June 14, 2022 │ Time to Speak. Time to Act.
The Michaëlle Jean Foundation is gearing up for the National Black Canadians Summit (#NBCS2022) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 29-31, to uphold the pillars of the International Decade of People of African Decent – Recognition, Justice, Development.
We were born out of resistance and a history of struggle. We are not about to give up – The Right Honourable, Michaëlle Jean.
With an expected 1000 delegates the Summit allows for a truly national dialogue about the Black experience, in an open and brave space as everyone has a role to play in deconstructing the devastating racial discrimination in our country. For three days, delegates will be agents of change, taking part in a series of workshops, roundtables and plenaries. Participants are invited to an in-depth examination of issues by sharing their perspectives on matters such as justice, education, entrepreneurship, employment, health, housing and economic development. An impactful experience that engages all communities to rally and unite in the fight to eradicate systemic racial discrimination.
Culminating with the issuing of the Halifax Declaration, to be witnessed by a high-level delegation from the United Nations, the Summit, #NBCS2022 is an extraordinary chance to draw from the unique perspective of African Nova Scotians along with all Canadians’ perspectives coming together on the current – and future – state of race relations in Canada. If we listen carefully to their voices and hear their perspectives, all hold the solutions to address barriers faced by people of African descent. Every gesture, every action, and every word count paving the way for others, for a more human and inclusive world.
Included in the cost of registration are three days of sessions and networking, a dinner Friday night, access to Marketplace, and much more. The full program can be found at: https://www.blackcanadiansummit.ca/.
It's not enough to talk about racism and injustice. To break down societal barriers and systemic inequities, we must also walk the walk. Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we are focused on purposeful, deliberate actions to help open doors for a more inclusive and fair tomorrow. TD is proud to support the National Black Canadians Summit in helping create opportunities that amplify Black voices, spark meaningful conversations and nurture progressive change – Naki Osutei, Vice President, CPB Strategy, Colleague Experience, ESG at TD Bank Group
The Foundation is deeply appreciative of the support of its presenting sponsor, TD Bank Group through its TD Ready Commitment. We also thank our valued partners Enbridge, Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation, African Nova Scotian Affairs and the province of Nova Scotia, Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Export Development Canada, Majda International, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Sobeys, Dream Legacy Foundation, and our allies, Youth Champion (,) John Beck, Federation of Black Canadians, the City of Halifax, Canada Council for the Arts and Definity. The Foundation is also pleased to have CBC/Radio-Canada, the national public broadcaster, as the 2022 Summit media partner.
DAY 1︱Friday, July 29
The Summit will be held under the auspices of the Mi'kmaq people, on their ancestral lands, the Mi'kma'ki territory. The cradle of Black presence in Halifax goes back more than 400 years in history, which will be re-live through visits to cultural and historical sites and landmarks. Youth delegates will be engaged in writing and creative workshops around the themes of Recognition, Justice and Development from the International Decade for People of African Descent. The opening ceremony, with keynotes by TRH Michaëlle Jean and activist Vanessa Hartley will set the tone for the Summit.
DAY 2︱ Saturday, July 30
The day will begin with a plenary session in which the voice of the brilliant contemporary poet laureates, Randell Adjai (Ontario) and Titilope Sonuga (Edmonton), as well as Afua Cooper, Halifax 7th Poet Laureate. The Foundation is also pleased to announce that Stephan James and Shamier Anderson, co-founders of the Black Academy, will take part in a rich discussion on representation in the film industry hosted by Fabienne Colas, founder of various film festivals. Afterward, the Summit will get into full swing with workshops and plenary sessions. The Summit continues into the evening with a youth-led showcase of music and all forms of creative expression.
DAY 3︱ Sunday July 31
The culmination of the Summit will be the adoption and proclamation of the Halifax Declaration which will bring together the crucial points of the discussions and deliberations, complemented by a musical performance of the Canadian soprano, Measha Brueggergosman. A special delegation of the United Nations will join the Summit putting Canada’s work in an international context.
Tickets are available at https://www.blackcanadiansummit.ca/.
For a downloadable PDF press release, see below.
PR JUNE ENG 2022 FINAL
.pdf
Download PDF • 338KB
About the Foundation
The Michaëlle Jean Foundation was born out of the actions taken to support youth, the power of the arts and culture by the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean throughout her mandate as the 27th Governor-General of Canada in collaboration with the unwavering commitment of her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, philosopher-filmmaker and writer. The Michaëlle Jean Foundation is a national charitable organization that uses a unique model of intervention, based on the power of the arts, dialogue, innovation, education, creative and social entrepreneurship, to help young Canadians across the country who are experiencing exclusion.
Media contact:
Michaëlle Jean Foundation
UNTOLD & Co Agency
Media Accreditation Form below
NBCS 2022 Media Accredition Form
.pdf
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