Nadine Williams is an award-winning poet, author and arts educator. She has published three collections of poetry, two children’s books and over twelve volumes of literature for Black History Month. These creations are a staple in the curricula of several schools in Canada in celebration of Black History. She is a regular presenter at schools across Canada, including local universities and was the distinguished guest speaker to the prestigious African Writers Club at the University of Vienna for Global African Month in May 2019.

She is the recipient of the York Regional Police Deeds Speak Award and in 2019 she received parliamentary mention for significant contributions to Black History in Canada. A resident poet for the Caribbean Consular Corps, she is vested in mentoring the next generation of authors, writers and scholars. She is a Presidential Poet, having opened for several dignitaries such as Mrs. Michelle Obama, Canada’s Governor General, as well as Prime Ministers of both Canada and Jamaica. She was the sole proponent in the recognition and dedication of two recent significant events of the journey of Black Peoples in Canada; “The Enslavement of Africans in Canada” and “The West Indian Domestic Scheme”.

Simone Burgher, a certified Special Education Specialist in the role of an Assessment and Programming Teacher within the TCDSB and holds 19 years of divisional experience, teaching in Ontario. Simone is a Toronto native, born to proud Jamaican parents who immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s, in search for a perceived “better life” for their children. Simone is TCDSB alumni, as she attended Our Lady of the Assumption elementary and graduated from Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts secondary. She later attended the University of Windsor to earn her degrees in: Drama in Education and Bachelor of Education in the Junior and Intermediate divisions. The marrying of the arts and education serendipitously allowed her to pursue her two closest passions as her vocation. Simone has since facilitated numerous workshops, concerts, and events within schools to promote Black cultural awareness. Simone is in current pursuit of her Master of Education degree at the University of Toronto’s OISE, studying Developmental Psychology to better understand child development and ways to foster student success. Simone’s enduring contribution to society is to be instrumental in implementing equitable change within current educational institutions and dismantling systemic barriers to success for all students.

BIClifton D. Corbin, M.B.A., has spent years studying finance and is a passionate advocate for advancing the financial literacy of children and young adults. He is also the author of Your Kids, Their Money: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Literate Children. You can find out more about Clifton and access his blog, resources for parents, and activities for children at cliftoncorbin.com

Michael “MikeAll” Grandsoult is a Scarborough, Ontario native and Hip Hop educator. He began writing poems in the primary years of elementary school and started rapping in the junior grades. He has released three solo albums; "Mike Check" (2008), "Mike Support" (2015) and "Mike All" (2018). In 2012, Michael became a published author for the first time via the anthology, “Basodee.” Michael is currently an elementary school teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. He uses rap/poetry as a bridge for learning and strives to promote passion for literacy. He credits his love of literature to his Guyanese- born parents, Cheryl and David Grandsoult, who read to him as a child and encouraged him to read and write. MikeAll’s goal is to put the poet back into Rhythm And Poetry.

Eklipz is a supremely seasoned, multi-medium, locally-renowned artist based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Often referred to as a modern day Renaissance artist, his work has already established an impactful presence throughout the community. Having grown up scribing the city streets in the early 90’s, his art still adorns the buildings of Hamilton with elegantly executed, colour-infused murals. Though his initial offerings were spawned by Hip Hop’s graffiti culture, his unquenchable thirst for growth in all areas of life pushed him to develop an eclectic and diverse style unlike any other.

Wesley Williams, a.k.a. Maestro Fresh Wes, is a rapper, actor, author and motivational speaker. He was born in Toronto, ON. He was raised in North York and Scarborough and before going to Carleton University, he attended the following TCDSB schools: St. Timothy Catholic School, Our Lady of Good Counsel School and Senator O’Connor College School.

A pioneering hip hop recording artist, Maestro Fresh Wes is regarded as the “godfather of Canadian hip hop.” His debut album, Symphony in Effect (1989), was the first album by a Black Canadian artist to be certified platinum in Canada. The hit single “Let Your Backbone Slide,” one of the most successful and influential Canadian songs of all time. In 2019, it became the first rap song to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Maestro has been nominated for 13 Juno Awards and won two, including the inaugural award for Rap Recording of the Year in 1991. He was named No. 1 on CBC Music’s 2013 list of the greatest Canadian rappers.

