Nia: A Black Youth Led Summit

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 first ever Nia Summit in September 2023.

The Black community in Nova Scotia has fostered an ongoing fight against anti-Black racism for more than 400 years. In doing so they have demonstrated self-determination (“Kujichagulia”), collective work and responsibility (“Ujima”), and purpose ("Nia"). The youth perspective in this continuous movement is essential and relevant always. Their voices must be brought to the forefront with purpose and space created to echo their perspectives throughout the province. The Nia Summit is one space to support 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. Achieving an anti-racist, equitable and just society requires an understanding of the many intersections that show up in our schools and communities, creating opportunities for young leaders to gather and make change together, and discover their Nia – Purpose.

The Nia Summit will engage youth from various backgrounds in dialogue on the history of people of African descent, their lived experiences, and positionality relative to legacies of anti-Black racism and the fight towards social justice.

130 students will be welcomed in-person on September 15th with many more engaged in their schools and communities through the event live-stream.

An early, targeted outreach has begun through the province’s Centers for Education, and a registration portal is now live via the Black Cultural Centre.

More information will be shared as details are confirmed.