Initiating Change for Transformed Communities

DATE:

12/09/2024

13/09/2024

Conference Report: Initiating Change for Transformed Communities

Date and Location: September 12-13, 2024, Marriott Hotel, Toronto
Organizer: Tropicana Community Services
Target Audience: Organizations receiving funding for Black Canadian capacity building

Introduction

The "Initiating Change for Transformed Communities" conference brought together several organizations committed to developing and strengthening the capacity of Black organizations in Canada. This event, organized by Tropicana Community Services, allowed participants to exchange ideas on leadership, innovation, and community transformation strategies.

Conference proceedings

Day 1 - Thursday, September 12, 2024

The day began with breakfast and participant registration, followed by the national anthems performed by Dario Devon. Following opening remarks by Anthony Grey, Shaun Chen, Andrea Hazell, and Olivia Chow, participants attended several workshops and discussions:

Workshop 1: Transformational Leadership (Hazel Lord)
Workshop 2: Digital Innovation (Darryl Wade and Raquel Jacquett-Wade)
Guest Keynote: The Importance of Healing in Building a Healthy Black Ecosystem (Dr. Joan Samuels-Dennis)
Workshop 3: The Art of Data-Powered Storytelling (Monique Crichlow)
Screening of the SBCCI Documentary and Discussion

The day concluded with a panel discussion moderated by several experts, followed by closing remarks by Karen Soltau.

Day 2 - Friday, September 13, 2024

The second day began with an optional wellness activity, followed by presentations and workshops:

Workshop 4: Inclusion and Diversity (Ekua Quansah)
Workshop 5: The Importance of Professional Networking (Rodcliff Chung)
Roundtable on Transformational Governance
Guest Keynote: History and Mobilization of Black Communities (Dr. Wesley Crichlow)
Workshop 6: Optimizing Organizational Processes (Nana Obeng)
Workshop 7: Well-being and Balance in a Fast-Paced World (Fatima Gould)

Closing and Conclusion

The conference concluded with an evening reception and gala dinner, hosted by Dr. Andrew James, featuring an inspiring keynote address by Mitzie Hunter and a musical performance by The Recipee Band. This event enabled attendees to leave with concrete tools and a renewed vision for their organizations.

Acknowledgement

We thank Tropicana Community Services for organizing this event, the speakers and moderators for their valuable contributions, and all participants for their commitment and presence.