The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute and the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, is working with youth leaders to organize the Nia Summit.
For over 400 years, the self-determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima) of the Black community in Nova Scotia have been instrumental in purposeful (Nia), ongoing, fight against anti-Black racism and social justice. The youth perspective in addressing anti-Black racism and social injustice is an important and relevant one. Their voices must be brought to the forefront, it must be done with purpose and spaces must be created to echo those voices across our society – the Nia Summit is one such space to begin this journey into a better future and tomorrow for all people.
This youth led summit will be open to Black High School students from across Nova Scotia. The event will also be livestreamed.
The Theme
The theme, Equal in Dignity and Rights: Anti-Black Racism from a youth perspective, borrows from Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”.
Why a Black Youth Led Summit?
Achieving an anti-racist, equitable and just society requires an understanding of the many intersections that make up our society. The youth summit is intended to do just that by engaging youth from various backgrounds around the history of people African descent, their lived experiences, and positionality relative to the legacies of anti-Black racism. Youth are the anchor for the future.
Who is attending?
About 130 students from High Schools across Nova Scotia
Where is it taking place?
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia with livestreaming options
When is this happening?
Friday, September 22nd, 2023