Black Leadership Breakfast
Black History Month 2026 Showcase
SSLP Relaunch
International Women’s Day
Aviso
Active Programs
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Community Members,
The first quarter of 2026 marked a powerful and impactful start for the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), with national conversations, community events, and program launches focused on leadership, youth empowerment, mental wellness, and community connection. Through intentional convenings, partnerships, and youth-focused initiatives, FBC continued to create meaningful spaces that uplift Black communities across Canada.
From celebrating Black leadership and amplifying Black History Month events nationwide to supporting youth development and hosting conversations on women’s wellness, FBC demonstrated its continued leadership in advancing equity, opportunity, and collective progress. These initiatives reflect FBC’s commitment to lifelong learning, employment development, community wellness, and empowering the next generation of Black leaders.
As we reflect on this past quarter, including the meaningful moments shared during Black History Month especially, I’m encouraged by the collaboration and impact happening across our network. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of the work to uplift Black communities across Canada.
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
Black Leadership Breakfast:
Recognizing Leadership and Tackling Black Youth Unemployment
To launch Black History Month, the Federation of Black Canadians hosted the Black Leadership Breakfast in the Greater Toronto Area, bringing together nearly 200 attendees including youth leaders, employers, academics, community organizations, corporate allies, and government representatives. The strong turnout reflected the urgency and importance of addressing Black youth unemployment and strengthening pathways to opportunity.
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Adewunmi Ajike, Senior AI Product Manager at Telus, and hosted by emcee Ebone. Panelists included Damion Douglas, Karina Deepnarine, Raquel Reid, and Stefany Hanson, who discussed mentorship, employer partnerships, wrap-around supports, and coordinated action needed to create sustainable employment pathways for Black youth. The discussion emphasized collaboration across sectors and highlighted the importance of investing in youth leadership and career readiness.
The breakfast also celebrated outstanding leaders whose contributions reflect the mission of the Federation of Black Canadians. Award recipients included Dr. Narine Dat Sookram, Nik-Keisha Moodie, Emmanuel Adebola, Tenisha Noel, and Sharon Douglas, each recognized for their leadership in employment equity, entrepreneurship, youth mentorship, and community impact.
Notable attendees included Kamala Jean Gopie, Rod Power, Navjit Kaur Brar, Brat Butt, and representatives from community organizations and institutions across Canada. Their presence strengthened partnerships and reinforced commitments to addressing youth unemployment and advancing opportunities for Black communities.
The Black Leadership Breakfast brought stakeholders together and moved conversations into action. By convening employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders, FBC created space for collaboration, strengthened mentorship pathways, and advanced youth employment discussions. The event also encouraged employer commitments and deepened cross-sector partnerships. Through this convening, FBC continued to support economic empowerment and the next generation of Black talent.
Black History Month 2026 Showcase:
Celebrating Black Excellence Across Canada
Throughout February 2026, the Federation of Black Canadians spotlighted a diverse calendar of Black History Month events led by organizations across Canada. These initiatives created meaningful spaces for celebration, education, and community-building, including storytelling workshops, youth programs, cultural performances, leadership conversations, and wellness-focused gatherings.
The month featured a strong mix of programming with school presentations, arts showcases, and cultural celebrations. A key highlight included the Federation of Black Canadians Black Leadership & Recognition Breakfast, which brought together leaders, professionals, and community members for conversations on leadership, economic empowerment, and collective impact.
Mid-to-late February events emphasized youth empowerment, creative expression, mentorship, and professional development through cultural markets, theatre productions, networking opportunities, and leadership initiatives. Closing celebrations featured live performances, awards, and community gatherings honoring Black excellence across Canada.
Together, these events showcased the depth and impact of Black-led initiatives nationwide, celebrating heritage, amplifying voices, supporting youth, and strengthening connections across communities.
SSLP Relaunch:
Supporting Black Youth Through Mentorship and Skill Building
The Federation of Black Canadians, in partnership with Skills4Life, relaunched the revamped Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP) on January 20th, 2026 funded by Scotiabank through ScotiaRISE and in part by the Law Foundation of Ontario. The program is designed for Black youth in Grades 9 to 12 and focuses on mentorship, leadership development, academic success, and career readiness. The new cohort is now open for applications, and a minimum bursary will be offered to participants.
