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
You’re Invited: NACCA Annual General MeetingOur Annual General Meeting is an important moment in our collective journey, an opportunity to reflect on our impact, share updates and look ahead to what we are building together.
Join us on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM (via Zoom) as we connect with members, celebrate the work of the past year and continue shaping the future of NACCA. This is also a space for members to engage in governance, ask questions and contribute to the direction of the organization. Your voice matters and your participation strengthens our community. We look forward to gathering with you. We’re Opening Doors: Youth Opportunity in Emergency Services
At NACCA, we believe in creating pathways to youth success.
We are inviting 2–3 Black youth (Grades 9–12) from our community to apply for the Central York Fire Services Trailblazer Youth Volunteer Program, a unique opportunity to explore careers in emergency services while building leadership, confidence and real-world experience. This one-year program offers hands-on involvement in community events, mentorship and exposure to fire services with a strong focus on equity, diversity and representation. This is more than volunteering. It is about seeing yourself in spaces where you belong. If you know a young person who is ready to grow, lead and step into something bigger, encourage them to apply. Applications: [email protected] Deadline: May 4, 2026 NACCA is supporting a limited number of placements—2 to 3 youth. |
Interested in Running for Municipal Office?
Municipal elections are happening this October, and your voice matters.
Join a free virtual information session to learn how local government works, what municipal council does, and what’s involved in running as a candidate. No political experience required. Date: Monday, April 20, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Online (Zoom) 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 (Resilience, Identity, Strength, Empowerment) Program
NACCA, in collaboration with Ontario Health, is proud to offer a safe, affirming space for Black youth to explore mental wellness, identity and resilience through our Black Youth Mental Wellness Empowerment Series. Designed for youth ages 13+, this 8-week Africentric program supports participants in building confidence, strengthening coping skills and connecting with peers who share their lived experiences.
Led by a mental health clinician, the program blends cultural grounding with practical tools for navigating stress, relationships and personal growth. Sessions are offered in a hybrid format (in-person at the NACCA Hub and via Zoom), making it accessible for youth across York Region. With multiple cohorts running from October 2025 through June 2026, families can register for a session that works best for their schedule. Register here. |
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.
