Building legacy and future leadership at CBW Ontario event

A spirit of reflection, celebration, and forward vision filled the room on Sunday as community leaders, students, and supporters gathered for the Congress of Black Women of Ontario’s annual Celebration and Recognition Brunch at the Woodbine Convention Centre.

Held under the theme “Building on Legacy: Igniting and Illuminating the Future,” the event brought together generations to honour the enduring contributions of Black women in Canada while spotlighting emerging leaders poised to shape what comes next.

Among the voices was Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who delivered remarks that connected the organization’s history to its ongoing impact. She reflected on the early foundations laid by Black women in Toronto, noting that their push for dignity, recognition, and space helped build a stronger and more inclusive Canada.

Central to that legacy is Congress of Black Women of Canada, founded by trailblazer Kay Livingstone. Chow emphasized that the organization’s mission remains deeply relevant decades later, pointing to the room itself as evidence of its continued vitality.

“That vision is still alive,” she said, highlighting the presence of young scholarship recipients as a powerful reminder that the work of previous generations continues to bear fruit.

The brunch also served as a platform for recognizing achievement. Two graduate scholarship recipients, Milen Melles and Savannah Jack, were celebrated for their academic pursuits at the University of Toronto. Their accomplishments were framed not only as personal milestones but as part of a broader continuum of excellence within the community.

Speakers throughout the afternoon returned to the idea that legacy is not static, but something actively built and shared. Itah Sadu in her keynote address underscored how community-driven initiatives, from education programs to cultural institutions, have created pathways for young people to succeed, even in systems that have not always served them equitably.

Stories of grassroots efforts resonated strongly. Examples included mentorship programs, youth arts initiatives, and the long-running “Walk of Excellence,” which has brought hundreds of students into university spaces, reinforcing the message that higher education is both accessible and attainable.

The importance of community economics also emerged as a recurring theme. Speakers highlighted how organizations such as the Jamaican Canadian Association and cultural movements like steelpan have sustained themselves through collective support, demonstrating resilience even in the absence of consistent funding.

Corporate and community partners were also acknowledged, with representatives noting that support must extend beyond words to meaningful investment in programs that uplift marginalized communities. The role of local businesses and vendors at the event further reflected a commitment to economic empowerment from within.

Throughout the afternoon, there was a strong emphasis on storytelling as a tool for transformation. Speakers described it as a foundational tradition, one that not only preserves history but also inspires action and fosters belonging.

For many in attendance, the event was as much about connection as it was about recognition. Attendees were encouraged to engage with one another, share experiences, and build relationships that extend beyond the event itself.

The message was clear: legacy is not inherited passively, but built intentionally. It lives in the work of organizations, in the achievements of young scholars, and in the everyday efforts of communities supporting one another.

In celebrating the past and investing in the future, the Congress of Black Women of Ontario continues to illuminate a path forward, one grounded in resilience, unity, and purpose.

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