STORY
Black Youth Connect (BYC) is a weekly, drop-in program in London, Ontario, where black youth become part of a community of peers and program leaders who share similar experiences as them. BYC began in 2018, in the Boullee community where a group of youth were providing after-summer homework help. Since then, the number of leaders has increased and the program has served over 40 youth in North-east London.
Through fun and engaging weekly sessions, BYC creates opportunities for Black youth to connect with their peers and build strong healthy relationships with program leaders and volunteers. BYC also provides access to a network of organizations and mentors who are passionate about youth development.
By coming together during these sessions, Black youth will also engage in solution-focused discussions about the challenges they face, in a safe space where the diversity of Black cultures and identities are celebrated.
In addition to our weekly sessions, here are some notable activities we have run so far include:
Annual summer Barbeques where we bring community leaders, professionals, families and youth together
Black and Indigenous youth forum in partnership with the Black History Month committee
Black History month cultural celebrations evening
Post-secondary students’ panel discussion to prepare for life after high school
Hiking the trails of North-east London as a group
Scavenger hunt across North-east London
In the summer of 2021, BYC hired 3 youth participants as summer interns. Through this opportunity, students got to build core skills like research, event planning and social media engagement. They also strengthened their teamwork and time management skills.