Forum providing a platform to BIPOC youth across Canada
Posted February 18, 2022 3:37 pm.
Last Updated February 18, 2022 3:41 pm.
The Youth Unity Link Up Forum 2022 is uniting Canadian Black and Indigenous people of colour. The online virtual event, created by Montreal’s Youth Stars Foundation, is providing a platform for BIPOC youth to share their experiences, learn from each other, and gain access to workshops from leaders in the community.
“How often do I get to speak to a black youth in Vancouver, a black youth in New Brunswick, or an indigenous youth who’s growing up in Winnipeg?” asked Brian Smith, host of Youth Unity Link Up Forum 2022. “So these are some of the discussions that we need to have. And it’s been very, very enlightening.”
Discussions the event covers were chosen by the youth themselves. On Feb. 12, they dove into the world of cryptocurrency, covered many topics related to social media, and even had keynote speaker, Jeff Scott, from the National Hockey League.
Youth Unity Link Up Forum 2022 poster. (Photo courtesy Youth Unity Link Up Forum 2022)
On Saturday, there will be workshops from BIPOC Canadian artists, and tips on how to make a difference in your local community.
Not to mention, another inspiring keynote speaker.
“So this Saturday, we have an RBC Olympian,” said Malik Shaheed, host of Youth Unity Link Up Forum 2022. “Her name is Miranda Ayim and she is a three-time Olympian with the national basketball team. So she’s going to be talking to kids about how to be successful in life and really being able to motivate them.
“What’s cool about this is having successful people from the BIPOC community talk to the youth of the BIPOC community, and it’s important for those youth to see themselves in those shoes.”
Youth Unity Link Up Forum 2022 poster featuring Miranda Ayim three-time Olympian with the national basketball team. (Photo courtesy Youth Unity Link Up Forum 2022)
The two-time event is reaching youth across the nation, with ambassadors from coast to coast. The goal – according to organizers is to provide a platform for the Youth to share their experiences, and improve their knowledge and skills on issues that are of concern to them.
“So many things that we can accomplish if we could work collectively, that means the youth, the organizers, the government, the private sector give us a chance and we can make magic,” added Smith.
Anyone can register for the upcoming workshops on the Unity Link Up website.
