IS FINDING LOVE AN IMPOSSIBLE GAME FOR BLACK SINGLES IN ONE OF CANADA’S ‘LONELIEST CITIES’?
I am pleased to support the 16th Anniversary of the Black Daddy’s Club. I will appear on the panel below:
The Black Daddies Club celebrates its 16th year anniversary with the event, Finding a Partner After 40: A Conversation with Black Folks. Happening November 25th at the scenic Evergreen Brick Works, the discussion will feature an exciting group of panellists from Canada and the United States.
The panel discussion will cover various topics, including:
- dating after a divorce
- the experiences of dating while having an STI and HIV
- dating outside of your culture, race and also outside of your country
- dating from the perspective of a recovering sex addict
- dating in a polyamorous relationship in Toronto
Read the full bios of panellists and moderators here
Finding a Partner After 40: A Conversation with Black Folks
Evergreen Brick Works
550 Bayview Ave., Toronto
Saturday, November 25th 2023. Doors open at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $35 in advance and $40 at the door
Black Daddies’ Club celebrates 16 years with special panel event focused on connection with community
Finding a partner after the age of 40 can be challenging for anyone. however, for Black folks who navigate anti-black racism, internalized racism, disclosure of an STI or HIV when dating, traditional/outdated gender expectations, among other things, the process of dating can be quite difficult and scary, and it can leave one to wonder if they will ever find the right partner for them, especially in Toronto, recently dubbed one of Canada’s loneliest cities.
The Black Daddies Club celebrates its 16th year anniversary with the event, Finding a Partner After 40: A Conversation with Black Folks. Happening November 25th at the scenic Evergreen Brick Works, his moderated conversation will feature Black therapists, Black sexual educators, Black Academics and everyday Black folks talking about their various experiences around dating and finding a partner after the age of 40. The evening aims to create a space for attendees to listen, learn, discuss — and decrease — the loneliness and isolation they might be feeling.
The panel discussion will cover various topics, including:
- dating after a divorce
- the experiences of dating while having an STI and HIV
- dating outside of your culture, race and also outside of your country
- dating from the perspective of a recovering sex addict
- dating in a polyamorous relationship in Toronto
One the panellists, Dr. Tamari Kitossa from Brock University, author of Black Men, Sexual Tropes, Trauma and Resilience, will explain the impacts of erotic racism, stereotypes and sexual trauma on Black men in the dating world.
The event welcomes anyone who’s wondering how they’re going to find ‘their person’ in our increasingly complicated world, including people of all genders who identify as Black, racialized and non-black [those who identify as white or European], people who are in relationships or single, and people above and under the age of 40.
The event partners include: The Neighborhood Group (TNG), Taibu Community Health Centre, Rainbow Railroad, Women’s Health in Women’s Hand, Riverdale Mediation, BRI Counselling, The Tech Effect, Evergreen Brick Works, Chic Peas Vegetarian, Christian Dior, Valley of Mother of God Gin, Toronto, Community Benefits Network, Alterna Savings, Local 27 and Black Men’s Therapy Fund.
Interviews with panellists and organisers are available upon request..
Read the full bios of panellists and moderators here
Panellists:
- Dr. Tamari Kitossa | Professor – Brock University | Toronto, CA
- Tomika Long | Founder of Zee-Zee’s World | Toronto, CA
- Natasha Lawrence | Community Health Worker at WHIWH CHC | Toronto, CA
- Micheal Lambie | Design Expert & Entrepreneur | Toronto, CA
- Millie Boella | Co-Founder of Decolonizing Love | Toronto, CA
- Antonio J. Wheeler Jr. | Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor | Chicago, IL
- Sean Mauricette | Laying Foundations Together Inc. (Founder & Director) | Toronto, CA
- Mara Clarke | The Law Office of Mara Clarke | (Owner & Operator) | Toronto, CA
- L.A. Wade | Author/ Director | Toronto, CA
- Adex Lava | Artist/ writer/ Curator | Montreal, QC
Moderators
- Mawuli Chai | Social Entrepreneur | Toronto, CA
- Rachael-Lea Rickards | Real Talk Creative | (Owner & Founder)
Finding a Partner After 40: A Conversation with Black Folks
Evergreen Brick Works
550 Bayview Ave., Toronto
Saturday, November 25th 2023. Doors open at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $35 in advance and $40 at the door
The Black Daddies Club is a Toronto-based grassroots organization that focuses on co-creating spaces for Black fathers, Black men and the Black community in Toronto for various community-based education initiatives.
