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
Kuumba March Break Camp 2026 - Registration Now Open!
NACCA’s Kuumba March Break Camp returns with an innovative and enriching mini-camp experience designed for Black youth ages 8–12 in Newmarket.
Grounded in culture, creativity and community, the camp blends technology, arts, learning and mental wellness to create a dynamic and supportive environment where young people can explore, grow and build confidence. What to Expect
Our Approach The Kuumba March Break Camp is intentionally designed to inspire and empower Black youth while nurturing a strong sense of belonging and cultural pride. Campers will leave with:
Camp Details Ages: Black youth ages 8–12 Dates: March 16–20, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM daily Location: NACCA HQ (449 Eagle Street, Newmarket) Registration Fee: $150 per camper (full week) Spaces are limited. Early registration is encouraged. Register here Contact Us Email: [email protected] Phone: (905) 781-6222 We look forward to welcoming your child for a week of learning, creativity and community through Kuumba. |
2026 Scholarship Award Application Now Open!
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is proud to support the next generation of Black leaders through our annual Scholarship Program.
In 2026, NACCA will award scholarships to up to 12 students entering their first year of full-time post-secondary education, including university, college, apprenticeship and skilled trades programs. Our scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, community service and commitment to building stronger communities. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must:
Application Deadline: April 3, 2026 Recipients Announced: Early June 2026 Full eligibility details and application forms are available at: naccacommunity.ca/scholarship-award-2026 Encourage the young scholars in your life to apply and take the next step toward their future. Seniors Club is Back!
Our seniors program has returned, refreshed, reimagined and renamed!
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 Friday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM NACCA Community Hub, 449 Eagle Street, Newmarket Cost: FREE All seniors welcome Facilitator: Priscilla Dentah-Akuoko Program Purpose • Reduce social isolation • Celebrate African & Caribbean culture • Promote wellness and joy • Build a supportive community for seniors To register, please complete the form here For more information, please contact NACCA at [email protected] |
Mental Health First Aid for the Black Community (Free Training)
NACCA is offering 15 free spots for Mental Health First Aid for the Black Community—training designed to build skills to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges or crises.
Training Format
Date & Time: March 7, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Location: Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave, Newmarket Questions: [email protected] Register HERE Black Youth Mental Wellness and Empowerment Series - RISE (Resilience, Identity, Strength, Empowerment)
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is delivering an eight weeks Africentric mental wellness workshop series for Black youth up to grade 12 who reside in York Region. All sessions will be supported by a mental health clinician.
Join us for a transformative opportunity aimed at supporting Black children and youth in York Region. Our 8-week Black Youth Mental Wellness and Empowerment Series, R.I.S.E (Resilience, Identity, Strength, Empowerment) Program, is designed to empower Black children and youth by providing essential mental health education and support. Running in-person and virtually from October 7, 2025, to June 17, 2026, the program offers four different cohorts to choose from, ensuring flexibility and accessibility. There will be 2 groups. Group A is for children under the age of 12 and Group B is for youth over the ag of 12. The workshops will be held on Thursdays from 6-8pm. Group A will be from 6-7pm and Group B from 7pm-8pm. Both classes will be hybrid. By participating in this 8-week culturally affirming program, children and youth will gain valuable skills, knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges of mental wellness, all within a supportive community. Workshop Dates: Cohort 2: Jan 8, 2026 – Feb 26, 2026 - Hybrid (in-person & virtual) Cohort 3: Mar 12, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026 - Virtual only Cohort 4: May 14, 2026 – June 25, 2026 - Hybrid (in-person & virtual) Where: Hybrid - In-person (NACCA Hub - 449 Eagle St, Newmarket) and virtual via zoom Please complete this form to allow us to learn more about you and what you are looking to gain from this program. Funded by Ontario Health: Black Health Action Plan & Pediatric Recovery Funding |
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.
