Making It Happen 2026

Our Youth officially took charge of their futures at this year’s “Making It Happen” Financial Literacy & Writing Workshops!

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the Coquitlam Public Library was packed with energy as young change-makers gathered to master money moves, sharpen their essays, and unlock their creative voices. It was an unforgettable afternoon of growth, inspiration, and community pride.

Here is how our incredible facilitators helped our Youth level up:

• Finance Unleashed: Renowned financial advisor Jennifer Curpen (whose CFP Designation places her in the top 10% globally) delivered an invaluable wealth-building session. She broke down the essential money management skills young adults need to build a secure financial future.

• The Easiest Essay Exemplar: JrBAA Youth Council Facilitator Iva Masiala shared top-tier academic strategies to get students ready for our upcoming $1,000.00 Scholarship Essay Writing Competition. Her masterclass was inspired by the brilliant book “The Easiest Essay,” published by JrBAA Executive Director, Teryl Brown, Founder Absolutely Studying. 

• Short Stories 101: Writer and JrBAA V. President, Pearl Sarumi sparked serious creativity in her interactive storytelling workshop. The youth explored different narrative styles and wrapped up the session by giving the tools to craft stories of their own.

Rooted in Community & Culture

The day began with a warm welcome at the registration table by Laverne Francis. Lunch was served by Marshall Benjamin and we enjoyed our community time.  The meeting was called to order by JrBAA President, Auntie C and the program opened with a powerful grounding in culture and community, featuring a Territorial Acknowledgement by Jaenaya Cox, an African Ancestral Acknowledgement by Jada Francis, and the singing of the Black National Anthem.

We were very pleased to welcome Mayor Richard Stewart to bring greetings on behalf of the City of Coquitlam.

A special shout-out to our Program Leader Jeremiah Brooks, and our dedicated team, Aishat Ogundare, Flourish Aiwize, Jayce Cox, Chidinma Samuel and Mustapha Ogundare for their creativity and participation on the program, and to Connie Henry and Carmel Edmonds for the information station was set up and working with the Youth to ensure the room was ready to go. The high-energy success was a culmination of everyone being involved in the program for the day.  Thank you all for your participation and contributing to an excellent day.

Deepest Thanks to Our Program Sponsors

This impactful event was made possible through the generous support of community champions who believe in the power of youth: BCGEU & TRUE RESOLUTION LODGE #16.

Achievers, are you ready for the next step?  Now that you have the tools, it's time to put them to use!  Visit https://jrbaa.org/writing-competition for details on our upcoming writing competitions.

Boots to Broadway 2026 Black History Month

February 6, 2026 at “The Cultch” Historic Theatre, Sponsored by CN, USW Local 1944, in partnership with Hogan’s Alley Society, JrBAA was proud to present Boots to Broadway — a high-energy Black History Month concert featuring acclaimed actress and two-time Juno Award winner Lovena B. Fox.

Lovena B. Fox took audiences on a powerhouse musical journey that spanned country, soul, rock ’n’ roll, and Broadway. From unforgettable hits by legends like Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Patsy Cline, and Tina Turner to showstopping numbers from Porgy and Bess, Evita, and Jersey Boys, the evening was a dynamic celebration of music and storytelling.

Through her electrifying one-woman show, Boots to Broadway, Lovena brought The Cultch to life with extraordinary talent, boundless energy, and heartfelt passion. Her captivating performance mesmerized the audience and left guests inspired and thoroughly entertained.

This Black History Month concert also created an outstanding opportunity for JrBAA. By placing our organization front and center, Miss Fox introduced JrBAA to a new and diverse audience, expanding our reach and strengthening our presence within the community.

We are sincerely grateful for her passion, generosity, and unwavering support of JrBAA.

Please join us in extending our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to Lovena B. Fox for an unforgettable evening and her continued commitment to uplifting our work.

💛 Thank You for Making Our Auction a Success!

Our auction was a tremendous success — and it would not have been possible without you.

We extend our deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the many community members, businesses, and organizations who generously contributed and supported this event. Your donations, presence, and enthusiasm made the evening truly special.

We are sincerely grateful for your continued support and for standing with us. Together, we are building something meaningful in our community.

Thank you for being there and for making a difference.

Deep appreciate is extended to the members of CN and USW Local 1944 for supporting our event.

