The Black Youth Initiative is a labor of love, born from the unwavering care and dedication of three Black femmes at the intersections of several identities: refugees, migrants, muslim, queer and disabled who move through the world with resilience and intention.
Rooted in mutual aid and resource redistribution, our work is a testament to the power of collective care, sustaining the Black and Indigenous communities we cherish in BC.
What began as a response to long-standing needs, magnified by the crises of the COVID-19 pandemic, became a movement and an answer to the calls of our peers, families, and kin. We rose, not just to meet the moment, but to build something enduring.
This work has outlived urgencies, expanded beyond its beginnings, and continues to grow in depth and reach. Our hope, our prayer, is that it will outlive us flourishing as a legacy of care, solidarity, and abundance for generations to come.
Our Values
Youth Led
We commit to ensuring that youth are the lead decision makers and beneficiaries of the work we do.
Decolonization
We commit to practicing and understanding the complex ways we can dismantle systems of oppression and power that continue to harm, oppress and hold back our communities.
Accessibility
We strive to reduce barriers to accessing services and opportunities through our work, by promoting equity, dignity, and respect in how we approach it.
Dignity
We believe in philanthropy that honors the agency, wisdom, and lived experiences of Black and Indigenous youth. Our approach ensures that funding and resources are distributed with respect, centering the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.
OUR MISSION & VISION