Andre Fullerton, MBA is the Senior Manager of Community Use of Schools and the Coordinator of the Focus on Youth program. With over 20 years of experience working professionally in various capacities of community engagement, Andre has worked with a variety of organizations including Toronto Community Housing Corporation and Tropicana Community Services. A former student at Neil McNeil Highschool, Andre is eager to share his educational, work experience and life experiences as a father, educator, community developer and social justice change agent who maintains a flair for fostering positive relations with the community.

Kevin Junor is a retired deputy superintendent from the Ontario Public Service. He is a serving officer in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves. Kevin also is a motivational speaker and consultant focussing on leadership, diversity and inclusion among other topics. Born in Birmingham, UK and raised in Jamaica, Kevin began his military career with the Toronto Scottish Regiment at the age of 17. Kevin’s distin-guished 30 year military career saw him rise to rank of the Regimental Sergeant-Major, Army Reserves. After a theology degree and a diploma as a civil engineer, Kevin began his “other” professional life as a Senior Business and Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Transportation. For 24 years Kevin provid-ed advice on strategic planning issues.

Terry Ofori is a grade 12 student at Chaminade College School.  His family is from Ghana. He is planning to pursue a career in architecture.  He hopes to engage his peers into thought-provoking and enlightening discussions on how to navigate through life as a person of colour. 

Amadu is in his final year at Chaminade College School. He is a midfielder for the Chaminade Gryphons and Vaughan Soccer Club. Both parents are immigrants from Sierra Leone, and he has two older sisters. Amadu intends to graduate with a degree in Kinesiology. He hopes to inspire his peers to be confident and to truly be secure in their own skin.

Elijah is a grade 12 student at Chaminade College School. Both of his parents immigrated from Jamaica and he and his older sister reside in North York. As the student council president Elijah brings school spirit and student leadership into full effect. He plans to earn his degree in Business Technology at the post-secondary level. He believes all students should be proud of their backgrounds and to not feel uncomfortable with who they are.

Manual B is a Filipino student in Grade 12 at St. John Paul II. He enjoys studying mathematics and played on the school's flag football team, as well as participated in two Terry Fox runs held by the school. In his free time, you will find him hanging out with friends, spending time with family, playing video games or playing basketball, and he recently started working out. He is considering a future as a stockbroker or working in the trades, as either an electrician or mechanic.

Shemar Lee is a grade 12 student at St. John Paul II C.S.S. His ethnicity is Jamaican. His favorite subjects are science and gym. For fun, Shemar can be found playing basketball, playing piano, or hanging out with his friends. He is interested in pursuing a career in the trades, specifically as an electrician.

GRADE 12 STUDENT

POPE JOHN PAUL II S.S.

GRADE 12 STUDENT

POPE JOHN PAUL II S.S.

Zaevian Dawson is a grade twelve student and leader of the Trust 15-Men of Distinction leadership program at Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School. Through his community engagement, Zaevian has developed a passion for peer mentorship, reading, keeping abreast of business news and listening to podcasts. Zaevian’s goal is to pursue a career in computer science/engineering.

Nosakhare is a grade 11 Student at Monsignor Percy Johnson and a member of Trust 15's Men of Distinction group. Nosakhare enjoys helping out his community through volunteering. He enjoys the applied sciences and is aiming to become a chemical engineer.

Hi everyone, my name is Jevaughn Stewart-Hinds, Grade 12 student at Father Henry Carr in Rexdale, Ontario, and I am honoured to lead this workshop on Black Male Leadership.

I enjoy playing sports (especially football), writing poetry and everything about films, especially creating films. For this workshop I would like to address some misconceptions about what “leadership” means and what it entails in our everyday lives, and hopefully shed light on how to bring out your own inner “leader”.