For media inquiries: please contact Brandon Hay (Founder, the Black Daddies Club)
Tel: 416-951-6075
email: brandon@theblackdaddiesclub.com
WHO ARE THE PANELLIST FOR FINDING A PARTNER AFTER 40: CONVERSATION WITH BLACK FOLKS DISCUSSION
The Black Daddies Club wanted to highlight the bios of Finding a Partner after 40: Conversation with Black Folks, we are excited at this diverse and panellists coming from Toronto, Montreal and Chicago.
Purchase your tickets here
Mara Clarke- – Toronto
After exploring her interests in securities and corporate law during her summering and articles, upon being called to the Bar in 2008, Mrs. Mara Clarke returned to her social justice/public legal education roots when she joined the outreach team of Ontario Justice Education Network. In her role as Director of Outreach, Mara was responsible for managing the team that created programs for vulnerable youth about the law. In this role, Mara designed family law public legal education programs for some of Ontario’s most vulnerable parents, as a result of this challenging work, Mara found her passion: family law. Mara is a family law lawyer, owner and operator of The Law Office of Mara Clarke. Her resolution-focused, culturally sensitive approach to family law practice prioritizes her client’s interests and the parties’ relationship, helping them establish the “new normal” that will guide their interactions moving forward. At times, the assistance of the court is required to settle matters, in those cases, Mara offers zealous advocacy, paired with a no-nonsense but reasonable, client-focused approach. —
ADÉX LAVA – Montreal
ADÉX LAVA is a multi hypenhate artist – he is a writer, visual artist, cultural raggamuffin, installation artist, events curator, and political activist. Drawing on his interest in the arts and law, ADÉX LAVA creates work that focuses on the savage beauty of life. He is the founder of the provocative art studio known as ATELIER (UN) REMARK (ABLE).
In 2022, ADÉX LAVA explored the intersections of violence, dancehall, memory, and same-sex love through an installation and exhibition at the stack market, Toronto. Murder Music: The Malice Afterthought: is an archival account of the Stop Murder Music (Canada) campaign which he founded in 2009. Stop Murder Music (Canada) was a campaign that opposed Caribbean artists who produced music with lyrics that glorified the murder of homosexuals.
His latest body of work – BODILY FLUIDS: CUM(PILATION): is a living mosaic documenting his HIV journey by using seminal fluid in his art to disrupt our preconceived notions about
procreation, beauty, sensuality, deviant expression, and going viral.
He lives, plays, and works on the island of Montréal. http://www.adexlava.com
L.A. Wade – Toronto
Introducing L.A. Wade, a creative powerhouse whose remarkable journey continues to evolve. Not only an award-winning author and influential filmmaker, but she’s also the
visionary writer behind The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict: Vol.1 Married Men and F**k Boys and Vol.2: Friends with Benefits, but Mostly Liabilities. Her artistic repertoire now extends to the world of cinema, where she made her directorial debut with her first short film, Thirsty AF based on the anthology series.
L.A.’s is a dynamic and multifaceted artist who consistently pushes the boundaries of creativity and inspiration. Her illustrious career includes titles such as author, filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, and a captivating podcast host. Her ability to ignite authentic conversations that challenge preconceived notions and broaden horizons is to be celebrated. A testament to her profound impact on storytelling and personal growth.
L.A.’s numerous accolades and awards include the prestigious ByBlacks People’s Choice Award for Best Author, the Scotiabank African Canadian Achievement Award, The University of Toronto’s National Book and President’s Award, and the esteemed Mark Riesman Literature Award. These accolades reflect her dedication to crafting compelling narratives and unearthing deep truths while defying conventional norms.
