This weekend, I had the privilege of attending the 19th Annual Cultural Expressions for Change Black History Month Celebration in Ajax, Ontario. The event was exceptionally well coordinated by Event Chair Nicole Griffith, whose leadership ensured a seamless and meaningful experience for everyone.
I was honoured to join a panel conversation with fellow Black leaders—guided by the incomparable Dane Lawrence of the Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs —alongside Dr. Dana Powell, Medical Strategist and Science Communicator and Stefan Thomas, UofT Academic Advisor and inspiring Resilience Keynote Speaker.
Together, we explored how the communal principles of the African Village can strengthen and sustain our communities today.
We reflected on what it means to be part of a “village”:
• To be seen and heard
• To feel cared for and accountable
• To hold a collective duty of care
We also engaged in honest dialogue about the realities of navigating a racialized colonial landscape that too often positions melanated people as “less than.” Balancing these truths with the celebration of our resilience is lifelong work—and gatherings like this invigorate that commitment.
A personal highlight was reconnecting with my favourite author and academic, Channon Oyeniran, who has just released her second book: The Time Travel Adventures of Ara: William Peyton Hubbard and The Power of Advocacy.
Her continued dedication to community storytelling—alongside the 11th anniversary of the Looking Back into the Future Black History Conference and her Madiba Award nomination—remains truly inspiring.
At my Path & Purpose ADHD coaching booth, I also had powerful conversations about the unique challenges of navigating ADHD within the Black community—where stigma, racial health‑care disparities, and the lack of access to informed practitioners create additional barriers. These discussions reinforced how vital culturally competent care and community‑based support really are.
I’m carrying the insights, connections, and energy from this event with deep gratitude. Our collective work continues—stronger together, rooted in community, and guided by the village.
#BlackHistoryMonth #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #ADHDAdvocacy #BlackExcellence #Inclusion #CulturalExpressionsForChange
Leadership & ADHD Coaching | Keynotes | Workshops 