Our Community Cleanup was a tremendous success.  The youth came out at 8AM, bright-eyed, willing, and ready to shift mindset about climate change and global warming. The initiative was created and led by a 13 years old, Jaylah Hall, to "bring awareness to the ongoing environmental problems."  She presented to the group of youth a riveting treatise on why this initiative is so important for all of us.  "The reason for the earth warming up," she says, "is pollution which contributes to the emission of greenhouse gasses."  If we do not pay attention to this crisis, Jaylah explains, youth might not be able to "step into the future." 

A big thank you to all the youth and their parents for their commitment and dedication.  They did an amazing job!  Even the universe showed its support with bouts of cool-breeze-hugs which warded off the heat and held back the rain until after noon.  Check out NACCA's Instagram page for more highlights and photos!

A few weeks ago, we sent out a community survey to gain insight and feedback in regards to the kind of programs and services that you would like to see in our community. The responses came quickly. Below is a summary of the report.​

When asked, “What programs can we offer that would be beneficial to you and your family?”
You said:

1. Mental health program.
2. Leadership programs.
3. Homework program.
4. After school program.
5. An Afrocentric educational children’s program.
6. Youth and peer mentorship program.
7. Fashion events.
8. Legal rights program.
9. Health and life coaching.
10. Scholarship program for students who are in their 2+ year of school.

When asked, “What services would you like to see offered in our community?”
You said:

1. Black celebration concerts, talent shows.
2. An active and thriving space for Black families to commune and connect.
3. More family/cultural events.
4. Services to assist Black youth with mental issues to get jobs, or to stay in school without being penalized.
5. A centre for Black youth to showcase their talent, and learn about historical issues that have an impact on their current state.
6. How to deal with racism.
7. Mental health services for Black youth.

When asked, “What changes would you like to see in our community?”
You said:

1. More events and opportunities to connect that include young Black youth.
2. Diversity in Town programs, summer camps, etc.
3. Changes in policing in schools.
4. A response to the rise of racism in our community.
5. Black representative on the Board of Aurora or Newmarket Council.
6. A Black entrepreneurs market.
7. More diversity, more activities for Black history month.
8. More effort to resolve climate change and global warming.

Over the next year, we will be looking at this information to inform how we deliver programs and services in the community.  Thank you for taking the time to let your voice be heard.  Stay tuned for what's next!