4th National Black

Canadians Summit

Palais des congrès, Montreal

Jan 31, Feb 1-2, 2025

Presented by td bank group

A Summit for Taking Action Together



We come together at this summit, this wonderfully inclusive space where we come from all walks of life, and what binds us together is the weight of all the stories we share, and our unwavering determination to put an end to racism. Here, our stories echo, our truths resonate, and our dreams are transformed into concrete action. We move forward together, Canadians of African descent, Aboriginal peoples and allies, driven by courage and resilience, to shape a transformative moment, a turning point that honors our struggles and paves the way for clear options for the future we want to imagine. This summit is much more than an event: it is a promise, a declaration that our quest for justice, for the recognition of a common humanity, continues, driven by unwavering determination.


Our History: The legacy of our connections, our collective
reflection, and the change we demand


2017
1st Summit, Toronto
500 attendees
Created following a call from emerging artists of African descent, from Halifax, Toronto and Montreal.
2019
2nd Summit, Ottawa
700 attendees
Summits become an essential and vigorous platform for reflection and co-creation.
2020
Virtual Series
3000+ attendees
Between 2020 and 2021, in the context of the pandemic, a series of digital events is organized on justice, education, entrepreneurship, health, etc.
2022
3rd Summit, Halifax
1200+ attendees
The Halifax Declaration, a manifesto for the eradication of systemic racism, is the culmination of 6 years of citizen exchanges.

The event draws 880 attendees from outside the province and generates a revenue of $1.8 million for the city of Halifax.
2025
4th Summit, Montreal
1200+ attendees
With more than fifty session proposals across Canada, we put together a program covering no fewer than 14 sectors of activity, including education, infrastructure development, cultural heritage, health and more.

This is more than an event or a moment; it’s a movement in the making.

A summit conceived by Canadians of African descent, open to all those committed to crucial change from coast to coast to coast.

It’s not a moment, its a movement

With Recognition

It is essential to honor the full value and lives of Canadians of African descent, and to recognize
the tireless efforts of allies in the fight against systemic barriers. Guided by the Halifax
Declaration, this summit invites us to reflect on the history, contributions and experiences of
Black communities, and establishes the essential foundations for building an equitable and
inclusive society

For Justice

Dialogue alone cannot resolve the systemic challenges faced by Black communities. This
Summit is dedicated to advancing meaningful policies and solutions that address inequities at
their root. United across the country, we are taking and demanding action to dismantle barriers and create opportunities that strengthen our communities. Justice requires commitment, and through collective action, it becomes attainable

Through Development

Changing the systems and policies that have long excluded the voices of black communities is an
essential step. Drawing on lived experience and active collaboration, this summit is a platform that encourages innovation and progress. Together, we are building an inclusive future where equity becomes a reality, not just an ideal.

PROGRAMMING

Sessions, Plenaries, and Networking

With over a hundred speakers from a wide range of professional sectors, and 26 transformative sessions, this summit offers a unique opportunity to exchange expertise, network with visionaries and young leaders, and collaborate with personalities renowned for their expertise, all with the intention of creating lasting change. Make your voice heard and transform your aspirations for a better future into concrete action. Contribute to the development of programs, policies and solutions that have an impact on the most pressing challenges facing Canadians of African descent today.

Youth Day

Driven by bold voices from 18 to 30 years of age, Youth Day is a space where ideas come to life, perspectives evolve and change begins, and is open to all. With 25 inspiring projects to discover and 5 dynamic interactive workshops, this event fosters rich exchanges around mental health, entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and other essential themes. More than just an event, it’s a springboard for action, collaboration and building a common future.

From Coast to Coast to Coast, Let Us Get You Here and Home

AIR CANADA

To benefit from the special meeting and convention fares, a minimum of 10 people travelling from various origins to the same destination within Air Canada’s extensive North American and international network is required. Customers will benefit from instant online registration and a ten percent discount on eligible fares.

VIA RAIL

ACCOMODATIONS

Book your accommodation now to ensure an ideal experience. The Michaëlle Jean Foundation is proud to collaborate with several partner hotels that offer you an unforgettable stay.

Why we are

The Michaëlle Jean Foundation was born from the actions undertaken during the five-year term fo the 27th Governor General of Canada, the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean, who, with her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, always believed in the importance of investing in youth, art, creativity and innovation for more citizen participation and social change.

Why become partner?

Support clear objectives

Celebrate and highlight individual and collective achievements

Put an end to racial exploitation, discrimination, hatred and exclusion

Create discourse and advance our rights

Support community involvement

Include the Montreal scene and the cultural and linguistic richness of Quebec

Offer relevant and ambitious programming 

Be part of a growing movement

Highlight the essential contributions from all corners of Canada.

Develop the intergenerational dimension 

Stimulate the active participation of young people

Support clear objectives

Celebrate and highlight individual and collective achievements

Put an end to racial exploitation, discrimination, hatred and exclusion

Create discourse and advance our rights

Support community involvement

Include the Montreal scene and the cultural and linguistic richness of Quebec

Offer relevant and ambitious programming 

Be part of a growing movement

Highlight the essential contributions from all corners of Canada.

Develop the intergenerational dimension 

Stimulate the active participation of young people

Partners

Presenting Partner

Builder

Champion

Advocate

Media Partner