Photo of the three Black Graduation coaches introducing the event

Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School hosted Rooted and Rising, an evening of community, connection, and post-secondary guidance for Black students and their families in the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), organized by the TCDSB Graduation Coaches for Black Students. Valuable information was shared by presenters and community partners about college, university, trades, applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. We were grateful to have Greg Birkett and Coleen Birkett as guest speakers.

This event aimed to build genuine community and connection with Black parents, and to create a welcoming space where families feel seen, valued, and engaged as partners in their child’s education. Attendees also learned about access to community resources and organizations, as several local community partners were in attendance to share supports and opportunities with families.

A huge thank you to the TCDSB Graduation Coaches for Black Students, Jada Brown, Tyanna Browne, and Bryan Addo-Boakye for organizing this event!

Photo of the three Black Graduation coaches introducing the eventPhoto of two MPJ students at the Rooted and Rising event in charge of an information tablePhoto of attendees taking food from a table set out during the eventPhoto of speakers presenting during the eventPhoto of speakers presenting during the eventPhoto of speakers presenting during the eventPhoto of speakers presenting during the eventPhoto of attendees browsing the various information tables at the eventPhoto of attendees browsing the various information tables at the event