Ottawa Young Black Professionals

06/02/2026

INSPIRE: The Code We Live By

Launching at the next YBP Dine & Connect

Every Black professional who has ever walked into a room where they were the only one, negotiated for a seat at a table that wasn't built for them, or quietly carried the weight of representing an entire community, knows that the journey demands something deeper than talent alone. It demands a code to live by.

Join us as we officially launch the YBP INSPIRE Framework and explore how these values can help us thrive in our careers, strengthen our communities, and create lives filled with purpose, connection, and joy.

- June 25, 2026
- Lil’ Negril Island Grill, 261 Centrepointe Dr.
- 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Register today: https://www.ottawaybp.com/event-details/ybp-dine-connect-2

YBP Dine & Connect. Real Conversations. Real Growth. Real Community.

Success is not only about what we achieve, but how we lead, how we support one another, and how we build community. Join us for dinner and networking as we officially launch the YBP INSPIRE framework.

05/29/2026

Hey YBP!

We’re back with another YBP Profile. This series shines a light on the incredible leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in our community who are creating spaces of connection, support, and opportunity.

Today, we’re featuring Chuks Onwuachi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Brotherhood Coalition—an organization dedicated to redefining Black masculinity, fostering connection, and supporting the wellness and advancement of Black men and boys.

His story is a reminder that meaningful change happens when people step forward to create the communities they know are needed. As part of this work, The Brotherhood Coalition (BHC) will also be hosting its 2nd annual Black Males in Excellence Conference on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

For more information, follow BHC on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Check out the latest profile.

https://youtube.com/shorts/aIenMv3P-98?feature=share

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/30/2026

Hey YBP! We’re back with another YBP Profile—and this one is just as inspiring.

This series is all about highlighting the incredible leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members around us who are creating change and bringing people together.

Their stories remind us that when we support one another—whether by showing up, sharing opportunities, or investing in our community—we all move forward.

Check out the latest profile on Joanne Robinson, Executive Director and Founder of Flo’s Seniors. Watch, get inspired, find ways to support and stay connected 🤎

https://youtube.com/shorts/EP6a6GzlCyA?feature=share

YBP Profile: Joanne Robinson

03/21/2026

Hey YBP!

We are having another YBP Dine & Connect -
Honest conversations about work, life and thriving.

Join us for an evening that brings together young, mid career and retired Black professionals to build a community rooted in genuine connection. Through informal conversations and shared experiences, we’re creating a space that supports you through challenges and celebrates your personal and professional growth.

When Black professionals gather, we multiply our knowledge, our resources, our joy — and our ability to thrive.

We’re excited to host our next event at Lil’ Negril, a cherished local island restaurant now celebrating 15 incredible years in the community.

📅 April 9, 2026
📍 Lil’ Negril Island Grill — 261 Centrepointe Dr.
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM

Register using the link below.

https://www.ottawaybp.com/event-details/ybp-dine-connect-1

Honest conversations about work, life, and thriving

03/18/2026

Hey YBP!

The Ottawa Black Film Festival - OBFF returns March 20–24, 2026, proudly celebrating Cultural Diversity and Creative Excellence with 40 remarkable films from around the globe. This year’s hybrid edition offers both in‑person and online screenings, plus signature events like their Opening Night on Friday, March 20, and the always‑popular Black Market Panel on Saturday, March 21.

Rooted in its theme, OBFF continues its commitment to elevating bold, authentic voices in cinema. The festival champions independent filmmaking and highlights stories that reflect the realities, experiences, and vibrant diversity of Black communities worldwide.

Explore the films, join the conversations, and support Black artistic expression.

https://ottawablackfilm.com/

The Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF) is dedicated to showcasing unique voices in cinema, offering audiences fresh perspectives on the world. With a mission to support the growth of independent filmmaking, OBFF highlights stories that reflect the realities, experiences, and diversity of Black commun...

03/10/2026

Hey YBP!

Welcome to our very first YBP Profile!

YBP Profile celebrates the power of individuals to drive collective action and meaningful change within their workplaces, communities, and beyond. We aim to honour those in our midst who stand boldly in their purpose, charting paths for others to follow. We recognize the ability each of us has to be a light for those in front of us, beside us, and behind us, and we express deep gratitude for the visionaries who lead with courage, clarity, and impact.

Today we are featuring the incredible Diane Watson, an experienced, dynamic and award winning leader in the tech industry, working with Ribbon Communications as a Product Security Program Manager.

After listening, we hope you feel inspired and reminded that meaningful change often starts with just one person taking action.

Check it out here: https://youtube.com/shorts/cwLAt00aj18?si=C6_80mvdnQnqAJg1

Welcome to the very first YBP Profile featuring Diane Watson, an experienced, dynamic and award winning leader in the tech industry, working with Ribbon Comm...

12/08/2025

Hey YBP,

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Holiday Dinner & Fundraiser on December 20th, a warm, intergenerational gathering created to celebrate community, generosity and our shared culture.

This special event will bring together families, friends, and neighbours of all ages, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a joyful and meaningful holiday season.

This year, we are proudly supporting Flo’s Seniors (www.floseniors.com) and Rhythm Movements Community Association (www.rhythm movements.ca), two local organizations that are currently working to assist seniors and families navigating financial strain, food insecurity, or isolation. By attending and contributing to this event, you will help create holiday baskets and much-needed hampers for seniors and their families during a time when they need extra love & care.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT

✨ Holiday dinner
✨ Free Giveaway
✨ Music and activities for the kids (arts, crafts, and games)
✨ Fellowship within the community while celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture
✨ Opportunities to support local seniors and families in need

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT

1. Register & Bring a Hamper Donation on December 20th.

TO REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/holiday-dinner-fundraiser-tickets-1976378269607?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Suggested items you can bring include:
Grocery gift cards
Non-perishable foods: rice, flour, sugar, tea, coffee, milo or hot chocolate, crackers/cookies, tinned tuna or salmon, jam, peanut butter, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, oatmeal variety packs, corned beef, mints & chocolate
Personal care items: blankets or shawls, gift sets (lotion, body wash, deodorant)
2. Support the Virtual Holiday Raffle

Purchase tickets for the Flo’s Seniors & Rhythm Movements Holiday Raffle (License ) for a chance to win great prizes. Tickets are $2.00 a ticket or $10.00 per booklet. Raffle will take place: December 12, 2025, at 7 pm on Zoom.

How to Buy: Send e-transfer to [email protected] (tickets can be emailed or mailed). Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more.
First prize: $1,000 cash
Second prize: $500 cash
Third prize: Festive Spirit Basket & LCBO gift card (value: $250)
If you would like more details about the event or how to get involved, please feel free to reach out to:
Marco Theodore, The Brotherhood Coalition — [email protected]
Dr. Clyde Ledbetter, Lukasa Library — [email protected]
We would be honoured to have you join us in celebrating the season and our community.