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 lead in a pluralistic society.
BYSI begins with voice. Through workshops, young Black students identify the emotions they want to experience in their mentorship journey, affirming the belief that every youth deserves to be heard. At BYSI, everyone’s voice matters. Black youth are free to be their full, authentic selves—without editing who they are. Our work is grounded in a servant-leadership approach: instead of standing in front, BYSI stands behind our students, providing resources, encouragement, and a community invested in their growth. They lead; we support. They take risks; we help steady the ground beneath them.
Our logo reflects this vision. The tree symbolizes BYSI as a single seed that grows into something much larger than itself. That seed may start with one young person, but it grows into a tree that creates space for many to flourish. Its roots represent the community we build, its branches signify new opportunities, and its fruits symbolize the skills youth gain through mentorship—confidence and leadership. This tree becomes a living space where people across Alberta, Black or not, can grow and thrive together.
The team operates with a long-term vision: to build a future where programs like BYSI are no longer needed because equity, diversity, and inclusion have been fully woven into the fabric of society. Until then, we are building the structures, relationships, and opportunities that ensure Black youth have what they need today.
At BYSI, we speak our truths, live our values, and do the work required to create a future where Black youth are not just included, but empowered to lead. This is the legacy we are growing—rooted in community, strengthened by mentorship, and built for generations to come.
