A Night to Remember: Impact Gala 2024 Recap
Black Builders Network Virtual Event Recap
BEP Launch in Montreal: A Bold New Chapter for Francophone Entrepreneurs
Introducing FBC’s Bilingual Working Group: A Resource for All
Youth take charge with BIPOC Foundation
Volunteer of the Year
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Canadians,
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) continues to make progress in enhancing employment development, lifelong learning, and health and advocacy within Black communities. Our main September event was our Impact Gala Fundraiser Co-hosts with Skills for Life where we were able to raises tens of thousands of dollars for our joint programs supporting Black youth. This quarter, we have launched 2 new cohorts of our Black Entrepreneurship Program, including a francophone version! That’s 60 new Black entrepreneurs! We’re also excited to announce the launch of our working group, a volunteer group of scholars looking to bring awareness to Black centric issues. With online and physical events we’re expanding our reach to get to Black Canadians across the country, our quarterly impact for direct attendees and program participants is getting in the 1000s, We’re continuing our mission and growing with the hope of impacting more and more Black Canadians. We hope you enjoy reading this quarter’s updates!
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Canadians,
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) continues to make progress in enhancing employment development, lifelong learning, and health and advocacy within Black communities. Our main September event was our Impact Gala Fundraiser Co-hosts with Skills for Life where we were able to raises tens of thousands of dollars for our joint programs supporting Black youth. This quarter, we have launched 2 new cohorts of our Black Entrepreneurship Program, including a francophone version! That’s 60 new Black entrepreneurs! We’re also excited to announce the launch of our working group, a volunteer group of scholars looking to bring awareness to Black centric issues. With online and physical events we’re expanding our reach to get to Black Canadians across the country, our quarterly impact for direct attendees and program participants is getting in the 1000s, We’re continuing our mission and growing with the hope of impacting more and more Black Canadians. We hope you enjoy reading this quarter’s updates!
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
A Night to Remember: Impact Gala 2024 Recap
On September 21st, we gathered in a beautiful celebration of resilience, strength, and hope at the Federation of Black Canadians’ (FBC) 2nd annual Impact Gala, hosted alongside Skills For Life (SFL). This year, our mission was to raise critical funds for programs supporting Black youth across Canada—and we surpassed all expectations!
Guests stepped onto the red carpet, greeted by photographers and the sweet sounds of live violin music, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. “The most spectacular gala I’ve ever attended,” one guest exclaimed, capturing the magic of a night that was equal parts celebration and call to action. getting to show off their fancy dresses! Our Impact Gala featured a full-course Caribbean meal, a lively 360-photo booth, and plenty of fundraising opportunities, including a toonie toss and silent auction. With live performances from Juno Award-winning Kirk Diamond and comedian Jay Martin, the atmosphere was electric. Cultural curator and philanthropist Femi Lawson kept the energy high as our masterful emcee, while DJ Mars Forever ensured the dance floor stayed packed.
But it wasn’t just about the entertainment. We also celebrated the remarkable leaders and changemakers within our community. Honorees included Dwain Cummings, who took home the Promising Athlete Award, and Dr. Oluremi Adewale, who was honored with the prestigious Community Impact Award. These inspiring individuals remind us why we do what we do.
And the giving spirit was alive all night! From the silent auction to the toonie toss—where one lucky guest won a grand bottle of Grey Goose—our supporters came together to make a difference. The funds raised are already fueling our youth programs, but it’s not too late to contribute! Donate Now and continue to support Black youth across Canada.
To our sponsors—Barry and Laurie Green Family Trust, TruEarth, DIAGEO, and Riverside so many others—your unwavering support made this magical night possible. Thank you for believing in our vision! See the stunning photos from the event here and relive the night!
Make a
Difference
with your
Donation
This year’s Giving Tuesday takes place this December 3rd. Make a lasting impact on Black youth today by donating.
