Join us October 4th to October 5th, 2024
- Location: Windsor, Ontario
Empowering Young Black Men for Leadership and Excellence
The Care Leadership Development Alliance Youth Retreat (CLDAYR) is a transformative experience with two days of activities designed for high school students in grades 9-12, focusing on: leadership development, personal growth, economic transformation and community engagement.
This program is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere where young Black men feel: welcome, valued, and comfortable expressing themselves. Participants will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, fostering skills that can be applied in various aspects of their lives. They will be encouraged to set personal and academic goals, with dedicated time for reflection on their: personal values, beliefs, and future aspirations.
- Who: Black Males in grades 9-12
- Cost: FREE
- Departure: October 4, 6:30 AM @Lawrence Square Mall
The Care Leadership Development Alliance Youth Retreat (CLDAYR) is a transformative experience with two days of activities designed for high school students in grades 9-12, focusing on: leadership development, personal growth, economic transformation and community engagement.
- Who: Black Males in grades 9-12
- Cost: FREE
- Departure: October 4, 6:30 AM @Lawrence Square Mall
This program is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere where young Black men feel: welcome, valued, and comfortable expressing themselves. Participants will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, fostering skills that can be applied in various aspects of their lives. They will be encouraged to set personal and academic goals, with dedicated time for reflection on their: personal values, beliefs, and future aspirations.
Thank you to our sponsors
2024 theme
Self-Development, Ancestral & Cultural Currency
The Care Leadership Development Alliance Youth Retreat will create a sense of community and belonging among young Black Men through: team-building, shared experiences, and open communication activities. Our curated activities will foster personal development by providing opportunities for: self-reflection, self-discovery, and the exploration of individual strengths and weaknesses.
Inspiring Young Black Men To Overcome Adversity
Despite society’s advancements, Black men have persistently been viewed as a threat, a perception deeply ingrained in the collective psyche. This pervasive fear has not diminished with progress; instead, it has manifested in increasing attacks on Black men.
In the article “Young Black men in Canada face racism, ageism and classism when looking for work” (Warren Clarke from the University of Manitoba), research highlights the compounded discrimination faced by impoverished Black male youth. They encounter: racism, ageism, classism, and gender biases, which fuel stereotypes that lead many Canadian employers to deem them unsuitable for business and unemployable.
This unjust perception not only limits their opportunities but also perpetuates a cycle of disenfranchisement and marginalization.
Retreat Objectives
At the conclusion of the Care Leadership Development Alliance Youth Retreat, we expect our young Black Men to leave with a sense of: personal growth, positive connections, economic enlightenment and valuable skills that contribute to their overall well-being. They will be encouraged to set: personal, academic and financial goals, with dedicated time for reflection on their: personal values, beliefs, and future aspiration.
Retreat Objective
At the conclusion of the Care Leadership Development Alliance Youth Retreat, we expect our young Black Men to leave with a sense of: personal growth, positive connections, economic enlightenment and valuable skills that contribute to their overall well-being. They will be encouraged to set: personal, academic and financial goals, with dedicated time for reflection on their: personal values, beliefs, and future aspiration.
Speakers
Coming Soon!
Akwatu Khenti
Assistant Professor
Akwatu Khenti
He is the Director of Transformative Global Health at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and an Assistant Professor with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. He has a Specialist Degree in Economics and a Masters in Political Science from the University of Toronto and is completing a PhD in health policy and equity at York University.
Akwatu is involved in a wide variety of international efforts to strengthen mental health and addiction in primary care; and he previously led CAMH’s development of a cutting edge training centre (the Eli Lilly Canada Learning Centre) and its specialized drug treatment and prevention programs for Black youth in Toronto, the Substance Abuse Program for African and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY).
Akwatu is a principal investigator (PI) on several important research initiatives; including a CIHR funded randomized control trial (RCT) to test an anti-stigma intervention in primary health care in Ontario as well as a Grand Challenge in Global Health funded project to improve mental health conditions in Gujarat, India using human rights based approaches.
He has been co-leading a hemispheric drug research capacity building collaboration for the past nine years with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the Organization of American States (CICAD, OAS). This involves 30 universities across Latin America and the Caribbean. He led the development of easy-to-follow, culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions for immigrants of Latin American as well as African Caribbean origin (both English and French speaking). His research includes Black homicide victimization in Toronto and issues related to gun violence.
David Griffiths
Founder, Brothers Who Care
David Griffiths
The glue, the advisor, the coach, the connector, the ”Get It Done Guy,” the people developer, the care leader, and the mental health advocate. Yes, David Griffiths is a man who holds numerous titles, which come from his many years of service to the community and in corporate operations in spaces where technology and business intersect. David strategically applies his: energy, tenacity and authenticity to help people and organizations reach their full potential. He is known for creating environments where people strive, share their gifts to the world and make phenomenal transformations.