The 8-week program includes mentorship, guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and interactive learning experiences. Participants explore goal setting, civic engagement, career preparation, mental wellness, Black Canadian history, financial literacy, post-secondary pathways, and AI literacy. Youth complete projects, develop personalized plans, and gain practical tools to succeed academically and professionally.
Through the SSLP relaunch, the Federation of Black Canadians strengthened pathways for youth leadership and long-term success. The program expanded access to mentorship, supported academic achievement, promoted financial literacy, and introduced youth to emerging technologies. This initiative demonstrated FBC’s continued investment in the next generation of Black leaders while advancing educational equity and employment development.
International Women’s Day 2026:
Building Resilience, Wellness, and Community
On March 9th, the Federation of Black Canadians hosted a powerful International Women’s Day Virtual Fireside Chat, bringing together women from across Canada for an honest, community-centered conversation focused on mental health, navigating academia and early careers, and building resilience while pursuing personal and professional goals. The 90-minute gathering created a supportive space for reflection, connection, and collective empowerment.
The conversation was hosted by Sasha Lovell, Manager of People and Culture at the Federation of Black Canadians, and featured insights from Karina Deepnarine, Tembeka Pratt, Annmarie Etuk-Campbell, Lateisha Williams, and Kourtni D. Perry. Panelists shared lived experiences and practical strategies for navigating burnout, emotional regulation, systemic barriers, and the transition from school to the workforce, while emphasizing sustainable career paths grounded in purpose and community.
The discussion explored key questions around the pressures women face today, including hidden expectations, the line between ambition and overextension, early warning signs of burnout, and how financial, academic, and performance pressures impact mental health and decision-making. Panelists also highlighted the importance of rest, boundaries, and redefining success on their own terms.
This event highlighted the Federation of Black Canadians’ continued leadership in creating intentional spaces for dialogue, learning, and community connection. By bringing together diverse voices and encouraging meaningful conversation, FBC strengthened national connections, elevated Black women’s voices, promoted mental health awareness, and supported sustainable leadership across communities.
AVISO Event: Francophone and Black Immigration in Canada
During Black History Month, the Federation of Black Canadians participated in an important conversation with AVISO focused on Francophone and Black immigration in Canada. The discussion highlighted challenges faced by Black immigrants, including credential recognition, language barriers, economic integration, and access to opportunities. Speakers shared personal stories of resilience and adaptation, reflecting on experiences navigating education systems, employment pathways, and cultural transitions after arriving in Canada.
Panelists including Manesha, Prince Joshua, and Divine spoke about housing challenges, workplace barriers, representation, and the impact of microaggressions. The conversation emphasized the importance of inclusive hiring practices, stronger integration systems, and recognition of international credentials. Participants also highlighted the need for culturally responsive support, mentorship, and greater representation in schools and workplaces.
This discussion demonstrated the Federation of Black Canadians’ continued leadership in amplifying immigrant voices and addressing systemic barriers. By convening meaningful dialogue, FBC strengthened awareness, promoted inclusive practices, and reinforced its commitment to supporting Black immigrants and Francophone communities across Canada.
Active Programs
Get Involved with FBC
Become a Member of the Federation of Black Canadians
Your membership strengthens our national voice. By joining the Federation of Black Canadians, you directly contribute to programs that empower communities, influence policy, and open doors for the next generation. Members get updates, invitations to national events, and opportunities to shape the future of Black leadership in Canada. Together, we can build a country grounded in equity, opportunity, and justice.
This quarter reaffirmed the power of collaboration, representation, and resilience within our communities. Each initiative, partnership, and event showcased FBC’s unwavering dedication to equity and empowerment. As we look ahead to the next quarter, we remain committed to amplifying Black voices, investing in youth, and advancing systemic change. Together, we are building a future where every Black Canadian has the opportunity to thrive. Stay connected with us and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @fbcfcn.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are a crucial aspect to the strength and success of the Federation and we provide a variety of ways to get involved. You can learn more here.
Become a General Member
General members of FBC will receive regular communications and access to contact lists for other African Canadian organizations across Canada. You can sign up to become a member here.
Become a Paid Member
Paid members of FBC receive invitations to our Annual General Meeting and receive voting rights at our meetings. You can become a paid member here.
Invest In Us
By supporting FBC, you can have a positive impact on our ability to keep much-needed programs (such as BEP and SSLP) accessible for the Black community. Find out more.