Canadian National

Stellar Stars 2026 & Excellence & Elegance 2024 - 2025

JrBAA - the 4th Annual Stellar Stars & 3rd "Excellence and Elegance" Awards Gala!

What an unforgettable day! On February 22, 2026, the Jr. Black Achievement Awards Society (JrBAA) gathered at the Inlet Theatre to celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and talent of our youth. From soul-stirring speeches to prestigious scholarship presentations, the energy was nothing short of "Stellar."

🎤 The 4th Annual Stellar Stars Speech Competition

The stage was set, the timers were ready, and our Moderator, Jennifer Curpen, guided us through a competition that left the audience in awe. While every contestant delivered a phenomenal performance, one voice rose to the top.

Congratulations to Grace Ochai! As the 2026 Stellar Star Speech Competition winner, Grace was awarded a $2,000.00 scholarship for her impactful delivery.

Read Grace’s Winning Speech Here

🏆 Celebrating “Excellence and Elegance” - Our 2024 - 2025 Award & Scholarship Winners

We were honored to present several awards to students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to academics, arts, sports, and leadership.

• “Stellar Stars” Speech Competition - $2,000.00:
  Temi Akano (Sponsored By Candace Knoll in Memory of Estella Brown)

• Creative Writing Poetry - $500.00:
  Titi Balogun (Sponsored By Academy of Modern Art (AOMA))

• Academic & Performing Arts - $500.00:
  Pearl Samuri (Sponsored By UBCP/ACTRA)

• Academic & Sports - $500.00:
  Lewis Weir (Sponsored By Vancouver District Labour Council)

• Academic & Sports - $500.00:
  Flourish Aiwize (Sponsored By New West & District Labour Council)

• Academic & Visual Arts - $500.00:
  Ella Munroe MacIntosh (Sponsored By The Estate of Brinsley Stewart)

• Youth Leadership - $1000.00:
  Grace Ochai (Sponsored By Open Mind Counselling)

• Community Initiative - $1,000.00:
  Moji Alabi (Sponsored By "The Ability Guy")

• Essay Writing Competition - $1,000.00:
  Flourish Aiwize (Sponsored By Absolutely Studying)

• Scholastic Achievement - $3,000.00:
  Mitchell Obasa (Sponsored By the LuMi Fund, Pyne-Green-Park & Edmonds Families)

🎶 Ambience, Appetizers & Artistry

Following the ceremony, the theater transformed into a hub of celebration.

• The Flavors: We enjoyed a beautiful spread of treats and appetizers supplied by Beloved Designs.

• The Sounds: Kendrick Headley kept the room grooving with the rhythmic sounds of his Steel Drums during community building time.

• The Finale: The evening closed with a truly "angelic" moment as Paulyn led us in a rendition of "We Are The World," a fitting tribute to the bright futures of our youth.

🤝 A Heartfelt Thank You

This event would not be possible without our sponsors, community partners and guest speakers. We extend our deepest gratitude to:

• Our Sponsors: the LuMi Fund, CUPE Local 15, HSA

• Our Partners: BCBELA & Kosi Fortune.

• Guest Speaker: Larry Rousseau (CLC Vice President)

• Special Guests: Councillor Nancy McCurrach

• Acknowledgement and Welcome: Siobhan Barker

• Honorary Members 2024 - 2025: Beth Applewhite and Jennifer Curpen.

To our volunteers, parents, and most importantly, our students: Thank you for making the 4th Annual Stellar Stars and our 3rd “Excellence and Elegance” Awards Ceremony to present $10,500.00 to our Achievers, a resounding success!

Click here for a copy of the programs which includes our Annual General Report (AGR)

Canadian Union of Public Employees

Health Sciences Association

"Talk The Talk"

Based on the POWERtalk International Training Program, Talk The Talk was a one-day education session and workshop. This year’s workshop was held on Sunday January 18 from 10:00am-5:30pm.

In keeping with the motto, “We can learn by doing,” the day began with “The Art of Evaluation” workshop, presented by JrBAA President, Candace Knoll, to equip our Achievers with essential skills to assess presentations and workshops, and provide constructive feedback and ideas for improvement.

Youth Council members presented interactive modules where participants learned the “Top 10 Tips” of effective presentation delivery. We will also review the “Stellar Speech” Competition rules.