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Brothers Who Care (BwC), David has harnessed the power of collective philanthropy through partnership and collaboration. Based in Toronto, Brothers Who Care is a network of 500+ Black Men and Allies who have tailored their work to focus on initiatives that significantly impact the Black community. BwC uses stories, images and videos to change the social, psychological and economical health of BIPOC communities. The work at BwC focuses on Collective Philanthropy; Skills & Education; Financial Security and; Mental Health & Well-being.
Rayon Brown
Founder, Helping Neighbourhoods Implement Change
Rayon Brown
Rayon Brown is a seasoned community development business professional, deeply driven by the holistic approach and grounded in principles of: empowerment, human rights, inclusion, social justice, self-determination and collective action.
Rayon is the Director of Community Development and Engagement at Helping Neighbourhoods Implement Change - a non-profit organization deeply rooted in assisting under-serviced communities. His team works diligently equipping individuals with tools and resources that build their capacity through training and mentorship. He not only excels in his role, but has become a mentor to young entrepreneurs in his community. He continues to share his experiences and knowledge, helping them navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. His leadership skills have been instrumental in building cohesive and high-performing project teams.
Rayon Brown’s journey as a community developer is a testament to the power of: dedication, continuous learning, and effective leadership. His story inspires aspiring project managers to pursue their passions, develop their skills, and make a lasting impact in the dynamic field of community development.
Andre Rose
Youth Engagement, the Walnut Foundation
Andre Rose
André is a fun-loving, authentic, creative, Jamaican man who is passionate about health, wellness, and self-development. He is the Director of Youth Engagement at The Walnut Foundation (TWF), and the 2021 Byblack.com Fitness Professional People's Choice Award Winner.
He is the author of the book Buns. Of. Steel: The Unstoppable Pursuit of Fitness, and the Owner of the underwear brand Steele by AndreRose.
Andre also obtained a Diploma in Supply chain management and Logistics in 2022, At triOS College, and his goal is to uplift and inspire everyone he encounters to be a better version of themselves.
Sadiq Boodoo
President & CEO Of Approved Financial Services
Sadiq Boodoo
Sadiq Boodoo is a distinguished figure in the financial services industry, holding a prominent position as the President & CEO of Approved Financial Services, a multi-award winning mortgage brokerage. His exceptional leadership has not only shaped the success of his own organization but has also reverberated throughout the Canadian financial landscape.
With an impressive and extensive track record, Sadiq Boodoo simultaneously wears the hats of President and Chair of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association, positioning him at the forefront of regulatory discussions and industry advancements. His role as an Advisor and Consultant to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Finance, and the Mortgage Brokers Regulatory Council of Canada demonstrates his far-reaching influence and invaluable insights within the financial sector.
Boasting over 25 years of experience in banking and financing services, Sadiq Boodoo brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to every aspect of his work. He stands as a paragon of leadership, dedication, and innovation in the financial services industry, leaving an indelible mark on the Canadian financial landscape.
Eldean Dickenson
Financial Advisor, Wheatfield Financial Group
Eldean Dickenson
Eldean J. Dickenson is a Financial Advisor servicing southern Ontario by offering insurance, investment and alternative products. He has been working in the financial services industry since 1999 and has been a licensed advisor since 2002. He specializes in designing plans to increase a client’s available cash flow. In order to increase cash flow, he focuses on three main areas: reducing income taxes, reorganizing debt service and increasing investment yields. His goal for you is to attain financial freedom through investment products, real estate and business interests.
Eldean J. Dickenson is a public speaker covering the topics of personal finance and wealth creation in Canada. He lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake with his wife and four children.
Ken Green
Creator at Tax Efficient Wealth
Ken Green
Aaron Charles
Real Estate Agent, Investor, Speaker
Aaron Charles
His passion for the business is what propels him and wakes him up every morning. For him, it’s not about the money; it’s about the light at the end of the tunnel. Not focusing on money may sound like a funny thing to hear from a real estate professional, when his career is built on sales. He learned very early on from his mentor that in order to weather the storms of entrepreneurship, you need to learn to live without money. Scale your lifestyle; separate your wants from your needs and let your passion be the driver.
He converted a burned-down residential home into a legal duplex building as well as a total overhaul of a residential home in Stoney Creek, Ontario which he later refinanced and added to his portfolio. His main goal is to pay forward the opportunity and knowledge that real estate has paid him. He embraces his clients and business partners as family, who are invested in seeing success so that they walk away with more than just a real estate transaction under their belt, but also exposure to endless opportunities to grow.
Meals Are Provided
Our retreat will feature a variety of delicious and nutritious meals, including Afro-Caribbean dishes, sandwiches, and a selection of fresh fruits. We have carefully curated these meals to provide both familiarity and nourishment, catering to the cultural preferences of our young men while offering balanced and healthy options.