Black Builders Network Virtual Event Recap
The Black Builders Network Connect event recently brought together over 70 participants for a virtual gathering filled with insights, support, and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Hosted by the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) in collaboration with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), this event showcased the power of community and entrepreneurship among Black-owned businesses across Canada.
Participants engaged with inspiring speakers who shared their journeys, struggles, and triumphs in entrepreneurship. The event featured the Black Builders Network Roadmap, spotlighting our unique Trusteeship program aimed at fostering collective ownership and community-driven economic empowerment.
Event Highlights:
- Entrepreneurs shared stories of resilience and innovation, offering motivation and practical advice to others pursuing similar paths.
- Rachel Adjei of The AbibiMan Project shared her work celebrating African culinary heritage, bridging culture and community through food.
- Erica Effah of Erica Tiwaa Agency discussed her expertise in content marketing and digital strategy, supporting businesses in establishing a strong online presence.
- Tosin During of Beauty Braids and Beyond highlighted her business’s role in making beauty products more accessible and educational.
- Tresha Wallace & Norma Nicholson from Ubuntu Legacy Community Care spoke about their commitment to providing wellness and social programs tailored for Afro-Canadian seniors and youth.
Exclusive CFIB Offer for Black Entrepreneurs: In partnership with CFIB, FBC is offering an exclusive dual membership at a discounted rate. Members can now access CFIB resources, support, and advocacy for only $250 annually—a significant discount from the usual $400-$500 fee. This membership provides tools for business growth, including legal support, advice on regulatory changes, and personalized resources tailored for small business needs.
For those who missed it or want to dive deeper into the discussions and resources shared, the full event recap is available on our website. This event was a reminder of the strength in community connections and the wealth of knowledge within our network.
Explore the recap and learn more about upcoming events: Black Builders Network Event Recap
Join the Black Builders Network
Register to enjoy exclusive features and services.
The Black Builders Network ,brought to you by FBC, is a Black Business and Nonprofit Resource Hub, your go-to destination for accessing a wide range of resources designed to support and empower black entrepreneurs, non-profits, and businesses.
- Discounted and free tickets to select conferences and events (collision and elevate)
- Membership to the Canadian Federation of Independent businesses (CFIB)
- Trusteeship and grant writing consultations for grassroots organizations
- Capacity Building resources (funding, guides, webinars)
- Priority to grants and special projects
and more!
BEP Launch in Montreal: A Bold New Chapter for Francophone Entrepreneurs
The FBC is proud to announce the successful launch of the French BEP cohort in Montreal, hosted at the iconic Afromusée. This vibrant event was more than just a program kickoff—it was a celebration of Black francophone entrepreneurship and empowerment, with over 70 leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in attendance.
The evening opened with a powerful address from Chris Thompson, FCN’s Executive Director, who spoke passionately about the need for programs like BEP to uplift and empower Black entrepreneurs. Co-founder of Sayaspora, Djamilla Toure, delivered an inspiring keynote, drawing from her own experiences in amplifying African voices within the diaspora.
Guests enjoyed free Caribbean cuisine, courtesy of Auntie Dee’s Kitchen, while capturing memories at the interactive photo booth by Butterfly Labs Media. This launch was the first step in a larger mission to expand the BEP program across francophone communities in Canada, providing the mentorship and resources needed for entrepreneurial success.
Read a full recap of the event here.
Introducing FBC’s Bilingual Working Group: A Resource for All
This quarter we launched our new volunteer Working Group—a passionate team of scholars and professionals from across Canada, dedicated to empowering Black Canadians with free, accessible resources on topics like health, finance, governance, and education.
And we have exciting news! All of our blog posts are now fully bilingual, ensuring that these essential resources are available to both English and French-speaking communities. This is a major step forward in making our resources as inclusive as possible.
Addressing Hate in Canada: Canada’s Action Plan on Combating Hate
On September 24, 2024, the Government of Canada announced its first-ever comprehensive Action Plan to Combat Hate, a cross-government effort to tackle the alarming rise in hate both online and in communities. The plan was introduced by the Honourable Kamal Khera,...
