Join Us: Black History Month Community Celebration – February 8
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York is thrilled to invite you to be part of our Black History Month Community Celebration on Sunday, February 8, for an inspiring and engaging experience rooted in culture, connection, and community. The event will also showcase some incredible Black-owned artists, businesses, and service providers within our community.
Event Details
When: Sunday, February 8 | 2:00–5:00 PM
Where: The Honourable William G. Davis Centre for Families 60 West Drive, Brampton, ON L6T 3T6
👉 Registration is Required to Attend!
📩 Vendors can register by emailing events.peel@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Honouring Black History, Investing in Black Futures
Black History Month is both a time of reflection and a call to action. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York (BBBSPY), we recognize Black history not only through celebration, but through sustained, intentional investment in Black children, youth, families, and communities year-round.
Nearly 50% of youth served each year through BBBSPY programs identify as members of Black communities. And so it is our responsibility to ensure our work is grounded in culturally responsive, community-led approaches that honour lived experience, identity, and resilience.
Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC) Mentoring Programs
More than a decade ago, BBBSPY launched a strategic partnership with the Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC) of United Way. Guided by a Steering Committee of Black leaders, community members, and parents — alongside a Black Youth Advisory Committee — this partnership shaped the creation of our first Black-focused program: BCAC Mentoring.
Designed for and by Black communities, BCAC Mentoring integrates a culturally grounded approach that centres the lived experiences of Black Mentors and Mentees in program design, delivery, and evaluation.
Today, BBBSPY offers four specialized, Black-focused mentoring programs:
These programs are delivered by a dedicated staff team made up of members of Black communities, with ongoing guidance from the BCAC Steering Committee and strategic partners across the B3 sector.
Creating Impact That Lasts
BBBSPY’s Black-focused services are evaluated using locally and nationally recognized tools. Results consistently demonstrate meaningful impact for Black children, youth, and Mentors.
Data from 2024 demonstrated that:
· 100% of youth experienced strengthened cultural identity
· 95% of youth experienced enhanced mental health and well-being
· 100% of youth experienced improved social-emotional competence
· 93% of youth experienced increased educational engagement and employment readiness
Additionally:
· 100% of Black Teen Mentors reported increased self-confidence, communication, leadership, advocacy skills, hope for the future, connection to cultural identity, and sense of belonging.
· 100% of Black Adult Mentors reported pride in their participation, deeper community connection, and a stronger understanding of their cultural roots.
These outcomes extend beyond individual participants. They create a growing web of connection across Peel and York Regions — strengthening families, neighbourhoods, schools, community organizations, and systems.
Looking Ahead: Equity in Action
In 2025, BBBSPY strengthened our organizational commitment to equity with the introduction of an Anti-Racism Action Plan and a new leadership role: Equity & Mentoring Initiatives Lead.
These two critical additions ensure equity-focused initiatives — including Black-centric programming — are prioritized, well-coordinated, and meaningfully embedded across all areas of the organization. From program design and staff development to partnerships and community engagement, equity is not an add-on; it is foundational to how we work.
As we honour Black History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to walking alongside Black communities — not only in February, but every day — in building pathways to belonging, opportunity, and thriving futures.
Voices From Our Community
“Sometimes students need healing spaces where they can relate to others, share stories, and explore parts of their identity… Programs like the BCAC Teen Mentoring empower students to experience a sense of belonging and joy.” — Steven Walker, PDSB Teacher
“Thank you so much for providing this program to our Black youths. It is a much-needed program so they can see the value in themselves.” — Parent, Colleen
“Black youth being able to see Black professionals in leadership and meaningful roles has an impact that affects their self-image and ideas of what is possible in their lives.” — BBBSPY Staff Member