Finding my voice: 20 years of Ebony Toastmasters Empowering Communicators

It’s been twenty years since Ebony Toastmasters launched in October 2005 with just seven founding members. What began as a small circle of voices has evolved into an award-winning community that continues to transform lives through the power of communication and leadership.

Today, Ebony Toastmasters operates virtually on Zoom, hosting weekly meetings every Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Members log in from across the city and beyond, each one driven by a shared goal: to speak, lead, and grow.

This year marks a major milestone. On Saturday, November 8^th, 2025, Ebony Toastmasters will celebrate its 20^th anniversary at the Wildseed Centre for Art and Activism in Toronto from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event will highlight the club’s achievements, honour its leaders, and inspire a new generation of communicators to find their voice.

According to the club’s website, Ebony Toastmasters (part of Toastmasters International, a global nonprofit) helps people develop excellent communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Members describe it as a training ground for personal growth.

“We provide a cost-effective way to build confidence and develop both formal and informal public speaking skills.”

The club focuses on three key pillars:

1. Practice public speaking
   Members build confidence through structured speaking opportunities. Each session offers a safe, judgment-free space to practice presentations, speeches, and storytelling.
2. Leadership development
   Members take on leadership roles within the club serving as meeting officials, mentors, or officers to refine decision-making and organizational skills. These experiences often translate into professional and personal success.
3. Community connection
   The club brings together people from diverse backgrounds and professions, creating rich opportunities for: networking, collaboration, and friendship. Members connect over a shared desire for growth and impact.

Some of the top benefits members gain from Ebony Toastmasters include:

• • Overcoming fear of public speaking
  • Strengthening communication skills
  • Boosting self-confidence
  • Building leadership capacity
  • Learning to organize and chair meetings
  • Delivering impactful presentations
  • Giving and receiving constructive feedback

For many, the impact goes beyond public speaking. It’s about reclaiming their voice, sharpening their ideas, and building confidence that ripples through every part of life.

Sam and Rita Burke, celebrated children’s authors and owners of Burkes Bookstore, have played a key role in Ebony Toastmasters’ success. Rita shared on LinkedIn, “A vibrant, President Distinguished community club where leadership and communication skills are honed, and lives transformed. We provide a cost-effective way to build confidence and develop both formal and informal public speaking skills.”

At a recent executive meeting held on October 8^th, 2025, members reflected on how the club has shaped their journeys. Attendees included: Rita and Sam Burke, Treasurer Kenny Adio, Secretary Natalie Meade, and members Yolanda Haywood, John Leigh, and Catherine Emmanuel.

Each person shared a powerful story about how Ebony Toastmasters helped them grow. Their enthusiasm filled the virtual room, revealing a shared truth: this club changes lives.

Ebony Toastmasters is a community of courage and connection. Through its programs, mentorship, and shared wisdom, members gain skills that extend far beyond the podium. They learn to; listen, lead, and lift others.

If you’re ready to strengthen your communication, leadership, or confidence, join Ebony Toastmasters. Visit ebonytoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org, or learn more about Toastmasters International at toastmasters.org.

When your voice grows stronger, so does your life.