About Us

Introduction and Briefing

BYCAV is a group of Black Youth that want to make a difference and end the violence faced by our brothers and sisters in Toronto. We formed in the summer of 2005 during another outbreak of gun violence in this city; gun violence which has disportionately affected the lives of young Black men and women. From the start we made it clear that gun violence was just a symptom coming from the deeper issues that have put our community in a crisis situation. Racism, lack of real jobs, lack of youth programming, a school system that has failed many of us, and daily media misrepresentation are all part of the causes.

Through the BLING Summit, Harmony Dinner, highschool outreach and other community initiatives BYCAV is continuing the work we started that summer in 2005. We said “Bring Love In Not Guns” – BLING – and put the spotlight on the Black youth who were shining for their dedication to their community when the media was filled with images of us as criminals and gangstas. Now we continue to fight the stereotypes and negative self images that we face by putting forward the truth about Black youth in Toronto: that we are a powerful force for positive change and are constantly doing big things in our community, in our city and in our world. We will continue to organize and unify youth from Brampton to Scarborough, Rexdale to Downtown under our original BLING Summit slogan “Black Youth Stand Up!!!”

History

At a Regent Park community meeting in August 2005, the idea of creating a coalition of Black youth groups across Toronto in response to the gun violence plaguing the city was first debated by local black youth. The Black Youth Coalition of Violence (BYCAV) came out of this discussion, founded by proactive youth from The Black Students Association at the University of Toronto (BSA), York Universities Black Students Alliance (YUBSA), The Rooted African and Caribbean Association (RACA), the UofT SAC Equity Commission and Black Youth United (BYU). From the outset their goal was to help black youth overcome the violence that has disproportionately affected their communities by building a network of community based allies and launching outreach and awareness campaigns.

BYCAV’s initial project was the Bring Love In Not Guns (BLING) campaign, which aimed to inspire youth to strive for excellence by making a positive contribution to their neighborhoods. BYCAV chose BLING, the hip-hop term for jewelry, to counter the materialistic mentality that has been embraced by many black youth. The BLING campaign included posters that feature black youth who are leaders in their community, and BLING bracelets, which were sold as a fundraiser for the organizations first major summit.

The BLING Summit was held at the University of Toronto on January 26, 2006. The event was a resounding success, drawing over 900 guests that included community activist, college and university students, and most importantly black youth of all ages from across the Greater Toronto Area. At the summit the youth were engaged by interactive workshops that addressed issues such as self-identity, politics, stereotypes and African Canadian History. Youth were also given an opportunity to showcase their talents at the BLING Showcase that featured local hip-hop and reggae artists, spoken word poetry and dance ensembles. In the months leading up to the summit a creative arts competition was also coordinated by the BYCAV.

Following the BLING Summit BYCAV organized, in partnership with the Toronto Youth Cabinet, The Harmony Dinner on June 9th 2006. This was a free networking gala event for youth leaders across Toronto. Over 350 youth, representing over 40 different community organizations, came out to the Harmony event. Local artists and speakers entertained guests while participants discussed ways their organizations could collaborate in more meaningful ways.

Following the Harmony dinner BYCAV secured an office space and began holding regular open meetings. In Fall 2006 BYCAV began working on a series of new initiatives including supporting a young women’s program in the Jane Finch area and a detention center visit initiatives. In December 2006 work began on planning the follow-up to the BLING summit, the F.R.E.E.D.O.M (Finding Real Economic Enterprises Driving Our Mission) summit set for March 24th 2007.

Along with these major events members of BYCAV have been active in engaging youth at conferences, high schools and other community events. BYCAV has worked with and gained support from a range of different community partners including the University of Toronto, the United Church of Canada, the Toronto Youth Cabinet, the Coalition of African Canadian Community Organizations and Toronto Community Housing Corporation. BYCAV members have met with representatives from all levels of government, and have aggressively campaigned to inject an authentic black youth voice into the debate on violence. In conjunction with other groups the BYCAV has attended meetings with Prime Minster Paul Martin, Governor General Michelle Jean, Toronto Police Services Chief Bill Blair, NDP leaders Jack Layton and Howard Hampton and representatives from the mayor of Toronto’s office. In its brief history the BYCAV has managed to successfully push forward its agenda. The group has also received coverage from all major media outlets including the CBC, Global News, Much Music, CTV News, CFRB 1010 and the Toronto Star.