HOW IT STARTED
OUR HISTORY
The National Black Canadians Summit emerged from the Michaëlle Jean Foundation’s early arts-based mobilization work, particularly the 4th Wall program: Making the Invisible Visible.
Beginning in 2014 and 2015, Black youth were invited into cultural spaces such as museums and galleries to share their experiences and engage in dialogue on racism, invisibility, and social exclusion. These early gatherings, hosted at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery of Ontario, created powerful moments of connection, visibility, and public awareness.
From these conversations, a clear call emerged: the need for a permanent national platform where Black communities could gather, speak openly, learn from one another, and collectively shape solutions. That call gave birth to the first National Black Canadians Summit.
TIMELINE
SUMMIT OVER THE YEARS
2017 | Toronto, ON
First NBCS - Making the Multilateral Canadian
Launch of a national platform for dialogue and strategic planning, bringing together more than 400 participants and laying the groundwork for a growing national movement.
2019 | Ottawa, ON
Second Summit – 4 days, 4 nights: Mapping Our Future
Four days of in-depth conversations with over 700 participants, culminating in a community delegation presenting recommendations to federal ministers — contributing to Canada’s Strategic Action Plan for the UN International Decade for People of African Descent.
2021–2022 | Virtual
National Virtual Series
Sustained national mobilization with around 3,000 attendees during COVID-19, addressing justice, education, entrepreneurship, health, and community resilience.
2022 | Halifax, NS
Third Summit – Our Time Is Now
Over 1,500 attendees gathered, leading to the adoption of the Halifax Declaration: Manifesto for the Eradication of Racial Discrimination, a national roadmap for systemic change.
2025 | Montréal, QC
Fourth Summit – Taking Action Together
The fourth edition brought together over 1,200 attendees, including 600 youth participants. This edition introduced the first dedicated Youth Day, creating a national space to center, amplify, and celebrate youth leadership through sessions, panels, artistic showcases, and intergenerational dialogue.
VOICES FROM THE SUMMIT
TESTIMONIALS
"The National Black Canadians Summit brought together over 1,500 individuals for powerful conversations on civic engagement and anti-racism in Canada."
Cleche Kokolo
Advocate & Panel Host
"The Summit created a safe space where lived experiences were shared, connections were built, and collective action was meaningfully advanced."
Healthy Minds
Mental health cooperative
"An impactful summit that elevated leadership, women from minority communities, and meaningful dialogue on power and inclusion."
Claire Venance
Change Management Consultant
"An incredible experience engaging with passionate leaders committed to driving meaningful change."
Bridget Andam
Award-Winning Educational Consultant
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