This program will offer a video podcast series on Zoom and broadcasted live on Instagram and Facebook. Our aim is to share cultural identity-based content while raising awareness about mental health symptoms and challenges navigating the justice system.

03

September

Virtual Event, Zoom

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Culture appropriate mental health services for BLACK YOUTH

Black youth disproportionately access mental health through forensic and emergency care pathways

Black youth disproportionately access mental healthcare through both forensic and emergency care pathways, which suggests that Black youth are not receiving care unless they are either interacting with the justice system or are symptomatic enough to need intensive intervention (Anderson et al 2013) These disproportionate rates of involuntary entryways to care may be due to both the systemic over-policing of this population and a simultaneous delaying of care until symptoms can no longer be managed (Fante-Coleman et al 2020)

About Acacia Youth Wellness

Who we serve

Youth ages – 12 – 29 who are experiencing mental health challenges, such as social anxiety, anti-social behaviours, and community members who are interested in learning more about addressing mental health and available services, through an anti-racism/oppression, person-centred framework, to address mental health issues with cultural competent staff.

What

We will be inviting community-based speakers who have experience working with Black youth coupled with ACB Mental Health professionals to provide psychoeducational workshops.
We will invite ACB consumer/survivors of the mental health services to share their lived experiences
We will be inviting ACB individuals who have had interactions with the police and the justice system to share advice and proactive measures for interacting with police

Purpose

All workshops will be rooted in Black identity-based experiences with the purpose of equipping youth and families with the tools to navigate the mental health system and other services.

Services offered:

Virtual psychoeducational
workshops
Crisis intervention
Solution focused brief counselling
Service referrals

What is Under the Acacia Tree

Under the Acacia Tree is our video podcast series on Zoom and broadcasted live on Instagram and Facebook.

Our aim is to share cultural identity-based content while raising awareness about mental health symptoms and challenges navigating the justice system.

Let’s Talk Black Mental Health!

Suhur Ibrahim

My name is Suhur Ibrahim and I'm a 10th grade student at Bell High School. I'm an enthusiastic person with many hobbies such as painting, basketball, reading, and photography. I'm also very open to new experiences, which is part of the reason I applied to this role. I come from a Somali background and I have 2 younger siblings named Sana and Saeed.

I'm also very big on my religion Islam, I love learning new things about it. At my school, my favorite subject is science and I'm part of the basketball team. I'm hoping to join more school clubs that interest me or start one of my own! When I graduate highschool, I plan to attend university to become either a pediatrist or dental hygienist. My favourite thing about being young, gifted, and black is the creativity.

Ahmed Awad

Ahmed is a 5th year student studying at Western University in the Medical Sciences program. Ahmed is thrilled to be part of the BBYFR Project Advisory Committee and look forward to helping Black youth explore the many opportunities in the STEM fields.

Onyx Murara

Onyx Murara is a Grade 12 student at Immaculata High School. She’s one of the co-leads of the Black Students Association and runs the Muslim Students Association, where she tries to create spaces that celebrate community, and faith. She is deeply passionate about science and helping others.

She plans to go to university after high school and aspires to pursue a career in healthcare. Onyx is half Rwandese and half Burundian; she grew up surrounded by both cultures which continues to shape her sense of pride. To her, being Young, Gifted, and Black means celebrating the strength and achievements of her community, being proud of the challenges Black people have overcome, and using her voice and actions to inspire and support other Black youth to embrace their identity and reach their full potential

Moussa Cisse

My name is Moussa Nouhoum Cisse, I am a Grade 11 student at E.S.P Franco Cite. My dream is to be an Olympic jumper or sprinter in the sport of track and field. I train with the University of Ottawa Jump Squad through the Ottawa Lions. I also aim to pursue studies in business (specifically majoring in Entrepreneurship and marketing, and minoring in finance).

I am from the country of Mali 🇲🇱, situated in West Africa. On my father's side, I am Fulani, and on my mother's side, I am Soninke. I also have some Hausa heritage from Nigeria from my father's side. For me, being Young, Black, and Gifted means that I have the privilege to be born in the richest cultures in the world. And my favorite thing about being Young, Black and Gifted is the way we come together to celebrate one another and support one another.

