Karibu Nyumbani
(Welcome home)
At NACCA, we are cultivating spaces of belonging, cultural pride, leadership and community connection for Black children, youth and families across York Region.
Through culturally grounded programs and initiatives, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders while strengthening community through wellness, education, creativity and collective care.
NACCA is building thriving futures rooted in identity, resilience and possibility.
(Welcome home)
At NACCA, we are cultivating spaces of belonging, cultural pride, leadership and community connection for Black children, youth and families across York Region.
Through culturally grounded programs and initiatives, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders while strengthening community through wellness, education, creativity and collective care.
NACCA is building thriving futures rooted in identity, resilience and possibility.
Join the Village. Build the Future with us.
Current Events and Opportunities
Black Mental Health Community Conversations Return this June
NACCA and ASCO, alongside community partners across York Region - MACCA, YRAACC, ANCHOR, 360 Kids and York Hills - invites Black community members to attend a two-part community gathering centred around the Black Mental Health Community Insights report developed through conversations held across the Region last year.
These gatherings are an opportunity to reflect on key insights from the report, hear from mental health professionals and community voices, engage in meaningful dialogue and help shape what comes next for Black mental health and wellness support within our communities. Each session will include:
Whether you joined the original conversations or are new to the dialogue, we welcome you to attend. Please register and join the session that works best for you. This is a space for us by us. Newmarket Session – Tues., June 16, 2026 Markham Session – Fri., June 19, 2026 Register here or scan the QR code on the flyer. Registration Now Open: 2026 NACCA Scholarship & Awards Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate the outstanding achievements, leadership and excellence of Black students across York Region at the 2026 NACCA Scholarship & Awards Ceremony.
This year's theme, Investing in Black Futures, highlights the importance of recognizing excellence, supporting educational achievement and creating opportunities for the next generation of Black leaders to thrive. We are also honoured to welcome Dr. Bimpe Ayeni as this year’s keynote speaker. Event Details: Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Location: NewRoads Performing Arts Centre (505 Pickering Crescent, Newmarket) Registration is now open. We encourage community members, families, educators, sponsors and supporters to reserve their seats early and join us for this special celebration. Register HERE to reserve your spot. Welcome to the Golden Rhythms Seniors Club!
Welcome to the Golden Rhythms Seniors Club, a weekly gathering designed to honour culture, nurture wellness and strengthen community connections. Join us for a warm, joyful space where seniors can connect, celebrate African and Caribbean culture and support one another through activities that promote wellness and belonging.
Program Details Every Saturday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM NACCA Community Hub, 449 Eagle Street (hybrid) All seniors 55+ welcome Reduce social isolation, celebrate African & Caribbean culture all while experiencing wellness and joy in a supportive community curated for seniors. To register, please complete the form here. |
Kuumba Summer Camp 2026 is Back!
This summer, NACCA invites Black youth ages 8–13 to join Kuumba — a culturally affirming camp experience rooted in identity, creativity and community.
Through a blend of STEAM-based learning and African, Caribbean and Black Canadian cultural programming, youth will explore, create and grow in a space designed for them. From arts and movement to hands-on workshops and outdoor play, Kuumba is where confidence is built, friendships are formed and belonging is felt. When: July 6 – August 14 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Where: Terry Fox Public School, Newmarket $100/week (member discounts and limited subsidies available). Spots are limited. Register early to secure your child’s place. Register here. YSSI: Black Mental Wellness and Empowerment Series
At NACCA, we understand that supporting our youth means nurturing their academic success, their identity, confidence and wellbeing. Through our Black Youth Mental Wellness & Empowerment Series, we are creating a culturally affirming space where Black youth can connect, grow and thrive.
Held weekly on Thursdays from 6:00–7:00 PM, this virtual workshop series offers guided sessions led by a mental health clinician, focused on resilience, self-discovery and empowerment. Through conversations, peer connection and practical wellness tools, youth are supported in building a strong sense of self and belonging. This initiative is part of the Youth School Success Initiative (YSSI), a collaborative effort across York Region to uplift over 300 Black youth in Grades 4–8 through holistic, wrap-around supports. The program is delivered in partnership with community organizations and funded by the Regional Municipality of York. Workshop Dates:
If you know a young person who would benefit from this space, we invite you to share and register. Together, we are strengthening the foundation for the next generation, rooted in care and community. |
Empowering Black Youth Through Youth School Success Initiative (YSSI)
Registration is now open for the Youth School Success Initiative (YSSI) — a collaborative program supporting Black youth in Grades 4–8 across York Region.
Delivered in partnership with community organizations and funded by the Regional Municipality of York, YSSI provides culturally affirming, wrap-around supports designed to strengthen academic success, build confidence and nurture mental wellness. Through mentorship, leadership development and holistic programming, youth are supported to both succeed in school and thrive in who they are. Program offerings include:
If you’re looking for a supportive, empowering space for a young person in your life, YSSI is here. Registration is now open Register here Phone: 905-781-6222 Email: [email protected] RISE is back — in person at the NACCA Hub!
RISE (Resilience, Identity, Strength, Empowerment) is where Black youth come to connect, vibe and grow in a space rooted in culture, community and care.
Expect real conversations, shared experiences and powerful moments that build confidence, strengthen your voice and celebrate who you are. Pull up, bring your energy and let’s rise together — in community, in culture, in our Blackness. Activities include - Drumming, sports, discussions and food When: Saturdays, May 23- June 27th Time: 11am - 1pm Where: 449 Eagle St, Newmarket Register here: https://forms.gle/2X1vZSL3WZQLzPG97 |
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.