Our staff will be available throughout the retreat to monitor and assist with any dietary concerns. We will ensure that meals for participants with allergies are prepared separately from common allergens.
Ambassadors
Learn, bond, and grow with some of Toronto’s most influential black men!
Program Details
Day 1: Friday, October 4, 2024
6:00 AM
Meeting (Breakfast on the Bus)
We will be meeting at Lawrence Allen Centre, formerly Lawrence Square Shopping Centre – 700 Lawrence Ave W, North York, ON M6A 3B4
6:30 AM
Departure
We will be departing from Lawrence Square Mall and heading to the Buxton Museum
10:00-11:30 AM
Buxton Cultural Black History Tour
Boys will be on tour for approximately 1 hour and a half.
The tour starts with the African slave trade, the middle passage, slavery and slavery in Canada and freedom in Buxton. They have three rooms of original artifacts, including shackles we encourage visitors to pick up to understand the weight as well as replica slave ship bunks, which they encourage visitors to sit in to understand the size, and really feel the experience.
After touring the museum participants will visit an 1852 log cabin, an 1853 barn that belonged to A.D. Shadd (Mary Ann Shadd’s father), and an 1861 schoolhouse, which is now the only standing schoolhouse in Canada built by fugitive slaves.
11:30AM - 1:0 0PM
Lunch on Bus
Departure from Buxton Cultural Black History Museum. Boys will be able to eat on the bus heading to our next destination
1:30-2:20 PM
Auto Plant Tour: Bobaek America Inc.
Participants will be visiting Bobaek America Inc., a Korean electric vehicle parts manufacturer located in Windsor, Ontario. The 71,000-square-foot facility has “state-of-the-art equipment” including: pressure moulding and sensor cutting machines, tape assembly, silicon pad cutting and packing automation lines and 3D measuring equipment. The tour will be split into two (2) groups of students.
Focusing on trades for young Black men is crucial as it provides them with valuable skills, opens up numerous career opportunities, and fosters economic empowerment and independence, helping to break cycles of poverty and create a pathway to stable, well paying jobs.
3:30-4:30 PM
University Of Windsor Workshop & Tour
Touring the University of Windsor offers young Black men an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in an environment of higher learning, which is crucial for their personal and professional development.
This real-time engagement allows them to:
- Emotionally connect with the academic space.
- Visualize themselves as part of it by experiencing the university setting firsthand.
- Begin to see themselves as capable and deserving of occupying such spaces, a powerful step in reshaping their self-perception.
4:30PM
Checkin - Hampton Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn & Suites Windsor (1840 Huron Church Road). Participants will be assigned rooms, and will then prepare for the evening activities.
5:30 - 6:00PM
Caribbean Centre
Travel time to Caribbean Centre, 2410 Central Ave, Windsor, ON
6:30 - 9:00PM
Dinner & Financial Workshop
Money Moves: Financial Power for Young Black Men
This engaging session will cover essential topics such as financial stability, security, and strategies for achieving both short- and long-term financial goals. Through interactive discussions and practical activities, participants will gain valuable insights into financial literacy, equity, and wealth-building.
This holistic approach empowers young Black men to make informed financial decisions, fostering a foundation for lasting financial success. Enjoy a meal while learning vital skills to enhance your financial future
9:30PM
Free time before end of the night
11:30PM
Lights Out
Day 2: Saturday, October 5, 2024
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast at the Hampton Inn & Suites
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Morning Meditation and Wellness Exercises
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Drumming Circle
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learning to Lead Empowerment Workshop
Building Self-Esteem - The List of 3’s (Facilitated by Dr. Vibe)
This interactive self esteem workshop guides participants through a creative exercise called “The List of 3’s.” The goal is to help participants build their self esteem by answering empowering questions in groups of three. Participants are encouraged to focus on their strengths, achievements, and positive qualities. By reflecting on these affirmations, they can create a personalized list to refer back to whenever they feel down or need a confidence boost. The session promotes positive self-awareness and offers a practical tool for reinforcing selfworth.
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch Time
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Mind Matters: Nourishing Our Mental Health
Mental Health Hour Panel Discussion
The Mental Health Hour Panel for Young Black Men is designed as a supportive, open environment where young Black boys can safely discuss mental health issues, share personal experiences, and learn valuable coping strategies. The panel aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community by encouraging honest conversations, emotional vulnerability, and self-awareness.
Through this interactive session, participants will be equipped with practical tools to build resilience, foster emotional intelligence, and support each other in their mental health journeys. The space promotes camaraderie and ensures each young man feels heard, understood, and empowered to take control of his mental health.
The hour includes:
- Sharing effective coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Addressing specific challenges such as peer pressure, academic stress, social media influence, and community expectations.
