An Open Letter from our President:
Thank you for your support and encouragement of the Jr. Black Achievement Awards. With the help of generous contributions from our partners and sponsors, our first year has been a resounding success. I am very excited to share a recap of what we were able to accomplish due to this generous support.
The Mission of the Jr. Black Achievement Awards (JrBAA) Society is to empower Black Youth and their families through recognition, training, and access to education. We are working towards a community that celebrates the success, culture, and heritage of the Black Community in British Columbia. To complement our scholarship program, the JrBAA held three educational sessions this year, along with the 1st Annual Youth Educational Weekend Retreat and our 1st Annual Community Picnic in the Park.
Our first educational session was held on November 5th, 2022. At “The Impact,” therapists Lindi Setiloane and John Nweke from Open Mind Counselling delivered a presentation on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. They then led a panel of our Youth in a discussion about being Black in the BC School system. Recognizing that emotional trauma may resurface, we were pleased to have counsellors Joni Gore and Dieko’ Oluwole-Raji from Moving Forward Counselling available to support the needs of our attendees. The program ended with an inspirational closing presented by former JrBAA winner Beth Applewhite, District Principal, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Reconciliation. Save-on-foods sponsored the refreshments and snacks for the networking and social hour. We were delighted to have 75 guests in attendance.
On January 14th, 2023, we held “Talk the Talk.” Former JrBAA winner Nadine Nembhard welcomed our guests, and then an education on The Legacy of Apartheid was presented by Steve September, President of the Anti-Racism Coalition, in celebration of Martin Luther King’s Birthday. JrBAA President Candace Knoll delivered a workshop on public speaking and speech preparation to prepare our Youth for the upcoming speech competition. The Youth Dance Troop from the African Descent Society performed, and the African Mothers of the Edmond’s Community Group, sponsored by the United Way, prepared an authentic meal for the attendees to enjoy over our social and networking period. There were 55 guests in attendance.
In March, we held “Reaching for the Stars,” the Educational Weekend retreat at Zajac Ranch for our grade 11 and 12 youth. The educational sessions included resume writing, interviewing techniques, vision boards, goal setting, and overcoming procrastination. Over the weekend, we also held our 1st Annual “Stellar Stars” Speech Competition as well as a Trades and Union Employment Opportunity Panel moderated by President CUPE 15 Warren Williams. We hosted 25 guests for this three-day event.
May 27th, 2023, marked our third educational workshop. We held “Making it Happen,” teaching skills about financial literacy and academic writing. Financial Consultant Jennifer Curpin led the education on financial planning and basic literacy, while JrBAA Executive Director Teryl Brown delivered an Essay and Creative Writing workshop to help prepare the youth for the corresponding competitions. We were pleased to host 35 guests for this event.
The JrBAA Annual Community Picnic in the Park, held July 16th, was a resounding celebration of unity, empowerment, and shared joy. From heartwarming interactions to lively games, the picnic showcased a fusion of family-friendly activities, engaging entertainment, and community networking. Laughter echoed as children revelled in crafts, races, and indulged in captivating photo booth moments. The event resonated with the spirit of togetherness, underscoring the profound impact of collaboration and support from our remarkable partners. With gratitude and memories to last, the picnic served as a beacon of positivity, fostering connections and inspiring empowerment for all who participated. Over 150 people attended.
On October 22nd, we will gather to honour the bright minds and remarkable talents of our young achievers. The JrBAA Awards Ceremony promises an evening of celebration as we award scholarships that pave the way for future success and shine a spotlight on the eloquent voices and captivating wordsmiths who triumphed in our speech and writing competitions. This event is more than recognition; it’s a testament to the dedication, determination, and potential within each individual we proudly champion.
Again, we would like to humbly extend our appreciation for your support in making our first year an absolute triumph. Tickets are currently available to purchase for this celebration. Use code EARLY23 before October 15th to get $20 off. Click the link below to get yours now!
Here’s to another amazing year of uplifting our youth and making things happen!
Sincerely,
Candace Knoll
Founder and President of the JrBAA
Email: candaceknoll@jrbaa.org