By Sewordor Toklo, Director – Black Youth for Social Innovation (BYSI) After the murder of George Floyd, a national study by Dr. Jared Wesley and Seon Yuzyk revealed that Black youth lacked mentorship and clear pathways to leadership. Black Youth for Social Innovation (BYSI) was created to bridge this gap by empowering Black youth to […]
By: Akunna Izugbokwe A Lifetime of Sacrifice and Success: The Father of Cancer‑related Health Technology Assessment in Canada, Dr. Anthony Fields In a healthcare system that has historically overlooked the needs of Black populations, Black physicians provide hope for improved trust, equity and outcomes. Dr. Anthony Fields (CM, MA, MD, FRCP(C), FACP) is one such […]
In the 2026 Black History Month Magazine issue, we published an article titled “Timothy Noel – Soul for the Stollery” under the byline of Derodene “Dee” Paul. It has since come to our attention that the article as published did not accurately reflect the original piece submitted by Ms. Paul. The text that appeared in […]
Shirley Romany: A Pioneer of Edmonton’s Haircare Industry and Community Builder When Shirley Romany arrived in Edmonton from Trinidad and Tobago in 1963, she brought with her not just the skills of a trained hairstylist but also the determination and vision to carve a unique path. Born into a large single-parent family, Romany’s journey to […]
Celebrating Excellence: NBCC Edmonton Awards of Excellence 2026 Each year, the National Black Coalition of Canada (NBCC) Edmonton chapter brings the community together to celebrate leadership, achievement, and the powerful contributions of Black individuals and organizations across Alberta. One of the organization’s most respected traditions is the Awards of Excellence, an annual program that has […]
Driven by a deep commitment to service and representation, Jan Gillet entered public life to help make her city “the best it could be, for everyone.” She believes that leadership should reflect the community it serves: “Representation matters. When people see themselves in leadership, they know their voices and lived experiences are valued.” Inspired by […]
Born out of necessity because we’re talking 20 years ago when Black history month came up or in general – i just did not see meaningful representation – not in galleries or doing their own shows or not on a level. There were some artists but no structure. My vision was to create a platform […]
A Legacy of Leadership, Education, and Community Service We celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Rosalind Smith a trailblazing educator, leader, and community advocate whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. Raised by loving parents who nurtured her curiosity and generosity, Rosalind carried those values throughout her life. Her friendships and professional relationships […]
Jeanne Lehman: Championing Community and Honored with the Order of Canada In December 2024, Jeanne Lehman made history as the first Afro-francophone recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada in Alberta. This recognition celebrates her tireless dedication to fostering inclusivity, empowering women, and building stronger communities across Western Canada Originally from Cameroon, Jeanne immigrated to […]
How to Donate to Hurricane Melissa Relief and Receive Your Tax Receipt In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, communities are coming together to help families rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and hope. Through our partnership with the Afr0-Caribbean Food Bank, you can make a secure online donation that directly supports recovery efforts […]