African Descent Ontario (ADSON) in partnership with the University of Toronto African Alumni Association are pleased to present the annual African Descent Summit, with a theme “Recognition, Justice, and Development.” , that will be held in Toronto, Canada in July 2023. This conversation is important as we wrap up the “UN International Decade for people of African Descent” which will officially wind down in 2024. An array of expert speakers and panelists will examine how the past eight years have unfolded and to what extent women have been included in this important UN project: Five themes including Business, Education, Brain-drain, Health, and Leadership will be utilized to structure the conversation within the context of Recognition, Justice, and Development.

Given the dark history mired with racial segregation/violence during slavery and colonial times, many people of African Descent have used lots of platforms to advocate for their fundamental rights and equity.

The African Descent Summit is one of the platforms that will bring people of African Descent from different walks of life together to reflect on their common agenda and aspirations. The Summit will therefore strengthen action to dismantle the obstacles encountered by People of African Descent in Canada and beyond. Furthermore, it will promote knowledge about African Canadian heritage, and many fundamental contributions of People of African Descent in humanity advancement. This will be through presentations from outspoken pan African speakers, Key influential African Descent Canadians, Black Canadian, music from legendary African artists as well as showcasing of art and culture in various forms.

The African Descent Summit is one of the platforms that will bring people of African Descent from different walks of life together to reflect on their common agenda and aspirations. The Summit will therefore strengthen action to dismantle the obstacles encountered by People of African Descent in Canada and beyond. Furthermore, It will promote knowledge about African Canadian heritage, and many fundamental contributions of People of African Descent in humanity advancement. This will be through presentations from outspoken pan African speakers, Key influential African Descent Canadians, Black Canadian , music from legendary African artists as well as showcasing of art and culture in various forms.

Summit Mission

Advocating and inspiring people of African descent in Canada and International Organizations to fully participate, empower and promote the international decade for people of African Descent.

Summit Overall Goal

The overall goal of the summit is to empower the people of African Descent and contribute towards the cross-cutting issues in areas of respect, protection and fulfillment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people of African Descent as by universal declaration of human rights.

The Key Summit Objectives

The summit will:

  1. Promote African art, culture and heritage.
  2. Be a platform for the discussion and reflection on what people of African Descent in Canada have done to improve African leadership, culture, Art, Health, employment, development, and sustainable development.
  3. Focus on addressing the needs of people of African Descent in Canada and around the globe, with emphasis on vast cultural diversity and potentials.
  4. To empower the less privileged people of African descent through music and art for people of African descent
  5. To network with African professionals and to learn from each other and share cultural diversity experiences.