Dates:

Day 1: April 25, 2025 – Building Inclusive Systems

Day 2: April 26, 2025 – Empowering Black Families

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE NOW!

Call for Papers (CFP)

We invite scholars, practitioners, educators, community leaders, parents, caregivers, youth and advocates to share research, practice-based insights, community initiatives and lived experiences that advance equity in education for Black children and youth.

For more information, visit the CFP page here!

Conference Overview

“Breaking the Cycle” is a two-day conference dedicated to deepening understanding and driving meaningful change in how Black children experience the Canadian school system. Through powerful dialogue, data-driven insights, and community collaboration, this event seeks to dismantle anti-Black racism and systemic inequities in education while equipping educators, policymakers, and parents with the tools to foster inclusive, equitable learning environments.

Day One: Building Inclusive Systems

Audience: Educators, administrators, superintendents, school board representatives, policy and program developers.

Focus: Black inclusion within educational systems.

Day One is designed to engage those who shape and influence school policies and practices. The goal is to confront systemic barriers impacting Black students and begin reimagining education through an anti-racist and equity-driven lens.

Participants will:

• Learn about the realities of anti-Black racism in schools and its impact on children’s academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.

• Explore ways to create classrooms where Black students feel safe, seen, and supported - spaces that affirm their identities and enable them to thrive.

• Examine current data and research highlighting disparities and challenges faced by Black students.

• Hear directly from Black youth through a dynamic Youth Experience Panel, offering lived perspectives on navigating the school system.

• Participate in capacity-building workshops focused on dismantling anti-Black racism, inclusive pedagogy, and policy reform.

• Gain insight from a distinguished Keynote Speaker who will challenge conventional frameworks and inspire systemic change.

  
  

Outcome:

To strengthen institutional commitment to equity, foster accountability, and spark advocacy toward creating inclusive, affirming, and effective educational environments for Black students.

Day Two: Empowering Black Families

Audience: Black parents, caregivers, and community members.

Focus: Advocacy, awareness, and empowerment.

Day Two centers the voices and experiences of Black families, equipping them with knowledge and strategies to advocate for their children’s educational success. It will explore the challenges Black students face and the systemic barriers that affect their learning journeys.

Participants will:

• Learn about the realities of anti-Black racism in schools and its impact on children’s academic and emotional wellbeing.

• Explore practical tools and resources for advocacy within schools and at the board level.

• Connect with local opportunities for engagement, such as the Equity and Inclusion Community Advisory Committees.

• Hear from a Keynote Speaker and Youth Panel reflecting on solutions and resilience.

• Engage in interactive workshops focused on parental empowerment, navigating school systems, and fostering home-school collaboration.

Outcome:

To empower parents and caregivers as advocates and partners in education, strengthening the bridge between home, school, and community.

Call to Action

“Breaking the Cycle” is more than a conference - it’s a call to action. Together, we can create educational spaces where Black children are not only included but celebrated, supported, and set up to thrive.

Join Us!