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 neighbourhoods. BYCAV chose BLING, the hip-hop term for jewellery, 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 activists, 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 centre 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 Missio
n) summit set for March 24th 2007.
n) summit set for March 24th 2007.In November 2008, BYCAV held its first arts-based summit, Kuumba-Nia at the University of Toronto. Heralded as a vehicle for the expression and creative conceptualization of violence and anti-violence in Toronto, Kuumba-Nia showcased local organic art forms and empowered and enlightened Toronto youth through such mediums as film, spoken word, rap, and batik art.
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 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.