Module topics included platform presence, body language and gestures, vocal effectiveness, talking habits and speech construction, technical and visual aids, and how to bring all of these components together to create an impactful presentation. Participants were provided lunch and door prizes were available.

The focus of this workshop was to prepare the Grade 11 and 12 contestants to compete in the annual “Stellar Stars” Speech Competition being held on February 22, 2026. There will be a $2,000.00 scholarship awarded to the competition winner.

A special thank you to our Partner and Sponsor for this supporting informative event.

Thanks to our Partner!

Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table

Thanks to our Sponsor!

Health Sciences Association

KPU College Readiness 2025

In partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), we hosted a College Readiness Training program and introduced a scholarship program for Jr. Black Achievement Awards (JrBAA) Achievers.

This one-day, three-hour training workshop showed students how to make informed decisions about their future academic endeavours, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the college application process successfully.

We welcomed 40 youth who learned post-secondary 101, engaged in team-building exercises, and had a campus tour led by KPU Student Ambassadors.

A big thank you to the KPU team for leading such a rewarding experience for our youth!

"The Impact" 2025 - Black Youth Panel

The Impact - an exploration of experiences and healing.

Join us for “The IMPACT” 2025, a Black Youth Panel dedicated to providing a safe, supportive space for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue about their experiences with microaggressions, and acts of anti-Black racism in schools. This event is designed to cultivate a strong sense of community while equipping students with strategies to navigate and address these challenges.

In collaboration with Open Mind Counselling, and registered clinical counsellors Lindi Setiloane and John Nweke, this session will be co-facilitated to ensure a therapeutic environment where students can openly discuss potentially traumatic experiences related to their education and life in B.C.

Moving Forward will be on hand to provide counselling resources and support.

Pacific Link College will introduce their scholarship program for JrBAA Achievers and provide an overview of our technology and business training pathways - including how students can leverage AI in their academic and professional journeys.

Youth Council President Jeremiah Brooks will report on our Council activities.

In addition to the Panelists, we are excited our Youth have embraced the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills by participating on the program.

Food and refreshments will be served over our community building break.

Please join us on:

Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
Registration: 2:00 PM
Time: 2:30 - 6:00 pm

Location: Pacific Link College - #200 - 4980 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C., V5H 4K7
Entrance is on Nelson and Bennett Street.

Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

Thanks to our Partners and our Sponsor

We're grateful for the support of our Partners:
Open Mind Counselling,
Moving Forward Family Services

Our heartfelt appreciation to:
CUPE 15 for sponsoring the event

Thanks to Pacific Link College

For hosting the event and welcoming our Achievers.

Community "Picnic in the Park" 2025

July 20, 2025 — The Junior Black Achievement Awards (JrBAA) Society hosted their 3rd Annual Community Picnic at Glen Park in Coquitlam, BC — and what an unforgettable day it was!

The youth, many of whom have been developing their skills through JrBAA programs, truly took center stage — planning and executing this successful event for their Coquitlam neighbours’ and Community.

Organized by the JrBAA Youth Council, the event was a vibrant showcase of youth leadership, creativity, and community spirit. Attendees enjoyed a wide range of activities, including:

• games, crafts & races

• face painting with Laverne Designs

• balloon twisting

• 360 photo station with Kosi Fortune Photography

Local leaders also attended the celebration, offering thoughtful words of support. We were honoured to be joined by:

• Coquitlam Mayor, Richard Stewart

• Port Coquitlam Acting Mayor, Nancy Mc Currach

• Coquitlam Councillors, Steve Kim, Trish Mandewo & Rob Mazzarolo

• Former MP, Bonita Zarrillo

• moveUp Vice President, Dmitri Ossinsky & the amazing volunteers.

The stage came alive with poetry, & spoken word featuring:

• Pearl Sarumi

• Kasey Atcheynum

• Jenny Garcha

• Neha Sharma

• Marlo Browne

• Shivalika

We grooved to unforgettable sounds by:

• HardBody Dreams

• Skoobi N Eclipse (Firestorm Ent.)

• 910 Music

• B-DIamond

• Miri$hinzo

• The Cox Family

Attendees participated in a joyful folkloric Dominican dancing session led by Doris Alcantara & Stephen — the park turned into a dance floor!

To all our vendors and volunteers — THANK YOU. Your support helps us build a stronger, more connected community.

