On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the ÄÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ (HCDSB) hosted the Black Excellence Symposium for Students: Empowering Futures – a one-day event designed to inspire and uplift Black youth at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School. The symposium provided an engaging and transformative experience for students through interactive workshops, motivational sessions, and thought-provoking discussions aimed at fostering confidence, leadership, and personal growth.
A Day of Empowerment
Students from across the board gathered to celebrate their identity, explore opportunities, and engage in meaningful conversations with mentors, educators, and professionals. The day was structured to offer a balance of education, self-reflection, and networking through a variety of tailored workshops.
Engaging Workshops & Inspiring Leaders
Students had the opportunity to attend two workshops in the morning, selecting from an impressive lineup of topics, including:
- Scheming & Dreaming with Al St. Louis – Encouraging students to dream big and strategically plan their future.
- Creative Governance with Coco Murray – Exploring leadership and governance from a creative and cultural perspective.
- Hoops & Dreams with Coach Lennox – Inspiring student-athletes to pursue their passion and maximize opportunities in sports.
- Financial Literacy with Philly Attakora – Teaching essential money management skills and financial independence.
- Boss Up: Create Your Entrepreneurial Identity – Equipping students with skills and strategies to start their own businesses.
- Navigating Biracial and Mixed-Race Identities – Offering a space for students to reflect on and discuss their unique experiences.
- Overcoming Adversity and Building Skills for an Exciting New Career – Providing insights into resilience and career development.
- Cornrow Tutorial with Filedaria – Celebrating Black culture and heritage through hairstyling.
- HBV – AI + Your Future with Jonathan Bloomfield – Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and career pathways for Black students.
- HBV Unfiltered Live Podcast – Engaging students in real-time discussions about identity, culture, and personal growth.
- HBV – Strength and Identity (Young Black Men) – Encouraging young Black men to embrace their identity, build confidence, and cultivate resilience.
- Voice for the Soul (Young Black Women) – Providing a space for young Black women to share their experiences, foster self-expression, and embrace their personal power.
A Unifying Afternoon Session
Following a dynamic morning, students gathered for a full-group workshop in the afternoon, reinforcing themes of unity, empowerment, and excellence. The collective session encouraged open dialogue, reflection, and celebration of Black excellence in all forms.
A Step Toward the Future
The Black Excellence Student Symposium is a celebration that embraces culture, showcases achievement, and inspires future opportunities. It brings students together with educators, guest speakers, and peers in a space where they feel seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We recognize that the work of dismantling anti-Black racism at HCDSB is an integral part of the 2024-2028Â Multi-Year Strategic Plan, and supporting the wellbeing of Black students and staff requires ongoing effort and dedicated resources. Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our commitment to foster a sense of belonging and create learning environments that support every HCDSB student on their journey to success.