Aya Ikejani

I’m a Grade 11 student at Pierre-Savard catholic high school in Ottawa. I’m passionate about technology, creativity, and community leadership. I hope to pursue a career in tech, whether that’s in computer engineering or cybersecurity. I’m Somali-Nigerian and currently serve as the Minister of Arts and Culture at my school of over 1,600 students. My favorite thing about being Young, Gifted, and Black is the pride, resilience, and power to create change that comes from my culture and community.

Jean-Luc Shandwe

Hello, my name is Jean-Luc Shandwe and I’m in the 12th grade at Louis-riel public school. My dream goal or post-secondary plans is to either study electrical engineering or mechanical engineering at Carleton University or uOttawa. I’m fully Congolese. My favourite thing about being young, gifted, and Black is being able to be proud of my culture and the persistence of Black people in their journey to reaching their long-term goals.

Kudus Hailemichael

Kudus is a motivated and passionate student. Eritrean-born and raised in Sudan, his progressive mindset has guided him through the many struggles of being an immigrant student. Now a youth ambassador for the 2025–26 term, he seeks to demonstrate how this program will expand his knowledge and empower him to create change in the community he values deeply.

Kudus is entering Grade 11 at Ridgemont High School, marking his third year there. Over the past two years, he has contributed to numerous school events and now serves as the co-president of the Black Student Union. His post-secondary goals include earning an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, with plans to pursue a master’s degree thereafter. His leadership in the Black Student Union reflects his deep appreciation for the perseverance and innovation of Black communities throughout history.

The determination to survive and thrive amid adversity, shown by influential figures and key moments in Black history, inspires him to thrive under pressure. Many of these figures continue to serve as role models as he builds his future step by step.

MADAR OMAR

I’m a Grade 10 student from Ottawa attending École Secondaire Publique Pierre-de-Blois. I’m Somali and passionate about community leadership, financial literacy, and creating positive change. I’m also interested in building a career in finance and accounting, where I can help others make smart financial decisions. Outside of school, I enjoy playing soccer, which keeps me focused, disciplined, and driven. To me, being Young, Gifted, and Black means carrying the strength, pride, and determination of my culture and community.

Kiduse Emanuel

Kiduse Emanuel is a Grade 10 student at Hillcrest High School in Ottawa. He is a passionate student-athlete, proud member of the Black Excellence Club, and a dedicated volunteer in his community. As an NCSSAA Junior Soccer Champion, he has learned the value of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, which he applies both on and off the field. Beyond sports, he expresses his creativity as a graphic designer for the Ethiopian Community Association of Ottawa, crafting impactful visuals that bring ideas to life.

He also serves his community through the FC Young Lions Soccer Team, where he helps organize meals for the homeless, assists seniors with technology, and fundraises for local initiatives. What Kiduse loves most about being Young, Gifted, and Black is the limitless potential and resilience of his community. From streamers to athletes, lawyers to therapists, he believes Black people can do anything—and do it the best. Surrounded by a network of supportive and inspiring individuals, he feels empowered to dream big and achieve his goals. He is excited to continue building on these experiences, combining his passion for service, creativity, and leadership to make a meaningful impact.

Safiya Ali

Safiya Ali is a Grade 12 student at Gloucester High School with plans to pursue a science-based program in post-secondary education. Her dream is to become a doctor, physician assistant, or work in a similar healthcare field, combining her love for science with her passion for helping others. As a proud Somali-Canadian, she is deeply committed to anti-racism advocacy. Growing up in a diverse community has fueled her drive to challenge systemic barriers, amplify marginalized voices, and promote equity.

She has participated in initiatives that raise awareness and foster inclusion, and she sees this work as a lifelong commitment to justice and empowerment. What Safiya loves most about being Young, Gifted, and Black is the ability to learn and grow while giving back to the communities that have shaped her. Opportunities like the Youth Ambassador program have inspired her to take action, and she is excited to continue advocating for meaningful change in all aspects of her life.