And a HUGE thanks to our Sponsors who made this magic possible:

• Michaëlle Jean Foundation

• moveUP

• IATSE Local 891

• USW Local 2009

"Step Up and Step Out!" 2025

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to CUPE Metro and HSA for sponsoring the Youth Educational Weekend, “Step Up and Step Out” at the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam, BC on July 5 & 6, 2025. It was a transformative weekend filled with impactful learning and meaningful networking.

In keeping with the motto, “We can learn by doing,” the weekend began with “The Art of Evaluation” workshop, presented by JrBAA President, Candace Knoll, to equip our Achievers with essential skills to assess presentations and workshops, and provide constructive feedback and ideas for improvement.

As part of our leadership development, Youth Council members participated in the POWERtalk Public Speaking Course, gaining hands-on training experience by delivering the six modules in:

• Platform Presence - Queen Alexis

• Body and Gestures - Ali Adole

• Vocal Effectiveness - Flourish Aiwize

• Speech Construction - Temi Akano

• Technical and Visual Aids - Daria Dueck

• Putting it All Together - Ayo Balogun

It was an incredible day of growth, and we are proud to share that our Youth exceeded all expectations. They are now prepared to offer this course to the broader community—stay tuned for future opportunities!

On Sunday, our Youth Council President, Jeremiah Brooks, led the “Overcoming Procrastination” workshop, followed by a Goal Setting Session that inspired the creation of personal vision boards by Mabel Taunu. Attendees then participated in sessions on effective resume writing with Dr. Tracy Adole and interview techniques delivered by Jackie Pierre.

The weekend closed with a powerful Union Panel, hosted by the President of CUPE Metro, Sarah Bjorknas and featuring JrBAA Union members and volunteers:

• Jackie Pierre - BCGEU

• Carmel Edmonds - CUPE 5336

• Maryann Pyne - HEU

• Jonie Gore - HSA

Participants learned about the history, types, and benefits of unions, as well as the ongoing movement for workers’ rights and the need for activism.

It was a weekend filled with empowerment, skill-building, and unforgettable memories were created.

Special thanks to our Sponsors:
CUPE Metro and Health Sciences Association (HSA)

"Making It Happen" 2025

Whether you have a knack for numbers or a passion for powerful words, join us for this year’s “Making It Happen” Financial Literacy & Writing Workshops.

Jennifer Curpen, a renowned financial advisor with a CFP Designation that places her in the top 10% globally, will once again offer “Finance Unleashed” a wealth building workshop that aims to teach essential financial skills to young adults.

Iva Masiala, a JrBAA Youth Council Facilitator, will prepare the youth to compete in the Essay Writing Competition for the $1,000.00 Scholarship. “The Easiest Essay” published by JrBAA, Executive Director, Teryl Brown, is the inspiration behind her education.

Pearl Sarumi, a JrBAA Youth Council Facilitator will have the group participating in her interactive storytelling workshop. The participants will explore different types of stories and will leave with one of their own.

Marlo Browne, an award winning poet, curator, spoken word artist, film maker and author will provide tips and tools in the art of poetry writing, to guide our Youth in grades 3- 10 the confidence to participate in the upcoming competitions.

Join Us: Sunday May 18, 2025

Community Building and Food: 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Program : 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Where: Coquitlam Public Library
City Centre Branch
Room 127 - 1169 Pinetree Way
Coquitlam, BC V3B 0Y1

Special thanks to our Sponsors

CUPE BC AND THE UNITED STEELWORKERS (USW) LOCAL 1944

3rd Annual "Stellar Stars" Speech Competition 2025

The Pinnacles of Success

Join us for an afternoon of inspiration and eloquence at the 3rd annual “Stellar Stars” Speech Competition, presented by the Jr. Black Achievement Awards. This prestigious event is a platform for young, aspiring speakers to showcase their talents and share their perspectives.

Help us cheer on these aspirational youth as they compete for the $2000 scholarship. In addition, the afternoon includes a delightful lunch, providing a perfect setting for networking and camaraderie among participants and guests.

Sunday February 23, 2025. Doors open at 12:45 pm for lunch and community building time.

Program from 1:30 - 4:00 pm. Coquitlam Library City Centre Branch,

Rooms 137/138 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC

Recognizing our Partnerships:

We are happy to partner with BCBELA and Kosi Fortune Photography for this competition

Recognizing our Sponsors

A special thank you to BCGUE and CUPE 4186 for sponsoring this event.