A youth member from BGC St. Alban’s Club, Ismael, is a leader, a big brother, and a mentor in his community. Born and raised in Toronto, he is aware of the racism and discrimination that Black youth and children experience daily—and he wants to do his part to change that. 

Hoping to become a firefighter or police officer, Ismael wants to help remove even more barriers faced by Black youth and youth of colour. 

Thank you, Ismael, for being such a great leader in your community! 

Helping young people overcome barriers since 1959, BGC Dawson provides safety, connection, and representation to Black youth in their communities, who live and embody Black culture, the Caribbean diaspora, and Canadian history.

Through community work, presence, individual and shared experiences, Club staff actively engage all youth that attend BGC Dawson in the practice of dismantling anti-Blackness and embracing Black humanity and liberation. 

BGC Clubs across the country took part in Black History Month, creating their own activations and engaging their communities. With the theme Black Excellence, BGC Preston used the month as an opportunity to celebrate their Club alumni—and through a celebration of BGC Black leaders, they demonstrated to their Club youth that anyone can overcome their barriers and thrive. 

Like other Clubs, BGC Preston recognizes the importance of having their current youth, volunteers, and staff see the success and wellness of members who used to walk through the same Club doors as them. 

Plus, all the BGC Preston alumni they celebrated have given back to the Club and community in some way, either through volunteering, becoming board members, or donating!