Moussa N Cisse

Moussa N Cisse is from Mali, West Africa. Being chosen as a youth ambassador for the 2024-25 year is an honor not only because it's a great learning opportunity but also because it allows him to affect change in his community and amongst his people. Moussa is currently attending grade 10 at E.S.P Omer-Deslauriers.

His post-secondary plan is to play university basketball while studying civil engineering. He loves everything about his ethnic background, but the qualities that describe them the most are resilience and hospitality. Moussa always tries to take inspiration from how people of African descent can overcome their challenges with limited possessions despite facing several racial obstacles. This motivates him to find innovative solutions to problems instead of giving up.

Eloho Omene

Eloho Omene is a grade 12 student at Brookfield High School. Her dream career is to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), with a focus on helping non-profit organizations, while also engaging in neuroscience-based research, a field she enjoys working in. To achieve this goal, she plans to major in Finance and Neuroscience research at the University of Alberta.
Eloho is Nigerian, specifically of Igbo and Urhobo descent. She finds her favorite aspect of being young, Black, and gifted is the ability to share her talents with others and use them to help people. She also cherishes the opportunity to become more like the talented Black women she admires, who have been paving the way for future generations for decades.

One of her major inspirations is Marsai Martin, a pioneering actress, producer, and entrepreneur known for her role as Diane in "Black-ish." Marsai has made history as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood through her production company, Genius Productions, which is committed to elevating Black stories and increasing representation in the media. Marsai's numerous achievements, including multiple NAACP Image Awards and recognition as one of Time’s most influential teens, highlight her dedication to breaking barriers and embodying Black excellence. Marsai is one of the many amazing Black women who have made Eloho proud to be Black and motivated her to strive for self-improvement in all aspects of her life.

Mikail Ahmed

Mikail Ahmed is currently in grade 12 at the French high school Pierre-de-Blois. His dream is to one day become the technical director of a major company, leading innovation and managing big projects. For post-secondary education, he is exploring two paths: Computer Science and Accounting. Both fields interest him because he has liked problem-solving, technology, and understanding systems throughout his entire childhood. Being young, Black, and gifted means a lot to him. He is proud of who he is and where he comes from, and he wants to rise above the racism and discrimination his people face. He wants his successes and achievements to show what he is capable of, no matter the challenges.

Odelia Niangoran

Odelia Niangoran is a grade 11 student with dreams of becoming a Robotics engineer. She plans on attending university to study mechanical engineering and hopes to study abroad or participate in an exchange program. Although she is still unsure of the exact level of education she wants to pursue after high school, she hopes to teach in her field later in life. Odelia is from Cote d'Ivoire, a Francophone country in West Africa. She came to Canada with her family at three years old and has been a Canadian citizen for nine years.

Odelia cannot attribute her love for the skin she wears to a single person as her journey includes varied mentors and impactful meetings. However, Florence Cole made her realize the importance of this journey. Odelia has loved being Ivorian for as long as she can remember and never wanted to change her nationality growing up. Yet, she did not always like the color of her skin. She felt uncomfortable, out of place, and as if she failed to meet expectations.Florence Cole, a Dark-Skin Black woman like Odelia, was the first person to make Odelia feel confident about being stereotypically Black. Odelia is an extrovert and loud, qualities Florence reminded her were strengths. Where Odelia saw fear, shame, and doubt, Florence saw pride and power. Seeing herself in Florence, Odelia learned to love these qualities in herself. She still doubts herself and questions whether she belongs in certain spaces, but overcoming her fears gives her strength to push forward. Serving her community as a TWC Youth Ambassador is a source of pride and joy for Odelia.

Moussa Cisse

Moussa Cisse is a dedicated student-athlete who balances his academic, athletic, and extracurricular pursuits with ease. Known for his bold and unapologetic voice, Moussa is a natural leader who consistently strives for excellence. His passion for volunteerism and advocacy is demonstrated through his completion of over 100 volunteer hours in his freshman year and his active involvement in organizing and speaking at Ridgemont High School’s Black History Month assembly.

