Events

Black Voices in AI Brings Community-Centred Mentorship to Southern Ontario 

Waterloo, ON (January 24, 2026) — CanAfro Research Institute hosted Black in AI in Canada, a mentorship and workshop event introducing Black youth and families to AI and technology careers beyond survival-focused work. Held at Adventure for Change in Waterloo, with virtual participants, the event featured speakers from academia, industry, and community research, The program emphasized mentorship, representation, and interactive dialogue, highlighting the need for equitable, research-informed pathways into tech. CanAfro plans to expand the initiative in 2026 with workshops, structured mentorship, and career readiness programs.

The event was made possible by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.'s sponsorship and we would also like to thank era.ca for the donations, Adventure for Change for generously providing the space, and to Tim Hortons (94 Bridgeport Rd East, Waterloo, ON) for contributing a bag of gifts for participants.

November 2025 

Successful Circle Dialogue Fosters Healing and Calls for Action within KWC Community

On November 2, 2025, the CanAfro Research Institute, on behalf of Peace for All Canada, held a transformative Circle Dialogue at an Ethiopian Church. The session provided a powerful and safe space for a diverse group of 12 residents, from youth to seniors, to share their experiences with challenges such as integration, mental health, and employment. The culturally-grounded dialogue method fostered such a profound sense of validation and trust that participants passionately advocated for the circles to continue, highlighting a critical need for ongoing community-led support and marking a significant step toward collective healing and empowerment.

July  2025

CanAfro Volunteers Empower KW Youth with Mentorship and Storytelling Workshop

Volunteers from the CanAfro Research Institute recently led a free, impactful mentorship workshop for African children in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, creating a vibrant space for learning and self-expression. The interactive session, informed by the Institute's ongoing research, engaged youth in themes of history, storytelling, and mental health through creative activities and meaningful conversations. Designed to strengthen cultural pride and build resilience, the initiative was warmly received by participants and families, who expressed strong enthusiasm for future sessions. The workshop concluded with a powerful final message for the youth: "Don't get lost in the wrong crowd!", underscoring CanAfro's commitment to continuing this research-informed programming that uplifts and empowers the next generation.