Three of ONABSE’s eight Board of Directors: (L t R) Deborah Buchanan-Walford (President), Dr. Jacqui Getfield (Vice-President), Iyanuoluwa Akinrinola (Director of Youth Representatives) © Courtesy of ONABSE
Equity, advocacy, and empowerment are three crucial building blocks to an education system with a lasting positive impact, and they are three things that the Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators (ONABSE) is proud to champion in Ontario.
Committed to dismantling barriers to access, ONABSE’s mission is to ensure that Black students, families, and educators have the tools, resources, and support to thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Removing systemic barriers requires the entire community’s participation. That’s why the ONABSE is inviting the community to participate in the conversation at the highly anticipated 2025 ONABSE Conference, which will take place on May 30-31, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Toronto.
Advocates for Equity and Excellence
Through advocacy, consultation, and professional development, ONABSE is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive education system that is committed to meaningful, lasting change.
Their key areas of focus include:
- Advocacy & Consultation: True change starts at the policy level, so ONABSE champions equitable policies and practices that uplift Black learners and educators, ensuring fair representation and access to quality education.
- Professional Development: ONABSE programming emphasizes providing educators with the tools and training they need to foster effective learning. Their training programs equip educators to create culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms.
- Affinity Spaces: Schools are more than places for learning; they’re also spaces for connection and community. ONABSE provides supportive networks where Black educators and allies can connect, collaborate, and build connections within their communities.
With these areas and an overarching vision of a system where Black students and educators are empowered to amplify voices and foster belonging, ONABSE is confident that the impact will spread and continue to drive impactful change across Ontario’s schools. There’s no better time to be a part of it!
Why Attend the 2025 ONABSE Conference?
As the organization’s flagship event, the annual ONABSE conference unites educators, students, policymakers, and community leaders in a shared mission to advance educational equity. The 2025 conference promises to be an inspiring and collaborative gathering featuring:
This year’s conference will be a hub for inspiration, learning, and collaboration, featuring:
- Keynote Speakers: Hear from leading voices in education, advocacy, and community leadership.
- Workshops & Panels: Engage in thought-provoking discussions and hands-on sessions focused on best practices in inclusive education.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, students, and community advocates who are dedicated to shaping a more equitable future.
- Specialized Symposiums: The Francophone Symposium and Student Symposium will provide unique perspectives and tailored programming for diverse audiences.
Be Part of the Movement
ONABSE’s annual conference is an important step toward a more inclusive and equitable education system. By attending, participants contribute to a collective effort to create systemic change, ensuring that Black students and educators have the opportunities they deserve.
Save the date: May 30-31, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Toronto. Whether you are an educator seeking professional growth, a student eager to engage in critical discussions, or a community advocate striving for change, this conference is an invaluable opportunity to be part of the transformation.
Together, let’s continue to empower, educate, and elevate. Register today and help shape the future of education!
Visit onabse.org to get started. Register for the conference at onabse.org/conference2025
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The Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators (ONABSE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating the education of all students, African-Canadian students in particular, and establishing a coalition of Afro-Canadian educators and others directly involved in the educational process in Ontario.