Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association

06/19/2026

“When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.” — Audre Lorde

Leila Balogun is a resilient and dedicated student leader, community volunteer and advocate for youth mental health. Throughout high school, she demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and community involvement while pursuing her goal of becoming a child psychiatrist.

During high school, Leila was Co-President of Sacred Minds, her school’s mental health club, where she organized events to promote awareness about youth mental health. She was also an active member of her school’s Black Student Alliance, helping to promote inclusion and creating a safe community for Black students in her school.

Beyond school, Leila has contributed to programs that support youth development and community engagement. She has volunteered with organizations including 360Kids’ YOUTHrive program and NACCA where she served as a positive role model for younger children.

Leila has demonstrated great leadership, reliability, compassion and a genuine commitment to helping others. Inspired by her own experiences and passion for mental health advocacy, she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in hopes of becoming a child psychiatrist in the future. She wishes to help ensure that every child feels heard, understood and supported.

Congratulations, Leila! Your leadership, empathy and commitment to mental health advocacy are already making a difference in your community. We celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to the positive impact you will continue to make in the lives of children and families for years to come.

06/18/2026

“Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” — Michelle Obama

Oluwadarasimi Alade is an immigrant from Nigeria, a graduating grade 12 student and an incoming student at the Schulich School of Business. Throughout high school, she has balanced strong academics with leadership and community involvement, earning Honour Roll recognition while still exploring her interest in business. She has contributed to activities that support student engagement and community as the Treasurer of her school's Black Students’ Council.

Outside of school she volunteers as a children's coordinator at Center of Life Church in Bolton. In this role, she has led activities for children, has mentored them and has helped create a safe and welcoming environment alongside other volunteers.

Oluwadarasimi participated in the Schulich Business Excellence Academy in Grade 11 and that experience has strengthened an interest in business and leadership. As she prepares for university the hope is to continue building the skills and experiences that will support her future goals, including building a career in business and one day starting a business.

Opportunities like this scholarship would not only support that next step in her academic journey but also encourage her as she pursues her educational goal.

Congratulations, Oluwadarasimi! Your dedication, character and ambition are inspiring and your community proudly celebrates all that you have accomplished and all that you are becoming.

06/17/2026

“However long the night, the dawn will break.” — African Proverb

Tofie Akindunni is an exemplary leader who has made a profound impact on the Black community in her school and city. Despite only residing in York Region for two years since moving from Ayr, Ontario in 2024, she has already emerged as a catalyst for positive change through her achievements in academics, creativity and leadership.

Tofie’s talents stretch far and wide, and she channels them into leadership through the seven councils at her high school, including being Co-President of her school’s Black Student Alliance. Whether through cooking, jewelry making, sports or writing, she uses her passions as platforms to champion diversity, inclusion and representation in both professional and recreational spaces. Her efforts have been recognized on a regional level, having recently been awarded the Inclusive Leadership Award at the 2026 York Secondary Catholic Presidents Council Award ceremony.

This fall, Tofie will continue her educational journey at the University of Ottawa where she will pursue a degree in psychology with aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist and contributing to greater diversity within the profession.

Like the dawn that follows the night, Tofie is creating pathways of possibility for others through her leadership and service. Congratulations, Tofie! We celebrate your achievements and look forward to all that lies ahead.

06/16/2026

“The one who learns, teaches.”
— African Proverb

Adedimeji Adejumo is a resilient, community-minded leader dedicated to academic excellence and lifting others up. Moving from Nigeria to Canada in 2017, he navigated new domains with strength and adaptability, a journey that fueled his passion for building inclusive environments.

Reflecting his dedication to his peers, Adedimeji was recently named the Valedictorian for his high school graduating class. Over the past four years, he has immersed himself in school culture through competitive sports, leadership roles and mentorship. As an avid student tutor for the past two years, he has balanced academic rigour with a commitment to helping peers achieve their goals, always bringing a signature positive energy and supportive smile to those around him. Outside of the classroom, his passion for healthcare and patient well-being has driven his future ambitions.

This fall, Adedimeji will attend the University of Waterloo to pursue an Honours Science degree, with the ultimate goal of entering pharmacy school. He aspires to become a pharmacist, combining his love for science with a career centred on community care and helping others live healthier lives.

Congratulations, Adedimeji! Your resilience, leadership and commitment to serving others inspire those around you and your community proudly celebrates all that you have achieved and all that you are destined to become.

06/11/2026

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the incredible volunteers who give their time, talents and hearts to our community.

NACCA’s work is only possible because of people who show up, lend a hand, share their gifts and believe in the power of community.

Whether supporting our programs, events, youth, families or behind-the-scenes activities, our volunteers help create spaces where people feel welcomed, supported and connected.

To each of our volunteers: thank you. Your dedication, generosity and commitment make a lasting difference.

We are because of you. ❤️

06/09/2026

🏆 We are honoured to share that NACCA was recognized at the inaugural Global Akoben Awards for our contributions to community building, leadership and service.

This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our staff, volunteers, board members, partners, donors and community members who continue to help advance our mission of empowering and uplifting Black communities across York Region.

A special thank you to Board Members Nadia Hansen and Beverly Brookes-Izzard who attended the event and accepted the award on NACCA’s behalf.

We are grateful to the organizers for this recognition and remain committed to building stronger communities, nurturing future leaders and creating spaces where Black individuals and families can thrive.

06/06/2026

Community in action. 🖤

This week, NACCA was proud to celebrate Black excellence at the Alliance of Educators for Black Students Awards and connect with families at the Poplar Bank Public School Fun Fair.

Building community, celebrating achievement, and creating opportunities for our children and youth to thrive—together. ✨

05/08/2026

NACCA was honoured to attend the 2026 York Regional Police Police Appreciation Night.

Congratulations to the Hate Crime Prevention Unit and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Bureau on receiving the Herbert H. Carnegie Community Award.

NACCA also extends congratulations and appreciation to Chief Jim MacSween on his retirement after decades of dedicated service and leadership. Best wishes are extended as he begins this next chapter.

NACCA welcomes Chief Designate Paulo Da Silva and looks forward to continued collaboration and community partnership.

Congratulations as well to the evening’s beneficiaries — Victim Services of York Region, the York Region Centre for Community Safety and Crime Stoppers of York Region. $1.16 million was raised in support of their important work across York Region.

04/23/2026

NACCA spent the day at The Non-Profit Edge conference with the Central York Chamber of Commerce, an important space for learning and connection.

From governance and funding to visibility and sustainability, the conversations spoke directly to the evolving needs of community organizations.

We remain committed to strengthening how we serve, building with intention and continuing to uplift our community.

Grateful to be part of a network working toward meaningful and lasting impact. 💛

04/12/2026