WHat is BSAACC?
The Black Student Association Across Canada Conference (BSAACC) is a virtual conference that was created to bring Black Canadian Students, Canadian educators, and Canadian school communities together from coast to coast in a space centered on connection, leadership, empowerment, and belonging.
Founded by speaker, equity consultant and community advocate Jeff A.D. Martin, BSAACC was inspired by his years of traveling across Canada and hearing the lived experiences of Black students in schools and communities. No matter where students were from, many shared similar experiences — feeling overlooked, facing racism or discrimination, questioning their self-worth, or feeling alone in their journey. BSAACC exists to change that narrative.
Whether a school has a Black Student Association, Equity Club, leadership group, or simply students looking for community and inspiration, BSAACC welcomes all who are committed to uplifting and supporting Black youth across Canada. Together, we are building a national community where Black students know one powerful truth: they are not alone.
OUR MISSION:
Build Community and Belonging
To create a national space where Black students from across Canada can connect, share experiences, and recognize that they are not alone. By fostering community and meaningful relationships, we empower students to develop confidence, pride, and a strong sense of belonging.
Highlight Canadian Black History
To educate and inspire students by sharing the rich history, contributions, and achievements of Black Canadians. We are committed to elevating stories, perspectives, and historical events that are often underrepresented or absent from traditional Canadian curriculum.
Celebrate Black Excellence Today
To showcase the individuals, leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, advocates, and changemakers who are making history right now. Going beyond the commercially shown stereotypes of sports and entertainment, we help students see what is possible and inspire the next generation of leaders across Canada.
appearances by:
(Line-up subject to change)
Paul Jones
TV Broadcaster for the Toronto Raptors
Dr. Sasha Black
One of few Black Canadian Women Veterinarians
Phylicia George
First Black Canadian Woman to complete in both Winter & Summer Olympics
Christene Lewis
Keynote Speaker & Author
Dr. Alexandra Bastiany
First Black Woman Interventional Cardiologist in Canada
Keynote Speaker & University of Toronto Black graduation ceremony participant
Stephan Thomas
Hon. Donald Mcleod
Provincial court Judge
Anthony Morgan
Host of CBC’s Nature of Things
Bee Quammie
Guest Host on CTV’s The Social
Jeff A.D. Martin
Our Executive Director / Keynote Speaker
DJ Dre P
Youth Voices
From across Canada
And Many More!
FRIDAY February 5th, 2027
What time will the virtue conference start?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Over the years, our Executive Director, Jeff A.D. Martin has traveled across Canada speaking with students from coast to coast. No matter the province or community, many Black students share similar experiences — racism, discrimination, feeling misunderstood, underestimated, or alone in what they are going through.
This conference was created to remind Black students that they are not alone. There is power in bringing students together to connect through shared experiences, build community, and feel seen, supported, and empowered.
The conference also creates space to celebrate Canadian Black history and Black excellence — including the leaders, educators and creators who are making history in Canada right now. Too often, these stories are not highlighted enough.
At its core, the conference is about connection, belonging, leadership, and helping Black students recognize the value they already bring to their schools and communities.
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Absolutely. This conference is open to all schools that are looking to support, empower, and uplift Black students. While many participating schools may have a Black Student Association (BSA), students involved in Equity Clubs, Leadership Groups, Student Councils, or other inclusion-focused spaces are more than welcome to attend.
Please note, this virtual conference is Canadian and africentric focused. It’s intent is to specifically empower black students.
Our goal is to create a national space where Black students can connect, learn, feel seen, and grow in leadership — regardless of what their school’s club or organization is called. In fact, many schools use this conference as inspiration to strengthen student voice initiatives or even begin creating a BSA in the future.
We welcome schools that are committed to fostering belonging, leadership, equity, and positive student experiences for Black youth across Canada.
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Certainly! The idea of this virtual conference is to build community and belonging. Schools, allys and Black students that do not have a BSA/ Equity Club are still welcome.
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If you are an ally, you are welcome. Please note that this virtual conference is Canadian and africentric focused. It’s intent is to specifically empower black students. The content will not be on allyship, but we are sure there is lots that you will learn in efforts to be a better ally.
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Absolutely. While some conversations and sessions may be geared toward secondary students, elementary-aged Black students are welcome to participate in the conference. We believe it is never too early to begin building confidence, leadership, community, and a strong sense of identity.
Our hope is that elementary students leave feeling proud of who they are, connected to a larger community, and excited about their future leadership potential.
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The virtual conference will run live for approximately two to two and a half hours all across Canada. The start time will depend on your time zone. Please see the above map.
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The Black Student Association Across Canada (BSAACC) Virtual Conference supports learning objectives and competencies found across Canadian provincial curricula, including Social Studies, History, English Language Arts, Career Education, and Health and Wellness.
Through engaging presentations and inspiring Black Canadian voices, students explore Black Canadian history, identity, leadership, equity, inclusion, and career pathways while strengthening essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, citizenship, and self-reflection.
The conference also supports school and board priorities related to student achievement, equity, diversity, inclusion, mental health and well-being, and a positive sense of identity and belonging. By celebrating diverse perspectives and providing meaningful representation, BSAACC offers a curriculum-connected educational experience that complements classroom learning, empowers student voices, and encourages students to become confident, engaged, and responsible members of their school communities.
Specific curriculum connections may vary by province and grade level.
Students, do you need information to convince your teachers? Teachers do you need to show your administration how this relates to curriculum and the needs of your school?
SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
