On Thursday, November 14, Bluewater District School Board hosted its second annual Black Student Forum at Grey Highlands Secondary School. Over 120 people attended, including students from Georgian Bay Community School (Meaford), Grey Highlands Secondary School (Flesherton), Kincardine District Senior School, Owen Sound District Secondary School, Saugeen District Senior School (Port Elgin), and Walkerton District Community School.
The Black Student Forum was created to celebrate Black culture and provide students with meaningful opportunities to connect with facilitators and guest speakers who inspire them to pursue their dreams through education, diverse perspectives, and motivation.
A huge ‘thank-you’ goes to JunCtian Community Initiatives (JCI), which organized the outstanding facilitators, speakers, and performances for the day. JCI’s mission is to create a safe and welcoming space for youth, fostering connection through arts, culture, education, diversity, inclusion, health and wellness, religion, and a wide range of community activities.
The event was emceed by Safoorah Forde, an early childhood educator and executive officer of JunCtian Community Initiatives, and Joan John, a social development consultant, community leader, founder of JCI, and the first Black female councillor in Southgate. Together, they introduced a phenomenal lineup of facilitators, presenters, and speakers:
- Kelly (Kel$) Cockfield: A criminology student, basketball athlete, and singer-songwriter who captivated with her beautiful rendition of the national anthem.
- Rise Dance Group: A talented team of four women dedicated to expressive arts and community engagement, who inspired with their powerful dance performance.
- Candace Carter: Office Manager for the mayor of Brampton, with expertise in policy development, community outreach, and government relations.
- Garnett Manning: Senior Advisor to the mayor of Brampton, known for his decades of community leadership and award-winning public service.
- Lindell Roberts: A licensed electrician and electronics technician specializing in oil and gas flow measurement technology.
- Dr. Cedric Lazarus: A veterinarian with a focus on food safety and advocacy for One Health, previously with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.
- Kimone Rodney: A mental health and addiction nurse dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations in the Peel Region.
- Vaughn Beckford: Entrepreneur and founder of OCNBLVD Clothing Inc., blending creativity with a background in procurement.
- Nina Dixon: Talk show host, actress, and inclusivity advocate, known for her work with Rogers TV and major streaming platforms.
- Ezra Mitchell: Musician, producer, and youth mentor committed to inspiring healing and unity through music.
- Aaron Burrell: Singer-songwriter and worship leader with a passion for community influence and the arts.
- Terrel Johnson: A past GHSS student and current Humber business management student, actively involved in community initiatives and church programs.
- Mohanie Harripaul: A social worker and JCI outreach director, passionate about early childhood education and social programs.
- Don Parchment: A lawyer specializing in real estate and family law, who also works with JCI in youth engagement and community service.
Each presenter brought remarkable energy and inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on the students.
It was an honour to have Bluewater District School Board’s superintendents of education, Keith Lebebvre and Lauren Penner-Lipsett, in attendance. They emphasized the board’s commitment to supporting well-being, equity, and inclusiveness while answering questions from participants.
A special ‘thank-you’ is owed to Cheryl Leifso and Natasha Cordick for their exceptional organizational efforts and to Avion Campbell for his enthusiastic dedication to this initiative. Avion, Human Rights and Equity Advisor for the board, said, “Our second Black Student Forum was a success; students were engaged, and the speakers delivered. This initiative is important as it enhances student voice, providing a space for Black students to share their experiences and talents, foster a sense of belonging, and advocate for equity and representation in their school environments. Maya Angelou said, ‘I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams,’ emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements and voice of Black individuals.”