- Q&A session where attendees can ask questions and seek advice from panelists.
- Encouraging open dialogue about mental health and empowering young men to speak up about their feelings and experiences.
3:15 PM
Departure to Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets
3:45 - 5:00 PM
Shopping at the Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets
The group will have some leisure time to unwind, de-stress, and enjoy the conclusion of their retreat at Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets (1555 Talbot Rd, LaSalle, CA N9H 2N2).
Windsor Crossing is a modern open concept hybrid-outlet centre which boasts an attractive tenant roster of national and international brands featuring both full and off-price retailers.
5:00 PM
Departure for Toronto
9:00 PM
Arrival at Lawrence Square Mall
Lawrence Allen Centre, formerly Lawrence Square Shopping Centre – 700 Lawrence Ave W, North York, ON M6A 3B4
Packing List
Here are a few suggestions on what to pack for your child. Please do your due diligence and take a glance at the weather report to have a better idea of what type of clothing to pack. Prescription medications (clearly labeled with instructions) Please email simone@brotherswhocare.com with any medication information. She will ensure that this is noted, and instructions are followed up o
- Appropriate footwear
- Underwear
- Socks
- one or two pairs of comfortable shoes
- Long sleeved shirts
- Sweatshirt / sweater
- Warm jacket/Rain gear (light jacket or poncho)
- Long pants
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap Deodorant / anti-perspirant
- Hairbrush / comb (any hair products you need)
- Lotion
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Camera/cell phone (Cell phones will not be permitted for use during activities)
- Backpack or tote bag (for day trips or activities)
- Money for shopping at the outlet mall
- Sunglasses
- Playing cards
- Board games
- Medications
- Over-the-counter medications (like pain relievers, if allowed)
- Emergency Information: Contact details (in case of emergencies)
- Copy of health insurance card
Itinerary Stops
-
Buxton National Historic Site
-
Bobaek America Inc.
-
University of Windsor
-
Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets
-
Mental Health Hour
Bobaek America Inc., a Korean electric vehicle parts manufacturer located in Windsor, Ontario. The 71,000-square-foot facility has “state-of-the-art equipment” including: pressure moulding and sensor cutting machines, tape assembly, silicon pad cutting and packing automation lines and 3D measuring equipment.
The University of Windsor is a comprehensive, student-focused university, with about 18,000 students enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including: Law, Business, Engineering, Science, Education, Nursing, Human Kinetics, Social Work, Faculty of Art, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
The university has a strong student-faculty relationships, exceptional award-winning faculty, and innovative staff. An atmosphere of excellence across all of our programs encourages lifelong learning, teaching, research, and discovery.
Located next to North America’s busiest international border crossing, the University of Windsor campus looks out on the beautiful Detroit River waterfront. Windsor is also Canada’s southernmost city and enjoys some of the country’s best weather.
This location speaks to UWindsor’s strength as an internationally oriented, multi-disciplined institution that actively enables a broad diversity of students, faculty, and staff to make a better world through education, scholarship, research and engagement.
The University of Windsor is an exceptionally welcoming community for students and faculty from Asia, Europe, and Africa—or from just down the street.
Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets is the only outlet mall of its kind in the Windsor area. Conveniently located off Highway 401 and only minutes from the Ambassador Bridge providing easy access from Michigan and Ohio.
Find the best deals and latest trends in an open-air outlet shopping centre with tree-lined streets and pedestrian friendly walkways. Our collection of premium brand names, such as Banana Republic, The Gap, Levi’s, Columbia and Tommy Hilfiger, tailored to designer fashion, athletic apparel, shoes, and home accessories, as well as the latest brands at up to 70% off – it’s a shopping experience like no other. Your one-stop shopping destination for great savings, the best deals and deepest discounts.
Mental Health Hour
The Mental Health Hour is geared to further demystify the stigma associated with mental health in the Black community, and to also encourage better health. The MHH offering increases the awareness of when Black Men, or others may be experiencing mental health issues. It is about preventative care, and being proactive in addressing the needs of the Black community.
This retreat we will be focusing on Self-Development and understanding oneself, one's strengths, weaknesses, and emotions, is the foundation of personal development. It leads to better decision-making and improved relationships.
We will be working with Brothers on setting meaningful goals and creating a roadmap to achieve them. It provides the motivation and focus necessary to work towards their individual objectives.
Register
CLDA Youth Retreat
The Care Leadership Development Alliance Youth Retreat (CLDAYR) is a transformative experience with two days of activities designed for high school students in grades 10-12, focusing on: leadership development, personal growth, economic transformation and community engagement.
Accommodation Details
Hampton Inn and Suites
The hotel is located on Highway 3, five minutes from the University of Windsor. The hotel’s amenities include: Connecting Rooms, Free WiFi, Free hot breakfast, Meeting rooms, and Concierge
