July 4, 2026 – Kitchener, ON — The CanAfro Research Institute successfully hosted its “Storytelling as Resistance” workshop series this summer, empowering African, Caribbean, and Black youth in Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge (KWC) through creative expression and mentorship.
The free program, made a reality with a funding by the City of Kitchener’s RISE Fund, took place on June 27 and July 4, 2026, at Adventure for Change in Waterloo. Youth ages 13 to 25 mainly from the Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge areas participated in culturally affirming workshops focused on writing, spoken word, and oral storytelling, with guidance from facilitators and mentors.
Participants explored themes of identity, resilience, and everyday racism, developing skills to articulate and reclaim their narratives. The project addressed a critical community need for safe spaces where Black youth could process experiences of racism while building leadership and creative capacities.
The workshops provided a platform for youth to transform their lived experiences into powerful stories of resistance and healing. The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive with requests for me similar events. Guests including a professor from Toronto Metropolitan University mentored the youth about storytelling.
The program culminated in a community showcase where youth presented their work in written, spoken word, and art formats.
Ward 3 City Councillor candidate Ismail Mohamed graced the event and presented awards to participating youth following their performances.
Organizers reported strong engagement and plan to expand the initiative with advanced workshops for alumni and a new introductory series to reach a broader audience.
The RISE Fund supports community-led initiatives that decrease inequities and increase opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and racialized community members in Kitchener.
We would like to thank the City of Kitchener’s RISE Fund for the support.