EVENTS THAT CREATE APPROACHABLE OPPORTUNITIES: Young, Black & Gifted Event

This past weekend, I had the privilege of volunteering for the Young, Black and Gifted Event produced by my good friend Leo Campbell. 

Young Black & Gifted (YBG), Dare II Dream, launched in 2011 as Toronto’s Premiere Black History Youth event that inspires Black Youth enterprise, discovers new artistic talent and celebrates T.dot’s finest rising stars in our communities. YBG also delivers a motivational youth address that speaks to the pride, boldness and dedication to be resilient, ambitious, and determined to be successful despite all odds. - www.ybgevents.com

This year, we were addressed by four inspiring individuals:


Jesse Jones | Innovator | Speaker | Cultural Architect | Brand Builder
Dwayne Morgan | Poet. Speaker. Social Entrepreneur
Al St. Louis | Spoken Word Poet | Actor | Motivational Educator
Danielle Dowdy | Toronto Police Service 


I went to this event last year and was inspired by the life changing stories that the presenters shared.  Their accounts on how they became the individuals they are today motivated you to want to accomplish your own goals.  This year triggered the same results.  




We were also entertained by the following individuals: 


Andrew Forde, The Violinist | Janee Olivia | Keysha Freshh | Yung Saintz | Jade’s Dance Academy | Saxophonist, Patrick Walton | Owen “Blakka” Ellis | Jesse Ellis | IatunbI | Live Band


The entertainment is always good.  A few entertainers returned from last year and we had a couple of new performers. 




Something new this year was the Young, Black and Gifted Awards. The Honoree's were:


Jerome Morgan | Youth Advocate | Educator

Tamika S Johnson | Editor in Chief of Boss Magazine | Youth Advocate

Clayton Thomas | Founder | Recognize the Real, Life Skills and Education

Richard Kojo Bonsu Addo | President & Founder, Change Promotions


These young adults were recognized for their contributions into the community. 




What made it an event that created approachable opportunities?

• Distinguish individuals such as the President of Hitachi Canada attended this event and you had the opportunity to introduce yourself to them, as well as, network with them, before the event, during intermission and at the end of the event
• You also had the opportunity to network with the presenters, in addition to networking with all the attendees.   

Approach2link loves to hear about events that create approachable opportunities.  If your event is an event that encourages interaction and you would like approach2link to cover or promote your event, please email approach2link@approach2link.com for more information...