About the Conference
Building on its leadership in advocating for a Black Food Sovereignty Plan, Black Food Sovereignty Toronto is joining with The City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit to facilitate community dialogue around the future of Black food sovereignty in Toronto.
Learn about the Toronto Black Food Sovereignty Plan, an exciting development for Black community stakeholders in Toronto––and how your needs as a farmer, restauranteur, business owner and more may be prioritized through this Plan.
Presenters
Anan Lololi
Chair of Black Food Sovereignty Working Group
Lillian Allen
Dub Poet, Cultural Activist
Itah Sadu
Award-Winning Author and Co-Owner of A Different Booklist
Dr. Akwatu Khenti
Director of Community Resources Section, CABR
Meseret Asneke
Community Development Officer, CABR
Michelle Molubi
Community Development Worker, CABR
Aina-Nia Ayodele
Ancient Wisdom Teacher & Leadership Coach
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
OCTOBER 29, 2022 – 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Opening Remarks................................................................12:00 PM
12:00PM–12:05PM
Itah Sadu is an award-winning storyteller and children’s author. She is the co-owner of the independent bookstore, A Different Booklist, specializing in African and Caribbean Canadian literature and diverse resources from around the world. She is the Managing Director of A Different Booklist Cultural Centre – The People’s Residence.
Libation.................................................................................12:05 PM
12:05PM–12:15PM
Remarks from Aina-Nia Ayodele, teacher of ancient wisdom and founding champion of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit (CABR) at The City of Toronto.
Presentation by Black Food Sovereignty Toronto............12:15 PM
12:15PM - 12:20PM
A presentation by Black Food Sovereignty Working Group Chair Anan Xola Lololi. Anan is a Food Sovereignty & Food Justice advocate, musician, and vegan of 44+ years. He is one of the founders of the Afri-Can FoodBasket (AFB) a non-profit Food Justice & Food Sovereignty organization that began in 1995 in Toronto. He has been the executive director from (1995-2021).
Presentation by Dr. Akwatu Khenti....................................12:20 PM
12:20PM - 12:40PM
A presentation from the Director of Community Resources Section at the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit (CABR) at the City of Toronto.
Presentation by Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit......12:40 PM
12:40PM - 12:45PM
A presentation from Meseret Asneke, Community Development Officer at the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit (CABR) at the City of Toronto, and Michelle Molubi, Community Development Worker at the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit (CABR) at the City of Toronto.
Conversation with BFS Advisory Circle............................12:45 PM
12:45PM - 12:55PM
As part of the Toronto Black Food Sovereignty Plan (“the Plan”) and its community co-leadership governance model, the Black Food Sovereignty Advisory Circle (BFSAC) was created to realize the full implementation of the Plan. The BFSAC consists of a diversity of Black professionals with distinct experiences and social identities from across the food system; ranging from chefs, farmers, caterers, business owners, food justice advocates, emergency food workers and food writers and artisans.
Facilitated Q&A....................................................................12:55 PM
12:55PM - 1:10PM
Poetry Performance...............................................................1:10 PM
1:10PM - 1:15PM
A poetry performance by the “Godmother of Dub Poetry” and JUNO award winner Lillian Allen.
Intermission: Networking and Expo Booth.........................1:15 PM
1:15PM - 1:30PM
Take advantage of this intermission to connect with other attendees in the networking session and interact with our supporters in the Expo Booth.
Break-Out Sessions...............................................................1:30 PM
1:30PM - 2:15PM
Session 1 - Farming and the BFSP
Session 2 - Culinary Arts and the BFSP (Restaurant/Catering)
Session 3 - Nutrition and the BFSP
Session 4 - Public Health and the BFSP
Session 5 - Activism & Advocacy and the BFSP
Session 6 - Education and the BFSP
Session 7 - Business and the BFSP
Group Discussion..................................................................2:15 PM
2:15PM - 2:45PM
Closing Remarks....................................................................2:45 PM
2:45PM - 3:00PM
Black Food Sovereignty Community Conversations
Discuss the BFS Plan with: Dr. Akwatu Khenti, Director of Community Resources Section at the City of Toronto; Meseret Asneke, Community Development Officer at the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit (CABR), Michelle Molubi, Community Development Officer at CABR, the Black Food Sovereignty Advisory Circle, Anan Lololi, Chair of the Black Food Sovereignty Working Group; and Aina-Nia Ayodele, teacher of ancient wisdom and founding champion of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit (CABR) at The City of Toronto.
The event will be hosted by Itah Sadu, dynamic poet, author and community advocate and feature a special performance from award-winning “Godmother of Dub Poetry” Lillian Allen. Expect a day of rich learning, networking, and the chance to shape public policy for Black Torontonians. Win prizes from local Black vendors and meet other passionate community champions and activists.
