The 2024 Black Changemakers are people who’re creating vital and optimistic impacts inside their communities. Every particular person’s distinctive journey and dedication to social change are inspiring and mirror the ability of particular person motion. Listed here are the tales of eight extraordinary changemakers making waves throughout Atlantic Canada.
Backside from left: Seth Borden, Jeffery Imhanzenobe , Tia Upshaw, Henry Luyombya
Henry Luyombya is a scientific social employee with PEERS Alliance in Prince Edward Island, offering help to high-needs people, particularly throughout the 2SLGBTQ+ group. After shedding his father to an HIV-related sickness at age 10, and witnessing his mom face stigma in Uganda, Henry devoted himself to educating others about HIV and psychological well being. His efforts led to an invite to satisfy Nelson Mandela at age 23, the place he was impressed by Mandela’s phrases, “I didn’t do that work alone.” Henry went on to discovered New African Canadians (NAC) to supply psychological well being and settlement providers to newcomers in Canada.
Scott Parsons, a singer-songwriter from Charlottetown, makes use of music to protect and share the Black historical past of Prince Edward Island. By means of his songs, Scott highlights the contributions of Black individuals in P.E.I. communities, making Black historical past extra accessible and interesting for all ages.
Khadeja Raven Anderson, co-founder of Black Lives Matter N.L., advocates for anti-racism and cross-cultural sensitivity. She runs Ravensong Consulting, providing coaching to organizations, and leads a Cultural Inclusion Camp for youth. Khadeja’s work challenges others to rethink racism and its impacts, encouraging optimistic change.
Jeffery Imhanzenobe, a Nigerian immigrant, co-founded the Worldwide Soccer Event in Newfoundland and Labrador to unite Black and newcomer communities by means of soccer. The match fosters cultural alternate, utilizing the frequent language of soccer to attach individuals.
Seth Borden, a first-year college scholar, beforehand volunteered at École St. Catherine’s Elementary College, offering help in studying, math, and science. Seth aspires to develop into a trainer and assist underrepresented college students achieve schooling.
Tia Upshaw, CEO and founding father of BLK Girls in Excellence, empowers Black girls entrepreneurs by offering coaching and help. Since 2020, Tia has helped 137 girls develop their companies and obtain monetary stability.
Felicity Brayley, a trainer in New Brunswick, educates her college students on Black historical past, making certain it’s valued as a significant a part of Canadian historical past.
Adebayo Ogunleye, a Nigerian immigrant, helps newcomers to Canada by mentoring by means of Alternatives New Brunswick and selling social cohesion.
These changemakers are remodeling communities by means of schooling, cultural alternate, psychological well being help, and advocacy, inspiring others to make optimistic change.
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