Over the summer, Moussa volunteered as a videographer for SCFS. As he begins the IB program at ÉSP DesLauriers, Moussa is committed to establishing the school’s first Black Student Union, furthering his dedication to creating a positive and inclusive environment.

Momen Ali

Momen Ali is a 3rd-year Computer Systems Engineering student at Carleton University who is passionate about making a difference through innovation. Momen has volunteered extensively, participating in Jaku Konbit's mentorship program and guiding youth in STEM through the Let’s Talk Science initiative.

He also played a vital role in the development of Ridgemont High School’s Black Student Union, promoting inclusivity and engagement. Momen's commitment to innovation and community service showcases his leadership and drive to empower the next generation of leaders.

Olantu Nini

Olantu Nini, a Grade 11 student at Immaculata High School in Ottawa, originally hails from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As Co-president of the Black Student Alliance, Olantu leads impactful initiatives such as the Black History Month Showcase and a multicultural fashion show, fostering diversity and inclusion within her school community.

Olantu’s passion for youth empowerment is evident in her role as a Volunteer Youth Coordinator for the BBYFR project at SCFS, where she organizes workshops and job fairs that benefit her peers. Her commitment to using media for social change led her to create a podcast at Immaculata, where she engages in storytelling and facilitates meaningful conversations on important issues.

Olantu Nini

Olantu Nini is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the vibrant capital city. Currently, a Grade 11 student at Immaculata High School. Alongside her academic pursuits, Olantu serves as one of the co-leads of the black student association at Immaculata. Her passion for inclusivity and fairness led her to join the BBYF committee.

Olantu believes in championing youth empowerment within her community and beyond. Leveraging her leadership role at school, she has worked diligently to foster awareness and facilitate open dialogues, particularly on accessing employment opportunities.

This year, Olantu's focus for the Job Fair was amplifying the voices and experiences of Black students, a cause close to her heart. Beyond her school and BBYF commitments, Olantu indulges in photography and reading, two hobbies that fuel my creativity and curiosity. She is very enthusiastic about engaging in discussions centered on fairness and equality. Through her involvement with BBYF, she aspires to collaborate with like-minded individuals, fostering a thriving community where everyone's unique contributions are valued and respected.

Trisha Islam

Trisha Islam is the Director of All That Kids Can Be at United Way East Ontario (UWEO). Trisha focuses on bringing together people and resources to ensure children, youth, and families are ready for school, have safe and stable housing, and are supported to navigate mental health, substance use, and addictions challenges.

She is a Bangladeshi Muslim immigrant and hopes for communities across East Ontario to be places where children and youth feel safe and seen, can be themselves, and have access to whatever they need to reach their dreams. Trisha brings knowledge and experience from working alongside youth-led collective impact initiatives across Canada, community and international development, social policy, food security, and financial empowerment.

Hedaia Leandre

Hedaia is a 22 year old who is simultaneously studying Business Administration at Algonquin College and Medical Office Assistant at ABM College. She is passionate about community building, social inclusion and finding ways to be sustainable. She is also someone who loves to learn and research about the origins of certain topics. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing and baking sweets.

Hedaia decided to join the Building Black Youth Future Resilience Advisory Committee because she wants to contribute to the knowledge-development of the Black youths in our community. She believes that she will also have the opportunity to learn new skills and meet like-minded folks.

Nicole Greaves

Nicole is a community leader and advocate with a message of collaboration and positive engagement that facilitate individual and community well-being. She is a Holistic Care Consultant and Registered Nurse with many years of experience in the health and wellness sector.

Nicole is intentional about volunteering, mentoring and learning with families, seniors and youths from diverse communities. She is also the founding Director of “Ubuntu ConneXions Community Inc. with the vision of promoting and embodying community unity, collaborative works and caring to make a difference in our lifes’ journey.

She believes that self-care is a necessary investment plan for the mind and body. Her self-care investment portfolio includes rest, physical movement and spending time with family and friends embracing grace and gratitude.

