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.

"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.

H.A.R.M.O.N.Y 2024

Join us on September 21st for “H.A.R.M.O.N.Y.” The Restorative Justice Workshop an inclusive and transformative event designed to foster healing, accountability, and connection within our community. The event will take place at the Civic Hotel Safe Centre on the 9th Floor.

This workshop, co-facilitated by experienced practitioners, including Christianne Paras from the Restorative Justice Association of B.C., will feature facilitation circles that encourage open dialogue, mutual respect, and collective healing.

We are excited to collaborate with Ethos Lab, Black School'd, B.C. Community Alliance, Moving Forward, and the City of Surrey to bring this dynamic and community-building workshop to life. These partnerships ensure a rich and diverse experience, grounded in the principles of H.A.R.M.O.N.Y.—Healing, Accountability, and Respect to Mediate, Nurture, and Yield Peace.

This event is generously sponsored by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and Global BC. Whether you are new to restorative justice or have prior experience, your presence and voice are valued as we work together to restore relationships, address harm in a supportive environment, and build a stronger, more connected community.

We invite all community members seeking healing, understanding, and growth to join us in this vital and impactful work.

Event Information

“H.A.R.M.O.N.Y.” Date: Sat. Sept. 21, 2024 Time: Registration 2 pm Event: 2:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Civic Hotel Safe Centre 9th Floor 13485 Central Avenue, Surrey, BC

Registration is open at www.jrbaa.org. Join us for an afternoon filled with education, food, prizes and fun.

The Impact 2024

Surrey, BC - Join us for “The IMPACT” 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 Counseling, and registered clinical counselors 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.

Our partners from the B.C. Community Alliance (BCCA), led by Brian Seremba, will share valuable data collected from students across B.C. about the racial dynamics within schools. Additionally, Moving Forward will be on hand to provide further counseling support if needed.

We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, Global BC and United Way, who are committed to helping us create a space where youth feel heard, supported, and empowered to develop strategies for resilience.

Event Information

“The Impact” Date: Sunday September 22, 2024 Time: Registration 2:30 PM event 3:00 -6:00
Location: Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex 633 Poirier St. Coquitlam BC
Registration is open at https://jrbaa.org/news. Join us for an afternoon filled with education, food, prizes and fun.

Making It Happen 2024

Burnaby, BC – The Jr Black Achievement Awards (JrBAA) is proud to announce ‘Making It Happen’, an uplifting event dedicated to educating and empowering young minds. This event will take place on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House Community Hall.

‘Making It Happen’ is a platform for the youth of today to engage with experts and leaders in various fields. Our workshop leaders, Teryl Brown, Jennifer Curpen, and Candace Knoll, will deliver interactive sessions designed to equip the younger generation with essential skills for their future success.

Empowering Workshops on Education and Wealth-Building

Teryl Brown, Executive Director of JrBAA and CEO of Absolutely Studying, will lead "The Write Way" workshop, focused on effective essay writing techniques vital for academic achievement.

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

Candace Knoll, President of JrBAA, with over 25 years of experience in communications and empowerment, will present the "Break Free" workshop to discuss procrastination's main causes and help participants overcome this barrier to personal and academic progress.

The JrBAA extends its gratitude to CUPE 15 and MoveUp for their generous sponsorship, which has made this event possible. This collaboration highlights the community's commitment to supporting youth development and achievement.

Event Information:

‘Making It Happen’ Date: Sunday, May 26, 2024 Time: 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM Location: Burnaby Neighbourhood House Community Hall, 5024 Rumble Ave, Burnaby BC

Registration is open at www.jbraa.org. Join us for an afternoon filled with education, food, prizes, and fun.

The Jr Black Achievement Awards Hosts Essential Workshops for Young Speakers on January 14, 2024

Coquitlam, BC – The JrBAA is thrilled to announce an enlightening and inspiring event on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. This event is a precursor to the much-anticipated Spring Youth Educational Weekend Retreat and features two key workshops aimed at empowering young speakers.

Workshop 1: “Delivering a Successful Presentation” by Candace Knoll

Join us for an engaging educational session with Candace Knoll, a life member of International Training in Communication and an International Speech Contest Winner. Candace brings decades of experience in training, including her significant contributions to the Miss BC Pageant and the POWERtalk Short Course Program. Her workshop will cover the top 10 tips for effective speaking, a vital skill for any aspiring student.

While the primary focus is to prepare Grade 11 and 12 contestants for the “Stellar Stars” Speech Competition, these workshops offer all attendees a chance to learn and refine their public speaking artistry.

Workshop 2: “Reclaiming Your Space” by Mabel Taunu

Mabel Taunu is an experienced Career Advisor and advocate for youth and single mothers. Mabel’s journey from London to Canada and her 19 years in the employment services sector bring a wealth of knowledge to this workshop. Attendees will learn invaluable skills for confidently owning their space in any environment.

Talk the Talk… A Stepping Stone to the Spring Retreat

This event is the last chance before the Spring Youth Educational Weekend Retreat. Participants aiming for the top prize in the Stellar Stars Speech Competition, a $2000 scholarship, must attend at least one JRBAA event to qualify. For more information and registration, visit www.jrbaa.org/stellarstars.

We invite all interested young speakers to join us at the Pinetree Community Centre, 1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC, Rooms 5 & 6, for this not-to-be-missed opportunity. Enhance your speaking skills, gain confidence, and take a significant step towards your educational and professional future.