Parents of Black Children (PoBC) has become a force in Ontario education since its founding in 2021. The nonprofit works to create safe, fair, and empowering learning spaces for Black students, free from anti-Black racism. Its mission is clear; ensure that Black children across the province can reach their full potential and thrive academically.
On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, PoBC hosted the EDGE Forward Summit, a milestone event designed to celebrate advocacy, achievement, and the brilliance of Black students. Supported by funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the summit amplified young voices while spotlighting excellence. “This support helps us uplift student voices, honour Black excellence, and build a stronger, more equitable future for Black students across Ontario,” said PoBC leadership.
Earlier this summer, PoBC invited: Black youth, parents, and community members to take part in its survey for an Anti-Black Racism in Education Framework. The goal; to build a stronger, more inclusive school system. The survey closed July 23rd, 2025, but it was just the beginning of the conversation.
To deepen engagement, PoBC hosted a three-day virtual youth focus group on anti-Black racism and inclusion. The sessions created space for students to speak truthfully about their experiences, highlight barriers, and propose solutions.
Day 1: Personal experiences and school rules
- Sharing personal experiences with anti-Black racism
- Identifying systemic barriers in education
- Highlighting successes and shortcomings in current policies
Day 2: Barriers and building allies
- Breaking down misconceptions about allyship
- Discussing the challenges of engagement
- Naming persistent systemic barriers
Day 3: Building better schools
- Sharing ideas for stronger inclusion and support
- Assessing current policies
- Offering suggestions for future programs and action
The EDGE Forward Summit also highlighted the achievements of outstanding students through scholarships. This year’s recipients were:
- Emnet Goitom
- Tolulope Obagbemi
- Sellam Kassa
- Jadesola Babalola-Lucas
- Debby Morgan
These students embody resilience and leadership. By investing in their education, PoBC is celebrating individual accomplishment, and also reinforcing the collective potential of Black youth in Ontario.
PoBC’s work doesn’t stop at one event. The organization continues to deliver programs that directly support families and students:
- OMO Virtual Campus – An interactive online platform offering free daily homework help.
- EDGE Tutoring Program – Afrocentric tutors support Black students from kindergarten to Grade 12 twice a week in subjects of their choice.
- PoBC Mental Health Fund – Families connect with culturally responsive clinicians for mental health support.
- Parent Knowledge Building Workshops – Free virtual sessions that equip caregivers with the tools to navigate the education system.
Each program is built with the same philosophy; education must: affirm identity, remove barriers, and empower Black students to succeed.
The EDGE Forward Summit was a call to action. PoBC made it clear that progress in education requires collective responsibility: students, families, educators, and allies working together to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift Black excellence.
For those who want to learn more, or get involved, PoBC’s programs, events, and resources can be found at www.pobc.org. This is a movement determined to reshape education for generations to come.
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