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:

  • Annual summer barbecues where we bring community leaders, professionals, families and youth together 

  • Hip-Hop workshops with 519 Hip-Hop

  • Trips and talkbacks at the Grand Theatre

  • Black and Indigenous youth forum in partnership with the London Black History Coordinating Committee

  • Black History Month trip to Toronto to the AGO and Ripley’s Aquarium

  • Resume-Building Workshop in partnership with W.E.A.N

  • Backpack Care Kit giveaway for new students in partnership with UWO’s BSA

  • Bi-monthly cooking sessions at LIHC

  • Panel discussion to prepare for post-secondary life at UWO

  • Hiking the trails of North-east London as a group 

  • Scavenger hunt in downtown London

In the summer of 2021 - 2024 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.