George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Over 100 Black student leaders from across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) gathered at George Brown College's (GBC) St. James Campus for the culminating symposium of the 2025 Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP), held from August 12 to 14.
Rooted in Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), BSSLP equips Black youth to investigate issues that impact their lives, translate community wisdom into research, and lead solution-building. Over six years, the program has become a model for youth-led inquiry and advocacy, guided by an all Black/African diasporic staff mentor and research team that grounds this work in Afrocentric values of Ubuntu, care, and collective responsibility.
This marks the first time GBC has served as the host institution for the TDSB's Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement program, strengthening an already robust partnership between the two educational institutions. The collaboration represents a significant investment in supporting educational pathways and leadership development for Black youth in the Greater Toronto Area.
Cultivating leadership through structured progression
The program's multi-cohort progression creates clear pathways for leadership development, moving participants from Junior Leaders to Peer Mentors, then to Peer Mentor Leads, and ultimately to staff mentors. This structured approach ensures that leadership skills are both taught and practiced within a supportive community framework.
The program, funded by Focus on Youth, provided comprehensive support including wages, transportation subsidies, and professional development. Students engaged in city-wide practicum placements while participating in structured learning experiences culminating in research presentations.
Student research addresses community challenges
Students presented original research addressing critical community challenges, from confronting anti-Black racism in education and healthcare to examining climate injustice and digital privacy concerns. Their work, grounded in Afrocentric approaches and personal experiences, demonstrated the program's commitment to transforming community wisdom into actionable solutions.
Sachiel Andre, a three-year participant now serving as a Peer Mentor, one of the writers for the Summer BSSLP Magazine, and an incoming Game Art student at GBC, reflected on the program's impact: "I love the arts, and I'm pursuing that in post-secondary, but I don't think I would have pursued it as passionately if I didn't have this program. A lot of what this program offers is showing you that you can do something."
The program's emphasis on professional networking and mentorship has created lasting connections for participants. "The connections you make with this program are vast and important," Andre noted, sharing how his placement led to a commissioned artwork opportunity that extended beyond the summer program.
Preparing for post-secondary success
Xavier Jackson, a recent TDSB graduate preparing for his post-secondary journey, praised the program's rigorous research component. "The research we're doing here is really different from high school research, where you're conducting it yourself. You have to find peer-reviewed sources; it's more intense and serious. I feel like this was great for preparing me for my next step."
Jackson gained valuable experience for his future career in health care through a hospital placement this summer. Reflecting on his time with the BSSLP program, he highlighted the collaborative environment, "Everyone here really wants to be here and has worked hard to be here. It's a great environment where everyone's striving for the same goals."
Personal growth through community connection
Uhunoma (Diamond) Okoro-Obaraye discovered unexpected passions through her placement at the 519 Community Centre. Though interested in neurosurgery, she became deeply engaged with community work: "I got to experience so many different things—working in the lobby, with the health justice hub, the legal clinic. I got to hear people's stories. It was an experience I will never forget."
Meron Bayu, entering her second year at university and who transitioned from participant to Peer Mentor Lead, highlighted personal transformation: "Most of all, I learned about myself. When I came to the program, I had no idea what I wanted to study. I learned about my confidence, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and the value of mentorship."
The Afrocentric foundation of BSSLP, embodying Ubuntu's principle that "I am because you are," creates an environment where students' confidence, advocacy skills, and creative expression flourish through community connection and culturally affirming practices.
Strengthening educational partnerships
In his opening remarks to students, GBC President Dr. Gervan Fearon emphasized the program's community-centred approach to leadership development. "Each of you stands here as a testament to the power of community. Your research—rooted in Afrocentric approaches and your personal experiences—translates collective wisdom into actionable vision."
Dr. Terry McQuaid, Executive Director of Special Projects, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "Hosting the Black Student Summer Leadership Program represents our commitment to creating pathways connecting secondary students with post-secondary opportunities. These students bring incredible energy, insight, and leadership potential to our campus."
Karen Murray, System Superintendent, TDSB, shared that the Board “is committed to strengthening this partnership and advancing the collective work that shapes a transformative future” for Black student leaders.
As the symposium concluded, student presentations demonstrated sophisticated analysis and community-grounded solutions—evidence that the future is already being shaped by their leadership. Their voices, curiosity, and care are not the promise of tomorrow; they are the work of today. The BBSLP community and partnerships like this will continue to nurture and foster leadership, allowing these young leaders to keep transforming the spaces they enter.
Related: Strengthening our partnership with TDSB through the 2025 Black Student Leadership Program
