Black student groups from across the Upper Grand District School Board gathered at the University of Guelph on Wednesday, May 27 for the 2025 Black Brilliance Conference.
Over a hundred students attended the annual event, which celebrates Black culture through various art forms. Students were able to attend six different workshops during the day, all designed and presented by fellow students, including ones focused on music production and street art.
Each workshop started with a presentation on the Black contributions made to the specific art form before students were engaged to participate themselves. For the street art session, students got to draw on a large panel outside of the UofG University Centre.
"The Black Brilliance Conference is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful reminder to students that their voices, stories, and leadership matter. It creates a space where Black youth can see themselves reflected, affirmed, and empowered to shape the future with confidence and pride,” Natalie Brown-Lahey, GCVI English teacher and Chair of the Upper Grand Black Educators Network, said.
“[It] shows students that their dreams are valid, their history is rich, and their potential is limitless. For me as an educator the conference shows us what’s possible when education reflects the brilliance of every learner."