Bluewater District School Board

Bluewater's Black Student Forum 2024 page

Black Student Forum 2024

Black Student Forum 2024
Posted on 11/20/2024
White writing with "Black Student Forum" on black background with a photo of the BWDSB banner and a collage on canvas made for the event.

This past Thursday, November 14, we hosted our second annual Black Student Forum at Grey Highlands Secondary School. Over 120 people attended, including students from Georgian Bay Community School (Meaford), Grey Highlands Secondary School (Flesherton), Kincardine District Senior School (Kincardine), Owen Sound District Secondary School (Owen Sound), Saugeen District Senior School (Port Elgin), and Walkerton District Community School (Walkerton). 

The Black Student Forum was created to celebrate Black culture and provide students with meaningful opportunities to connect with facilitators and guest speakers who inspire them to pursue their dreams through education, diverse perspectives, and motivation. 

A huge thank-you goes to JunCtian Community Initiatives (JCI), who organized the outstanding facilitators, speakers, and performances for the day. JCI’s mission is to create a safe and welcoming space for youth, fostering connection through arts, culture, education, diversity, inclusion, health and wellness, religion, and a wide range of community activities. 

The event was emceed by Safoorah Forde, an early childhood educator and executive officer of JunCtian Community Initiatives, and Joan John, a social development consultant, community leader, founder of JCI, and the first Black female councillor in Southgate. Together, they introduced a phenomenal lineup of facilitators, presenters, and speakers: 

    • Kelly Cockfield: A criminology student, basketball athlete, and singer-songwriter who captivated us with her beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
    • Rise Dance Group: A talented team of four women dedicated to expressive arts and community engagement, who inspired us with their powerful dance performance.
    •  Candace Carter: Office Manager for the Mayor of Brampton, with expertise in policy development, community outreach, and government relations.
    • Garnett Manning: Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Brampton, known for his decades of community leadership and award-winning public service.
    • Lindell Roberts: A licensed electrician and electronics technician specializing in oil and gas flow measurement technology.
    • Dr. Cedric Lazarus: A veterinarian with a focus on food safety and advocacy for One Health, previously with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.
    • Kimone Rodney: A mental health and addiction nurse dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations in the Peel Region.
    • Vaughn Beckford: Entrepreneur and founder of OCNBLVD Clothing Inc., blending creativity with a background in procurement.
    • Nina Dixon: Talk show host, actress, and inclusivity advocate, known for her work with Rogers TV and major streaming platforms.
    • Ezra Mitchell: Musician, producer, and youth mentor committed to inspiring healing and unity through music.
    • Aaron Burrell: Singer-songwriter and worship leader with a passion for community influence and the arts.
    • Terrel Johnson: A past GHSS student and current Humber business management student, actively involved in community initiatives and church programs.
    •  Mohanie Harripaul: A social worker and JCI outreach director, passionate about early childhood education and social programs.
    • Don Parchment: A lawyer specializing in real estate and family law, who also works with JCI in youth engagement and community service. 

Each presenter brought remarkable energy and inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on the students. 

We were honoured to have the Bluewater District School Board’s Superintendents of Education, Keith Lefebvre and Lauren Penner-Lipsett, in attendance. They emphasized the board’s commitment to supporting well-being, equity, and inclusiveness while answering questions from participants. 

A special thank-you to Cheryl Leifso and Natasha Cordick for their exceptional organizational efforts and to Avion Campbell for his enthusiastic dedication to this initiative. Avion, BWDSB Human Rights and Equity Advisor, says “Our second Black Student Forum was a success; students were engaged, and the speakers delivered. This initiative is important as it enhances student voice, providing a space for Black students to share their experiences and talents, foster a sense of belonging, and advocate for equity and representation in their school environments. Maya Angelou said, ‘I am my ancestors' wildest dreams,’ emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements and voice of Black individuals." 

"Black Student Forum" text on black background and a picture on right with BWDSB banner and student collage on a canvas.  Superintendent Keith Lefebvre on stage with projected powerpoint presentation on the left.
Joan John on stage speaking to the crowd. Safoorah Forde on stage with Kelly Cockfield singing the national anthem
A photos of all presenters on the stage together. Rise Dance Group performing on stage.
Vaughn Beckford doing a contest where students show off and win one of his custom-designed jackets. Break out room in the cafeteria where students in the audience can ask presenters questions.
Students from behind at a breakout room in the library where presenters show their specialties with powerpoints and speeches, Terrel Johnson talking to the crowd.
Ezra Mitchell and Aaron Burrell singing Amazing Grace on stage. A speaker on stage with hand up in a fist encouraging audience to do the same.
Avion Campbell posing with the drawstring bags given to students that attended. Canvas collage made by a student that says "Welcome to the Black Student Forum" with pictures from magazines.
Bluewater District School Board is located on the traditional land of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which is represented by the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
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