ABOUT US
Black York Region Youth (BYR Youth) was founded in 2020 by four youth named Sydney Baxter, Cameron Davis, Rachel Cheng, and Hannah Mullings-Tatum, plus District 16-OSSTF teacher Vanessa Stoby. This organization was founded with the purpose of combatting anti-Black racism, systemic racism, anti-Indigenous hate, and discrimination in all of its forms within York Region and its surrounding communities. Thanks to this group's incredible team of youth and adult mentors, they have been able to accomplish milestones. From over half a thousand followers on Instagram to speaking on CBC Radio, BYR Youth does it all.
Our Purpose
Monthly or bi-monthly meetings throughout the year with at least one youth chairing the meeting. Meetings will focus-
- on planning the group's initiatives, discussing ongoing issues in York Region communities and sharing updates on activism.
- Ongoing discussions about anti-Black racism with community members and groups in York Region.
- Sharing of resources with different stakeholders in York Region (i.e. youth, educators, community groups etc.);
- Networking with public and non-profit organizations to build support and gather resources (i.e. funding, leverage, etc.).
- Mobilizing Black and non-Black youth and community groups to join the group's actions.
Become a member!!
At this time, any youth who have expressed interest in helping are welcome to join the group. The group will consider new members through:
- Google Form application or Recruitment Form
- Interview process (one adult mentor, two Black identifying youth and one ally from BYR youth)
- Interview process - youth being interviewed will be expected to be there for the interview no later than 15 minutes after the agreed upon start time