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