani, Jaelyn James, Mahalia Reid, Sam Morgan-Adebiyi, and Chris Telford. A highlight for our group was meeting mentor Wesline Clermont for the first time, who left an inspiring and lasting impact.
The summit was a phenomenal experience. Black Achievers youth were immersed in discussions about Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and the many initiatives from Black leaders that are making a difference in communities nationwide. Youth had the chance to hear from entrepreneurs who shared invaluable lessons they learned as they built their businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises and overcame obstacles.
Beyond the summit, our group took time to explore beautiful Montreal. We briefly stopped in Old Montreal to take in its history and charm. A visit to St-Viateur Bagel, a Montreal-style bagel institution, was a must, and gave everyone a taste of this unique local delicacy. Another highlight was a trip to Mount Royal Park, where we had an excellent view of the city and appreciated its striking skyline.
A particularly special part of our trip was being invited by Wesline (Wes) for a visit to her home. The Black Achievers team enjoyed an evening filled with laughter, strategy, and competition as we played the dice game Farkle. One of the most memorable moments of the night was when Wes shared a variation of a traditional Haitian dish called Joumou, a type of squash soup. This soup holds deep historical significance, as it has been eaten by Haitians every year on January 1 since their emancipation from slavery in 1804. To this day, Haitian families across the globe continue this tradition. Alongside the soup, Wes prepared an array of delicious Haitian foods that made us feel truly at home. The energy in the room was contagious, and we all enjoyed the connection, culture, and fun.
The purpose of the trip to Montreal was to attend the summit, celebrate the successes of people who look like us, learn from inspiring Black leaders, strengthen our community, and create lifelong memories. The lessons and experiences from our Quebec journey will undoubtedly shape the futures of the young Black Achievers as they continue on their paths to success.
Black History Month debate competition
As part of our Black History Month celebrations, the Black Achievers team held a debate at Scarborough YMCA. The topic statement was: Black Canadians have been historically underrepresented in Canadian education, media, and public discourse. And Black Canadian contributions should be more prominently integrated into Canadian history and culture.
The event drew an engaged audience, including program participants, staff, and mentors, to support and witness an insightful and dynamic discussion. Our youth debaters came prepared, delivering well-researched arguments with confidence and charisma. Their ability to articulate their perspectives, backed by historical evidence and examples, made for an inspiring afternoon.
The opposing side faced a big challenge but secured a victory through their captivating performance. They emphasized that while Black Canadian contributions deserve greater recognition, other marginalized groups, such as Indigenous communities, also face historical erasure and need to be highlighted. Their argument struck a chord with the audience, showcasing the complexities of historical representation in Canada.
Beyond the debate, the event fostered meaningful conversations about inclusivity, representation, and the responsibility we all share in acknowledging and amplifying diverse narratives. It was a reminder that discussions like these are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and accurate understanding of Canadian history. The Black Achievers team is proud to have facilitated this important dialogue.
AGO visit
Later in the month, our youth enjoyed a powerful and inspiring visit to the AGO to experience The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century exhibit. It resonated deeply with many of us.
For some of our mentors, this excursion was the first time they met Black Achievers youth and staff in person, making the occasion even more special. For many attendees, it was also their first time stepping into the art gallery — an experience that was eye-opening and affirming. Seeing hip-hop and Black culture in these institutions was rare and meaningful; the visit sparked conversations about the representation of women within hip-hop, creativity, and the impact of art on social change.
More than just a visit to an art gallery, the outing reminded us of the power of our culture, the importance of seeing ourselves in such spaces, and how we are represented there.
Underground Railroad
On February 22, 2025, the Black Achievers program visited the Erchless Estate in Oakville, which was a key site along the Underground Railroad. There, we reflected on the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of our ancestors, who fought for their freedom against unthinkable oddsAs Black people, we must take time to acknowledge and honour the painful history that shaped our existence today. The stories shared at Erchless Estate highlighted the heroism and sheer determination of those who travelled treacherous paths to escape bondage. Through interactive storytelling and historical accounts, our group gained a deeper appreciation for the courage and ingenuity of those who fought for freedom.
Walking through the site, we felt the weight of history in every step. We learned about the incredible risks that freedom seekers took and the compassionate allies who assisted them on their journey to safety. The visit was not just about learning history — it was about connecting with our past and understanding the legacy of resistance and perseverance that continues to inspire us today.
Black health fair
At the end of the month, the Black Achievers attended a Black health fair hosted by the YMCA’s Black Experience Staff Advisory Committee (BESAC) at Central YMCA. The event brought together mentees, mentors, staff, and community members to engage in crucial discussions about Black health and well-being. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from The Walnut Foundation, TAIBU, and other community health organizations dedicated to supporting Black communities. Our youth participated in discussions about health disparities, preventative care, and holistic well-being and acquired the knowledge and resources to help combat persistent health issues in the Black community. The fair was a testament to the strength of community-driven initiatives in addressing critical issues affecting Black health.
Black History Month was transformative for youth in the YMCA Black Achievers Mentorship Program. They gained a deeper understanding of the experiences of Black people in Canada past and present, and strengthened their connections through professional and social interactions. These activities helped them develop a stronger sense of purpose as they reflected on both their past and future. As program staff, we are excited to see how these experiences shape them into the leaders and changemakers they are becoming.