My name is Christian Kin and I am a grade 12 student at Father Henry Carr. In my spare time, I contemplate my existence and philosophize the daily qualms of society. My goal with the workshop is to educate, inspire and communicate with the young black men of tomorrow. I am excited to provide my insight on purpose and leadership and help my fellow brethren reach some form of enlightenment upon issues we face. I want to discuss financial education, physical and mental fitness, and the power of self-discipline.

I grew up in Jane and Finch where the future for the youths is bleak and the life expectancy of Black males is short. I wasn’t very studious—who I am kidding? I hated school. But they always told us that education was the way out. I needed education if I wanted to make it out of the “hood.” I needed education so I didn’t become a “waste yute” (a youthful person who is a waste of time and space; a young person who doesn’t make proper use of their time and energy). I didn’t want to be a statistic and I had goals that I wanted to accomplish.

Dean & Craig are (Co-author’s & coach/mentors) we launched our company last year Checks Over Strikes. And year to date we have sold over 1000 books, mentored 7 young ladies who created side hustles that have collectively grossed over 40k during the pandemic . We have also created an online course set out to give marginalized youth and young adults the right to success in the financial sector.

Growing up in two projects wasn’t easy (Trethwey & Lawrence Heights). I always figured growing up in these marginalized/high risk areas would be a set back. In fact, the time spent in these areas only built my character and strengthened my mindset to do better. Let’s not get it twisted, I wasn’t perfect. However, the experiences I endured through my childhood and being a young adult, framed me to be the man I am today.

Dean & Craig are (Co-author’s & coach/mentors) we launched our company last year Checks Over Strikes. And year to date we have sold over 1000 books, mentored 7 young ladies who created side hustles that have collectively grossed over 40k during the pandemic . We have also created an online course set out to give marginalized youth and young adults the right to success in the financial sector.

Anne-Marie King is a Scarborough, Ontario native, teaching at the Secondary panel with the TCDSB. She holds 16 years of experience, teaching both at the elementary and secondary level and is currently teaching Religion, Canadian Black History and Anti-Black Racism. Anne-Marie is born to proud Trinidadian parents, who immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s, in search for better job opportunities. Anne-Marie is TCDSB alumni, as she attended St. Maria Goretti elementary and graduated from Cardinal Newman secondary, where she has been recognized as a "Notable Alumni" for her work post graduation. She later attended Humber College and earned her diploma from the Child and Youth Worker program. She then attended York University to earn her degrees in: Psychology and Bachelor of Education. She completed her Masters Degree in Sociology and Equity Studies at University of Toronto, where her passion for Anti-Racism and Equity work blossomed. Through a Chirst-centered, student-focused lens, Anne-Marie works to build relationships, initiate courageous conversations, and inspire students, staff, administrators, superintendents, trustees and community members to work together to provide the best possible education experience for all our students.

It is an honour to be apart of this Black male conference and I hope to influence or rather guarantee a positive change in my community of Rexdale for the black youth. My goal within this workshop is to properly educate the black youth on the issues that we currently face in our community and lead as an inspiration and show how situations like this where speaking to students in these types of environments with like-minded people, can help redirect our lives in the most healthy and positive way possible, for the improvement of our world one step at a time. In my free time, I love to read books and listen to audios books that speak on the philosophies of life, how we can change our lives for the better, the power and potential of the human mind, how we came to be on this planet, why we think the way that we do, spirituality, religion, and much more interesting things. Self-introspection has also been becoming a daily habit in my life to find out why I express the thoughts and feelings that I do, and by consciously being aware of them I can rewire my subconscious mind for a more healthy and positive perception of life. Self-introspection is when you are consciously aware of all your thoughts and feelings so that you do not just do things off pure impulse, but instead you think about yourself and conduct yourself in a respectable, logical, and rational manner from recognizing your neural patterns of thinking and how you feel from those thoughts. I am also a person who is very invested in my physical health so I am always on the move getting my body right. I love a lot of sports and play a variety of them, but mainly I play Soccer and run Track and Field. I hope to achieve a sports and academic scholarship to continue pursuing my career as a student-athlete.