Author: Odita Myers
The theme for Black History Month 2025, Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations, encourages us to not only reflect on the past but also empower future generations to carry on the torch of leadership, resilience, and progress.
At the Youth Hub, where we welcome so many youth, it was important to host a series of exciting events that would educate, inspire, and get young people excited about Black History Month. These activities were all about challenging stereotypes, amplifying the voices of Black Canadians, and celebrating the amazing achievements of the Black community.
Black History Month Culture Event
The Black History Month Culture event showcased several amazing guests who shared their stories, insights, and experiences, helping everyone connect to the larger narrative of Black history. We were fortunate to have Youth Advisory Council member, Hanadi A., perform her powerful spoken word piece. It offered a heartfelt and thought-provoking perspective on her journey navigating the complexities of growing up as a Black Muslim girl in her community, while also highlighting the strength and resilience that come from embracing both identities.
We were lucky to have an inspiring talk from Sean Mauricette, an actor, musician, educator, and motivational speaker with over a decade of experience. Sean shared the rich history of Black people, going way beyond the era of Western slavery, and highlighted the contributions of Black individuals throughout history that often get overlooked. His presentation was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that have always been at the heart of Black communities.
Then we welcomed Suzette Vidale, a talented and innovative steelpan artist, who introduced the youth to the amazing world of the steelpan. Suzette shared the rich history behind this unique instrument, explaining where it came from and how it became a symbol of cultural pride and artistic expression for many Caribbean nations. Afterward, the youth got the chance to join in a hands-on workshop where they learned to play the steelpan and worked together to create music. It was a great way to encourage teamwork and creativity, while also deepening their appreciation for Caribbean culture.
Towards the end of the event, participants enjoyed a tasty meal from Scotty Bons Caribbean Grill, giving everyone the chance to try authentic Caribbean food and adding to their cultural experience.
Art Making for Black Well-Being
The Youth Hub hosted a unique and impactful workshop that combined creativity, self-care, and mental well-being. We welcomed youth to join us for an Art-Making for Black Well-Being session.
The session was led by Belinda Ageda, an experienced Arts in Health professional and facilitator, who introduced participants to the healing power of art as a form of self-care. Using oil pastels, the youth created colourful and expressive drawings while exploring techniques to reduce stress through contemplative and expressive art.
One of the key activities was a mapping exercise, which invited participants to reflect on their emotions, experiences, and personal journeys. This creative tool allowed the youth to visualise and process their thoughts in a way that felt both grounding and empowering. Beyond the individual art-making activities, the workshop also included group discussions that provided a safer space for the youth to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights about well-being.
Making Learning Engaging: Connecting with Culture and History
We organized a variety of activities during our after-school drop-in that made learning fun and engaging for the youth. We hosted a friendly and competitive game of Family Feud with questions focused on Black Canadians and their contributions.
As well as a fast-paced matching game where participants matched pictures of Black Canadians with their achievements. The youth had a blast competing against each other, testing their knowledge, and getting the chance to win prizes.
Youth participants in the Future Her program had the opportunity to create and share presentations about their own cultures with their peers. Through their presentations, they discovered that while there are many unique traditions, customs, and histories, there are also significant commonalities that connect them.
Hidden Figures: An Inspiring Film Screening
Youth were invited for a screening of Hidden Figures (2016), an inspiring true story about three brilliant African American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played pivotal roles at NASA during the Space Race. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, their ground-breaking mathematical and engineering contributions helped launch man into orbit, and changed the course of history. This uplifting film highlights perseverance, intelligence, and the power of breaking barriers.
Carrying the Spirit Forward
We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful speakers, performers, facilitators, and organizers who made this month’s events so memorable. A huge thank you to the youth who attended and participated in the programming—your voices, talents, and actions will inspire and lead us into the future, shaping the next generation. As we wrap up this month of reflection, let’s carry the energy and momentum of Black History Month throughout the year. Black history is not just a one-time event—it’s an ongoing movement and a call to action. It’s about building a society that honours and celebrates the contributions of Black people every day, in all aspects of life. We can continue to reflect, educate, and challenge stereotypes and biases. Together, we can create a future where Black excellence, leadership, and creativity are always recognized, celebrated, and uplifted for today and for future generations.
