Why are Black women still funding their own liberation after 50 years?

For over fifty years, the Congress of Black Women of Canada (CBWC) has carried the torch of empowerment lit by its founder, Kay Livingstone, in 1973. When the Ontario Chapter opened a decade later, it became a springboard for regional chapters in: Toronto, Brampton, Durham, Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, and London, each rooted in advocacy, sisterhood, and transformation.

The Brampton Chapter, launched by Claudia Russell-Placenia, Sílvilyn Holt, Jacqueline Maloney, and Veronica Lee, continues that legacy with conviction. Their mission is clear: to provide a forum for Black women to identify and address issues affecting their lives, families, and communities.

On Sunday, October 26^th, 2025, the Brampton Chapter hosted its 30^th Annual Scholarship Award Fundraiser Brunch at the Maple Banquet Hall in Mississauga under the theme “Black Brilliance: Igniting the Future.” The event was a declaration of intergenerational excellence.

According to the chapter’s website, the organization’s core programs focus on youth and education. They collaborate with groups that share their vision and values, expanding their reach and deepening their community impact.

“These scholarships empower young people to pursue higher education and realize their full potential.”

In the program booklet, Patricia Challenger Brade wrote, “We celebrate the recipients of the Congress of Black Women Brampton Chapter 2025. These scholarships empower young people to pursue higher education and realize their full potential, strengthening our community for generations to come.”

Brampton’s Mayor Patrick Brown echoed that sentiment, “For more than three decades, your chapter has stood as a pillar of advocacy, mentorship, and empowerment. By championing equitable access to education, preserving cultural heritage, and investing in youth, you continue to inspire Brampton and beyond.” 

The event flowed seamlessly under the guidance of Jacklyn Payne, an Architectural Design Technologist and Project Management Specialist, and an active member of Toastmasters International.

Entertainment was as diverse as it was inspiring.

• Noah Haddad, a self-taught musician, merged Rock ’n’ Roll energy with Middle Eastern roots.
• Keziah Webb delivered soulful Gospel infused with R&B and Pop.
• Brennan-Joy Bennett, a Grade 8 student at Sir Isaac Brock Public School, performed an uplifting spoken-word piece.
• Yeeshai Green, a 12-year-old dancer, left the audience mesmerized with her multi-genre routine.

The keynote speaker, Janelle Hart, a Human Rights Specialist and Senior Advisor with the York Region District School Board, grounded the celebration with her message of self-worth. As founder of EmpowerHER, she creates what she calls, “A sanctuary for women to cultivate self-love, wellness, and unyielding self-worth.”

This year’s six scholarship recipients exemplify the brilliance the CBWC strives to nurture:

• Aiden Adams – Computer Engineering, University of Guelph
• Rachel Renee Herlidan – Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Katherine Diru – Health Sciences, Queen’s University
• Darien Matthews – Sports Management, Humber College
• Tyshona Hope Zackari – Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Joshua-Jeremy Williams – Cybersecurity, Seneca College

Since 1989, the Brampton Chapter has awarded more than 155 scholarships, uplifting students across Ontario. With the continued support of sponsors such as the Kiwanis Club and PepsiCo, the chapter remains committed to rewarding academic excellence and leadership.

As the organization looks toward the future, one truth stands out: the Congress of Black Women of Canada doesn’t wait for systems to change, it builds its own.

To learn more, visit brampton.cbwc.ontario.org.