Femicide: Unveiling the Silent Tragedy
Written by: Morola Solar Women are being mercilessly erased at a rate that is disturbing in a world where every life should matter. Femicide, the deliberate killing of women because of their gender, often intersects with racism, domestic violence, and lack of media...
Modernizing the Employment Equity Act: A Step Towards Inclusive Workplaces
Written By: Lesly Nzeusseu In June 2024, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) had the chance to participate in a roundtable discussion organized by Employment and Social Development Canada(ESDC), alongside other community groups representing Black people,...
Gender Diversity in Education: A Focus on the Black Community
Written By: Morola Solar In today's blog post, we will address gender diversity in education, focusing on the Black community. We aim to make complicated data understandable and interesting so that community members can understand gender diversity and the government's...
Stay informed, get inspired, and be part of the conversation by exploring these powerful resources. Learn more about the Working Group!
Resilience Throughout COVID-19: Unveiling the Project Findings
The “Resilience Throughout COVID-19” project, led by Dr. Obidimma Ezezika and funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, has revealed critical insights into the challenges faced by Black Canadians during the pandemic. This groundbreaking study highlights the systemic barriers and health disparities that disproportionately affected our communities.
The report shines a light on the resilience of our community and the vital role of organizations like FBC in times of crisis. The findings serve as a roadmap for how we can continue to build stronger, more equitable systems of support for Black Canadians. Read the full report here .
Joint Statement on CHRC Investigation
IFBC joined a coalition of human rights groups to address anti-Black discrimination within the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). With the CHRC under international review, the coalition calls for accountability and systemic reform. FBC remains committed to advocating for a Canada where human rights institutions uphold justice and equality. Read updates here.
Youth take charge with BIPOC Foundation
The Digital Art Festival (Immersive), hosted by the BIPOC Foundation on September 7, 2024, at the Lethbridge Multicultural Center, was a powerful celebration of art, culture, and technology, centered on empowering BIPOC youth and artists. Opened by Acting Mayor Councillor Campbell with a land acknowledgment, the event honoured Indigenous heritage and civic pride.
Distinguished guests from the Allied Arts Council, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, and the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association joined over 150 attendees to celebrate 13 artists, including five debut exhibitors. Each artist was compensated and eligible for the BIPOC Foundation for the Arts Awards, with honors going to Annie Stehr (Artist in Service), Sidnei and Cody Pai (Trailblazing Artist), and Tandin (Outstanding BIPOC Artist). Afrobeat sensation Jeremiah Johnson, along with other BIPOC performers, added vibrant energy to the day, which also featured a curated dinner by Toyosi’s Kitchen.
The festival paved the way for new initiatives, including a three-month pop-up exhibition at CASA Lethbridge during Black History Month and a feature in the BIPOC Foundation Spotlight Magazine debuting on December 1st. Through artist talks, interactive displays, and a focus on multiculturalism, the festival exemplified art’s ability to connect communities, promote inclusivity, and celebrate BIPOC contributions in Southern Alberta.
Morola Solar Volunteer of the year
Morola Solar’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to community service were proudly recognized as she received the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award at the 2024 FBC Impact Gala. This award highlights the incredible impact she has made within the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) through her unwavering support, enthusiasm, and hands-on involvement in numerous projects and initiatives. Holding an Honour’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from McMaster University, with a minor in Gender, Sexualities, and Families, Morola brings a strong academic foundation and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable environments. Her advocacy for equality and inclusion is reflected not only in her work with FBC but across various spaces where she champions community-building and social support for youth, mental health, and the welfare of women and children.
The FBC staff, in particular, deeply appreciate Morola’s extraordinary efforts, acknowledging her as a cornerstone of their volunteer team. Her ability to lead with empathy and inspire others has set a remarkable example, making her an invaluable part of the FBC family.
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