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"It Takes a Village: Nurturing and Celebrating Black Youth Identity in K-12 Schools and Community"

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø’s Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement hosted the Third Annual Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Conference at Toronto Metropolitan University. This in-person event was a powerful celebration of Black youth leadership, social change, and academic achievement, where Black students presented the research they developed during the Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP).

The theme of this year’s conference, "It Takes a Village: Nurturing and Celebrating Black Youth Identity in K-12 Schools and Community," highlighted the importance of community support in fostering the academic and social development of Black youth. The event provided a unique opportunity for students to showcase their work as knowledge producers and change agents, addressing issues that impact Black students and communities in K-12 education.

The Village Coming Together

Throughout the day, attendees—including educators, community leaders, and families—engaged in deep conversations about how to create more supportive environments for Black students. The event embodied the concept that "it truly takes a village" to nurture and protect the identities of Black youth. The strong turnout reflected the community’s commitment to supporting Black students' leadership and aspirations.

The open plenary session featured student leaders Ocean Ruel, Edna Nortey, and Misstura Brimah in conversation with Dr. Njoki Wane (University of Toronto), Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel, and Colleen Russell-Rawlins (former Director of Education, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø). The panel discussion, "It Takes a Village to Raise a Black Child: Understanding and Expanding the Concept of the 'Village' in K-12 Education," explored how community support—from families, educators, and institutions—can strengthen the educational experience of Black youth. The panelists emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to education that honours and nurtures Black students’ cultural identities while ensuring academic, social, and emotional support through strong community partnerships.

Image of Panel Discussion entitled,ÌýIt Takes a Village to Raise a Black Child: Understanding and Expanding the Concept of the 'Village' in K-12 Education.

A Powerful Display of Student-Led Research

The conference featured presentations from Black high school students who conducted research over the summer on critical issues affecting their education and communities. These young scholars shared their unique perspectives and offered key insights and recommendations aimed at improving the educational experiences of Black youth. The conference focused on five key themes that are critical to the success and well-being of Black students:

• Mental Health and Well-Being: Advocating for increased support and culturally aware services to address the mental health challenges Black students face in schools.
• Confronting Anti-Black Racism & Academic Achievement: Calling for inclusive curricula, anti-racism training for educators, and policies to combat systemic racism affecting academic performance.
• Differentiated Instruction: Highlighting the need for personalized learning approaches to meet the diverse needs of Black students and recognizing their strengths.
• Elevating Student Voice: Advocating for greater leadership opportunities and decision-making power for students in shaping their educational experiences.
• Career Pathways: Proposing mentorship programs and school-business partnerships to bridge barriers to career development for Black youth.

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Student Leadership at the Forefront

Presentation from a Black Student Summer Leadership Program Junior Leader

The student-led nature of the conference was one of its most inspiring elements. The YPAR Conference was not only a platform for students to present their research but also an opportunity for them to take leadership roles in organizing the event. From curating content to designing the schedule, students were immersed in every aspect of the planning process, embodying the core principles of Youth Participatory Action Research—youth as leaders, experts, and agents of change.

YPAR transforms how young people engage with research, shifting them from being passive recipients of information to active contributors to social change. At the conference, their voices were celebrated, and their insights led to tangible action.

A Look Ahead: Continuing the Work of YPAR

Photo of Research Coordinator Tanitia Munroe, former Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins, and Jeffrey Caton, Centrally Assigned Principal, Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement.

As the conference wrapped up, it was clear that the work of YPAR extends far beyond a single event. The research shared and the conversations sparked will continue to inform ongoing efforts by the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, with the youth participants at the forefront of advocacy and activism in education.

YPAR is about more than just conducting research—it's about creating lasting change. The students who presented their work are already leaders in their communities, pushing for policies and practices that will enhance the educational experience for Black students now and in the future.

Thank You to Our Community Partners

The success of the Third Annual YPAR Conference was made possible by the collective efforts of students, families, educators and community members who believe in the power of youth leadership and social justice. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the event and continues to champion the cause of Black youth empowerment.

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