Nicole welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the collective works of the Somali Centre for Family Services’ BBYFR Steering Committee

Ubuntu,

Nicole

Tolorunlogo Akinrinola

Tolorunlogo Akinrinola is a Nigerian-born Canadian passionate about combating racial inequalities through education, art, and community building.

Tolorunlogo is a graduate of the University of Ottawa Masters of Education program, as well as a graduate of the third cohort of the Developing Young Leaders of Tomorrow, Today Black Diplomats Academy (BDA Academy) - where he was selected as a delegate to the United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent. He won the Rising Star award at BDA Academy. Tolorunlogo is also an artist who has had his work featured at the Ottawa Art Gallery and in exhibitions in London and Toronto.

Tolorunlogo is an up-and-coming policy analyst looking to dismantle the School-to-Prison pipeline that disproportionally affects youth of African descent. Currently, he is the Director of Future Paths Network and an Executive Board Member of Minds-On, both grassroots non-profit organizations that aim to shape an equitable future for Black and racialized youth. On his ‘off days’, Tolorunlogo enjoys various hobbies, such as diverse cuisines, music, poetry, writing, origami, basketball, and reading.

Nicole Greaves

Nicole welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the collective works of the Somali Centre for Family Services’ BBYFR Steering Committee

Ubuntu,

Nicole

Anne Musene

Anne L. Musene is a 22 years old and hold an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa. Anne is currently completing my Graduate Certificate in Project Management at Algonquin College. Anne is passionate about topics of economic growth, environmental protection, community building, and social inclusion. In her free time, Anne enjoys researching interesting topics, reading, learning new languages, teaching violin and piano, and co-directing children's music ensembles.

Anne joined the Building Black Youth Future Resilience Advisory Committee to be more involved and contribute to the best of my capacities in our Black youth community. Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity to develop new skills, connect with new people, and build resilience overall. Anne is looking forward to learning more about the BBYFR project and contributing to its evolution.

Esraa Gadi

Esraa Gadi is a Grade 12 student who plans to go into the medical field after high school. Her dream is to become a nurse because she loves helping others and wants to make a difference in people’s lives. As a proud East African from Eritrea, Esraa is inspired by her culture and the hard work of the people who came before her. She hopes to make them proud by following her goals and giving back to her community.

What Esraa loves most about being Young, Gifted, and Black is making her people proud, especially knowing that many didn’t have the same opportunities she does. She’s excited to keep growing, learning, and building a future where she can help others.

Samira Awad

Samira is currently a fourth-year Science student at the University of Ottawa. Samira is excited to be part of the BBYFR Project Advisory Committee and to be able to help Black youths succeed in their education and secure a job.

Chanda Jones

Chanda Jones is the Founder and CEO of Future Paths Network, a grassroot non-profit dedicated to supporting black youth transitioning from foster care. As an ambassador of the Children's Aid Foundation of Canada, she is an advocate for positive change. Chanda's passion lies in offering mentorship and creating nurturing environments for young individuals in entrepreneurship, entertainment, and culture. As a youth program consultant, she helps organizations achieve effective engagement, contributing to the prosperity of black youth and fostering community connections. Chanda's impactful work centers on bridging pathways to new opportunities and creating a brighter future for the youth she serves.

03

September

Virtual Event, Zoom

Culture appropriate mental health services for BLACK YOUTH

Black youth disproportionately access mental health through forensic and emergency care pathways

Who we serve

What

Purpose

Head Office

Youth Office

Discover

Follow Us

Suhur Ibrahim

Ahmed Awad

Onyx Murara

Moussa Cisse

Aya Ikejani

Jean-Luc Shandwe

Kudus Hailemichael

Kiduse Emanuel

Safiya Ali

Moussa N Cisse

Eloho Omene

Mikail Ahmed

Odelia Niangoran

Moussa Cisse

Momen Ali

Olantu Nini

Olantu Nini

Trisha Islam

Hedaia Leandre

Nicole Greaves

Tolorunlogo Akinrinola

Nicole Greaves

Anne Musene

Esraa Gadi

Samira Awad

Chanda Jones