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On April 15th, over 500 students from across the Greater Essex County District School Board gathered at St. Clair College for the 2nd Annual Black Joy Black Excellence Student Symposium—an unforgettable day filled with connection, creativity, and community.
This year’s theme, “Express Yourself,” was brought to life through movement, rhythm, art, fashion, dialogue, and student voice. The symposium was a powerful reminder that Black joy is not a moment—it’s a movement, and excellence shows up in many forms.
A Morning of Rhythm and Representation
The day began with a soulful welcome featuring both an Indigenous and Afrocentric Land Acknowledgement, followed by the Black National Anthem, beautifully performed by Empress Stats from Walkerville Collegiate.
Then, the room came alive with Sly’s Rhythms Drumming, setting the tone—literally—for a day of energy, tradition, and pride.
The Fashion of Identity
One of the most talked-about moments of the day was the student-led fashion show, where students from multiple secondary schools lit up the runway with both contemporary and cultural attire. Each look told a story—about heritage, pride, and self-expression. It was style with meaning, and confidence with purpose.
Voices That Moved the Room
Mr. Stefan Adjetey from Kennedy Collegiate Institute moderated a student panel that sparked honest and insightful discussion around what it means to be Black, what brings joy, and how schools can continue to uplift and empower students.
Special thanks to our incredible panelists:
Jalen (Kennedy), Nahilli (Walkerville), Kaylo (Herman), and Lladaneyah (alumni, University of Windsor)—your voices didn’t just speak to the room, they carried throughout the day.
Breakout Sessions that Inspired
Students had the opportunity to choose two engaging breakout sessions ranging from:
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Mindfulness and Movement
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Slam Poetry and Storytelling
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Youth Participatory Action Research with the University of Windsor
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Boxing with the Canty family (Golden Gloves Champion + Hall of Fame Trainer)
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Collage Art with Arts Can Teach
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Dance with Black Kids in Action
These sessions gave students the tools and space to explore identity, wellness, leadership, and joy through multiple creative and physical outlets.
Community Support in Action
During lunch, students explored a vibrant marketplace of kiosks featuring over 20 community partners offering supports and opportunities for Black youth. From mental health resources and mentorship to arts programs and post-secondary pathways, students left with tangible next steps and fresh inspiration.
Thank you to our incredible partners, including:
Family Fuse, Acts Collective Theatre, weCHC, Youth Wellness Hub, United Way Windsor-Essex, ETFO, Beauty is Me, Black Boys Code, IncluSVBeauty, University of Windsor (Student Support, The Cube), Arts Can Teach, Trans Wellness Ontario, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Coalition for Justice and Unity Equity Windsor, OSSTF, and our gracious host, St. Clair College.
Student Leadership at the Centre
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the passionate leadership of the Black Student Advisory Committee and the Create Your Future team. From planning to performance, students led the charge—proving once again that when youth are given the mic, they use it to empower everyone in the room.
Thank you to the organizers, educators, presenters, performers, panelists, and students who made this event so powerful. You created more than a symposium—you created a space to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
We’re already looking forward to next year.
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