Karibu Nyumbani
(Welcome home)
Our programs and initiatives are designed to instill a strong sense of African identity, community, cultural pride, resilience and social responsibility, empowering children, youth and families to lead socially conscious and fulfilling lives.
(Welcome home)
Our programs and initiatives are designed to instill a strong sense of African identity, community, cultural pride, resilience and social responsibility, empowering children, youth and families to lead socially conscious and fulfilling lives.
How We Started
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) first began as an idea that Black and oppressed communities must have access to resources and opportunities for advancement.
On May 5, 2018, a group of community members came together to discuss how we could build a more inclusive and connected Newmarket community. One pivotal point in the discussion was around a concern for youth, and how the organization can support a generational legacy of education, empowerment and unity that will foster pride in identity, culture and history for the people of African descent.
We understood that there was also a need for rootedness and belonging, and a firm understanding of the past so that we can step boldly into the future. We concluded that growth and sustainability meant building strength, partnerships and intercultural understanding.
On May 5, 2018, a group of community members came together to discuss how we could build a more inclusive and connected Newmarket community. One pivotal point in the discussion was around a concern for youth, and how the organization can support a generational legacy of education, empowerment and unity that will foster pride in identity, culture and history for the people of African descent.
We understood that there was also a need for rootedness and belonging, and a firm understanding of the past so that we can step boldly into the future. We concluded that growth and sustainability meant building strength, partnerships and intercultural understanding.
Current Events and Opportunities
Seniors Club!
Join Our Weekly Seniors Club!
When: Every Friday, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Where: 449 Eagle Street (virtual or in-person) Contact: (905) 781-6222 Come enjoy an afternoon of fun activities, meaningful conversations and the opportunity to make new friends. Let’s make every Friday a time to connect and create lasting memories! Scholarship and Awards Ceremony
Join us on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre (500 Pickering Crescent, Newmarket) from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM as we celebrate Black student excellence, volunteerism and community impact in our region.
This year’s Scholarship & Awards Ceremony will honour remarkable young achievers who are shaping the future through academic success and community leadership. Our keynote speaker is Clayton La Touche, Director of Education for the Toronto District School Board, who will share his powerful vision for education and innovation. Come be inspired. Come support. Come celebrate. Register today to attend and show your support for our future leaders. Click HERE to register. |
Unity in Diversity - Empowering Our Community
Join us on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a special community BBQ and panel discussion hosted by York Regional Police, in partnership with NACCA and other Black community organizations.
This family-friendly event will explore meaningful engagement and community building, featuring a panel moderated by Ginelle Skerritt and special guest Jeff A.D. Martin. There will be barbecue, drumming and games for children — all set at the Community Safety Village in Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area. Location: 3291 Stouffville Road, Whitchurch-Stouffville Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All ages welcome! Let’s come together to connect, reflect and build stronger communities rooted in equity, safety and mutual respect. Register here to attend - transportation from NACCA HQ (449 Eagle St.) will be provided. |
Calling Black Youth 14-19
Black Rivers Alliance is back!
Calling all Black youth ages 14–19! Join us twice a month for youth leadership, community connection, interactive workshops and lots of fun. Come build, lead and grow with your peers at NACCA! For more information: 905-781-6222 [email protected] naccacommunity.ca Community Night is Back!
We are excited to announce the return of Community Night, kicking off on Friday, June 13, 2025!
Come unwind with us in a relaxed and welcoming space where you can enjoy a few friendly games of dominoes, chess and great conversation. It’s a chance to reconnect, build community and just be—no agenda, no pressure. There will be light food, good vibes and plenty of laughs. Whether you are a domino champ or just looking to meet new people, there is a seat at the table for you. Bring a friend and come as you are. Let us build community, one game at a time. Location: NACCA Community Centre, 449 Eagle Street, Newmarket Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
What Does NACCA mean to you? Volunteer videographer, Kristal Pagaun, captured key messages from youth during our summer 2019 activities.
Our Guiding Principles
Umoja (oo-MOH-jah)
unity – to understand that success starts with unity of family, community, nation and race.
Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah)
self-determination - to define, name, create and speak for oneself and create one’s own destiny.
Ujima (oo-JEE-mah)
collective work and responsibility – to uplift our community, “build and maintain [it] together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together” - Karenga.
Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH)
cooperative economics– to uplift our community economically which means “to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together” - Karenga
Nia (NEE-ah)
purpose – to restore Black people to their traditional capacity; to be responsible to Those Who Came Before (our ancestors) and to Those Who Will Follow (our descendants) and "to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness." – Karenga
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)
creativity – using creativity and imagination to make our community better than what we inherited, "to always do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it." – Karenga
Imani (ee-MAH-nee)
faith – to believe with all our heart in ourselves, our community, our people, our families, our educators, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
unity – to understand that success starts with unity of family, community, nation and race.
Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah)
self-determination - to define, name, create and speak for oneself and create one’s own destiny.
Ujima (oo-JEE-mah)
collective work and responsibility – to uplift our community, “build and maintain [it] together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together” - Karenga.
Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH)
cooperative economics– to uplift our community economically which means “to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together” - Karenga
Nia (NEE-ah)
purpose – to restore Black people to their traditional capacity; to be responsible to Those Who Came Before (our ancestors) and to Those Who Will Follow (our descendants) and "to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness." – Karenga
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)
creativity – using creativity and imagination to make our community better than what we inherited, "to always do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it." – Karenga
Imani (ee-MAH-nee)
faith – to believe with all our heart in ourselves, our community, our people, our families, our educators, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Land & Ancestral Acknowledgement
We want to acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples. We acknowledge that the NACCA headquarters is situated upon the treaty lands of the First Nations of the Williams Treaty and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our closest community.
We also acknowledge that we are all Treaty peoples – including those who came here as settlers – as immigrants either in this generation or in generations past and those who came here involuntarily, particularly as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. We must also recognize the fact that this colonial nation is founded in historic and ongoing dispossession of this land’s Indigenous peoples, and African descendant peoples. We especially pay tribute to the ancestors of those of African and Indigenous origin and descent.
As an organization that centres on social justice, we feel it is critical to be informed on the past and the ongoing consequences of colonialism. We encourage everyone to learn about the history of these lands, and to support resistance here and across Turtle Island.
NACCA gives thanks for the land that nourishes us and enables us to live in communities. May we continue to aspire to nurture and care for this land and for each other.
We also acknowledge that we are all Treaty peoples – including those who came here as settlers – as immigrants either in this generation or in generations past and those who came here involuntarily, particularly as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. We must also recognize the fact that this colonial nation is founded in historic and ongoing dispossession of this land’s Indigenous peoples, and African descendant peoples. We especially pay tribute to the ancestors of those of African and Indigenous origin and descent.
As an organization that centres on social justice, we feel it is critical to be informed on the past and the ongoing consequences of colonialism. We encourage everyone to learn about the history of these lands, and to support resistance here and across Turtle Island.
NACCA gives thanks for the land that nourishes us and enables us to live in communities. May we continue to aspire to nurture and care for this land and for each other.
