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About Us

 

 

 

 

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Our Mission

The York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (York Region AACC) is a not-for-profit organization established in January 2016 to foster a progressive and cohesive York Region African Canadian Community.

Our Mission is to facilitate the cultivation of a progressive York Region African Canadian Community, through advocacy, resource development and service delivery as it relates to culture, education, employment, social services and other governmental responsibilities      

Our Vision is to create a cohesive and influential York Region African Canadian community.

As citizens of the York Region, we consider transparency, accountability and respect to be vital in the cultivation of progressive communities. While we are of the African-Canadian community, we acknowledge and respect all races, religions, cultures and legislative institutions.

 

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Our Beliefs

We are intent on being advocates, and capacity builders to support those in need.

 

We believe in and encourage cohesive families and deem that this cultivates progressive communities and great nations.

We embrace and respect all religions, races and cultures.

We advocate progressive changes on behalf of diverse communities, especially African Canadians on various educational, economic, social, cultural and other relevant issues.

 

 

We believe in and practice integrity, transparency, and accountability.

We exist to assist all citizens of the York Region, especially African Canadians in attaining and maintaining equitable access to political, educational, social, and economic rights and opportunities.

We accept and celebrate the cultural practices and values of all diverse communities which are compliant with Canadian laws.

 

 

Sankofa Meanings:

“Go Back and Fetch It”

“It Is not Taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot”

“Learn from the past”

Meet Our Board Members

 

Chairman: Lee Miller

Lee Miller is a resident of the York Region for over 30 years, he is a founding member and current chair of the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC)

He studied Human Resources Management at Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University).

Before retirement, he held various leadership/management positions in the private sector including Assistant General Manager, Customer Service Manager, Customer Retention Trainer, and Sales and Service Consultant.

Due to his career and lived experience, he commands the respect and loyalty of others through his “people skills”, by highlighting other strengths and/or humanity regardless of their profession, positions or possession

In his role as chair of the York Region Alliance African Canadian Communities, he is instrumental in developing African Centered / Cultural Identity Programs for both elementary and high school Black students in York Region.

His life purpose is to help his Black community become grounded in their culture while evoking the best of their African values/heritage.

Senior’s Initiative: Madge Logan 

Madge Logan earned a concurrent Bachelor of Arts Degree and Bachelor of Education Degree at York University and a Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Toronto.  She has previously worked as a curriculum consultant, and supervisory officer with the North York Board of Education, and as a course leader and course director in the Faculty of Education at York University. As well Madge has worked in the Ministry of Education of Ontario, as an Education Officer.  She has shared her education expertise as a speaker at a number of conferences and workshops within Ontario and across Canada and has been a panelist on a number of programs showcased on TV Ontario. Madge has served as a member of the Board of Governors at Humber College, and on the selection committee for teacher candidates for the Faculty of Education at York University.  She has been chair of the Harry Gairey Scholarship Committee, member of the Harry Jerome Scholarship Committee, and member of the African Heritage Educators Network in the North York Board of Education, as well as a member of the Board of Directors – Canadian Federation of University Women, Markham Unionville.  She has also been a member of the Canadian Alliance of Black Educators, the Board of Directors of the Ontario Public Schools Supervisory Officers Association and various school parent councils. She is now retired and continues her advocacy through working with community organizations as well as being a Board Member of the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Caribbean Communities.

 Healthy and Well-being: Sheila Nedd-Buckmire

Sheila Nedd-Buckmire, is an outcome-focused leader with more than 20 years of management and executive experience in the public sector. 

A Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife from the Caribbean, Sheila holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ryerson University, a Master of Education from the University of Toronto and has also completed training in Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Governance and Management from Carlton University.   

A passionate advocate for vulnerable populations impacted by the determinants of health, Sheila has founded and also served on the boards of charitable organizations, and brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, Human Resources, non-profit management and financial planning to YRAACC.

Vice Chair: Ann Marie Campbell      

Ann Marie Campbell has been with the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) since 2016 and has served in various capacities. She has been instrumental in planning and delivering the Alliance’s Annual Black History Month event, she is the key liaison with the Ministry for the MCSS-funded Black Youth Mentorship Program, Vice Chair from 2018 to present, and more recently, she has taken on the additional role of Treasurer.

Ann Marie is an Analytics Specialist, a graduate of the Queen’s School of Business with a master’s in management Analytics (2016) and also holds a Masters’ degree from the University of the West Indies Jamaica, Mona Campus, in Management Information Systems. She currently works at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and previously at the 407ETR.

Ann Marie has a passion for service and giving back to the community through advocacy, fundraising and other endeavours. She previously served as Treasurer for the Knox Past Students Association, a Jamaica school alliance organization that raises funds to support underprivileged students at her alma mater.

Communications: Dr. Jeffery Thompson

Dr. Jeffery Thompson works as an Agile Release Train Engineer in CORE Platform – Agile Practice at TD Bank. Jeffrey is a volunteer and Past President of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Toronto chapter. He also gives back to the community as a board member of the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC), volunteers in his church, including with the Knights of Columbus, and is a member of the Black Employee Network (BEN) at TD Bank. Jeffrey has a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in General Business from Northcentral University (NCU), Arizona.

Previously, Jeffrey has been giving back to the community in various ways as a Scout leader with the Federation of North American Explorers (FNE), a House League Soccer Coach, and a Rep Team Manager with the Richmond Hill Soccer Club (RHSC).

He is married to Jannette and has two children, Shane and Zoë.

Secretary: Winston Miller

Winston Miller is Retired Public Health professional with degrees in Public Health, and Administrative studies.

26 years experience with Toronto Public Health serving in senior management positions up to, and including Director.

2 years as a senior policy advisor, Public Health Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health.

Past President of the Ontario Public Health Association.

13 years as International Programs Director of an International Development organization, responsible for programs in Health, Education, and Livelihoods, in over 39 countries globally.

Married, with 2 children, and 5 grandchildren.

Serves on 3 non-profit boards of directors, and is active in Church Leadership.

Events: Sophia McKenzie

Sophia McKenzie is an advanced practice Registered Nurse who obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and her Master’s Degree from D’youville University in Buffalo New York. Sophia’s specialties include primary and community nursing, palliative care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care as well culturally sensitive and competent care in the health sector. She currently manages a 72 bed unit at a GTA hospital and is also a Nusing professor at Toronto Metropolitan University teaching maternal child nursing, mental health nursing and community nursing with an equity diversity and inclusion lens to eliminate health disparities within communities of colour. 

Sheila Nedd-Buckmire, is an outcome-focused leader with more than 20 years of management and executive experience in the public sector. 

A Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife from the Caribbean, Sheila holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ryerson University, a Master of Education from the University of Toronto and has also completed training in Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Governance and Management from Carlton University.   

A passionate advocate for vulnerable populations impacted by the determinants of health, Sheila has founded and also served on the boards of charitable organizations, and brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, Human Resources, non-profit management and financial planning to YRAACC.

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Get in Touch

 

 

 

 

Phone

Call us at
647-425-5700

Address

1070 Major Mackenzie Drive
PO Box 5042
Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 0B7