Flashbacks...

On November 7, 2009, the TBYC (then known as YAC - the Youth Advisory Committee) held the very first "Real Talks, Real Movements" Forum which was an opportunity for youth focused organizations to come together, network, and discuss really significant issues like: Black youth identity today, and concerns around youth engagement throughout the GTA.

We prepared 4 major discussion questions, but due to time constraints and overwhelming enthusiasm from the participants we only got through one of them:

• What inspires African Canadian youth to become active? In what ways can African Canadian youth take more initiative in affecting positive change in their communities?

What became evident very quickly through discussion were the wide range in issues/activities/youth engagement strategies that inspire our youth to become active. We had young women expressing that it was their "girls group" that inspired them to become active. That bonding on the basis of their gender provided them with the platform they needed to to evolve. Alternatively, we also had young men and young women discussing the importance of mentorship in their upbringing. The idea that many of us felt validated and valued when those we looked up to took an interest in our lives.

Ultimately, the Forum highlighted the necessity for our elders, adults, and young adults to lead by example. If our community members continue to demonstrate the importance of listening to the needs of the upcoming generation, while respecting the knowledge of the those that have been here before us, we can't fail.

Lift as you climb.

"Real Talks" is returning for 2010 but just under a new guise. We're starting smaller but also getting more detailed. We'll be bouncing from youth group to youth group, from East to West, tackling issues from family life to education but focusing specifically on how those topics relate to our community.

If your youth group is interested in housing a workshop, you can contact the collective for more information at blackyouthcollective@gmail.com .

PEACE (and real talks... lol)