Greetings,
It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA). As the chair, I am honoured to lead our organization in its mission to engage, strengthen, and unite the African Canadian communities in Newmarket and beyond. At the heart of our work lies a deep commitment to collective empowerment and unity. We believe in the power of community, and through our programs, education initiatives, and partnerships, we strive to cultivate an environment where every member feels valued, supported, and destined to thrive. Our vision is bold and ambitious – to serve as a community hub that will support and strengthen the present and future outcomes of the Black community, especially Black youth. To advance generational skills-building, knowledge exchange, empowerment, and expression. To ignite change through allyship and cross-cultural learning. We envision a future where Black youth are at the forefront of positive change, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead with purpose and determination. As we embark on this journey, our values serve as our guiding principles. Mentorship and education are the cornerstones of our approach, recognizing that learning is a lifelong pursuit and mentorship is the roadmap to success. We prioritize youth engagement, recognizing that our youth are not only the future but also the catalysts for change in our communities. We are committed to ensuring equal access to opportunities for all, recognizing that equitable outcomes are only possible when barriers to access are removed. Embracing cultural diversity, we celebrate the unique perspectives and talents that each individual brings to our community, understanding that our differences make us stronger together. Empowerment is at the core of everything we do. We believe in the authority to be great, and we work tirelessly to see this belief manifest in equitable outcomes for all members of our community. I invite you to join us on this journey of unity (Umoja), self-determination (Kujichagulia) and transformation. Together, we can create a future where every member of the African Canadian community thrives and flourishes. "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Nelson Mandela Thank you for your support and commitment to our cause. Jerisha Grant-Hall Chairperson NACCA |