L.A. doesn’t seek to dictate thoughts but, rather, aspires to ignite minds and connect people to something greater than themselves. L.A. Wade is a visionary storyteller on a powerful mission to make a profound and meaningful impact. Her journey continues to inspire and uplift and bring fresh perspectives and genuine connections to the world of creative storytelling.
Dr. Tamari Kitossa- Brock University- Hamilton
Dr. Tamari Kitossa is Associate Professor of Sociology at Brock University since 2006. Research and instructional interests include: Blackness and anti-Blackness; Black masculinities; African Canadian leadership; anti-criminology and counter-colonial criminology; interracial unions; gender, sex and sexuality; race; the sociology of knowledge; and war and militarism. He is co-editor and contributor of Nuances of Blackness in the Canadian Academy: Teaching, learning and researching while Black (University of Toronto Press, 2022). He is contributor and curator of Appealing Because He Is Appalling: Black masculinities, colonialism and erotic racism (University of Alberta Press, 2021). He is lead editor and contributor to African Canadian Leadership: Continuity, Transition, and Transformation (University of Toronto Press, 2019).
- Faculty profile: https://brocku.ca/social-sciences/sociology/people/tamari-kitossa/
- Website: https://tkitossa.ca/
Millie Boella- Toronto
Millie Boella (she/they) is of mixed Kenyan background, born in Kenya, and hailing from the Dorobo, Nandi, Kikuyu, and Maasai tribes, as well as having diverse ancestral roots in Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Indigenous Mexican heritage. Growing up due to her father’s work with the United Nations, Millie’s childhood was a globetrotting journey, living in Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Cambodia, and Thailand. At the age of 12, she moved to the Netherlands to live with her mother and step-father. In 2006, she relocated to Toronto, Canada, to pursue studies in English literature.
Millie’s unique experiences have shaped her identity, including her polyamorous outlook, influenced by her time in Kenya within a Maasai community that practiced polygamy. With over two decades of activism, she founded the Toronto Non-Monogamous BIPOC group (TNB) in 2017, creating a safe space for BIPOC polyamorous individuals and leading polyamory workshops tailored for BIPOC. Millie is also a professional writer, poet, social media consultant, organizer and actress.
As the co-founder of Decolonizing Love, Millie educates about polyamory from a decolonizing perspective, shedding light on how European colonization impacted relational structures, such as the formation of the nuclear family and community destruction. Decolonizing Love boasts a substantial following, with 160,000 followers and over 50 million views since its inception in November 2021. Her work on polyamory education has earned her features in prominent publications like Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, Insider, Yahoo Business, and The Daily Mail, as well as inclusion in three books. She further offers workshops and coaching services on polyamory.
Antonio J. Wheeler Jr. – Chicago
Antonio J. Wheeler Jr., Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, is a humble servant facilitating the space for change and resilience. Mr. Wheeler’s focus is to understand what has happened to you and empower individuals to reach self-actualization and sustain being anchored in wellness. Antonio is the founder of Anchored In Wellness Chicago which is a private practice that focuses on providing resilience focused therapy to Black men & youth.
Antonio J. Wheeler Jr., started his professional career over a decade ago in 2009 in the Mental Health field as a substance abuse counselor. Prior to this transition, Mr. Wheeler graduated from Chicago State University with his undergraduate’s degree in Criminal Justice. Mr. Wheeler later received his master’s degree in social work from The University of Chicago. Mr. Wheeler is in his second year of his PhD program at UIC with a focus on social work. In addition to being a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor since, Mr. Wheeler has also provided counseling to perpetrators of domestic violence & anger management. One of Mr. Wheeler’s most passionate work was providing resilience focused therapy to gunshot victims immediately following their injury.
Sean Mauricette – Toronto
Sean Mauricette has been an actor, musician, educator, and motivational speaker for more than a decade. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture, Sean has worked on various projects. Most notably, the Jane and Finch Centre for Green Change and as Head Architectural Designer for the Toronto Community Housing’s support centre for young fathers.
The recipient of more than 20 awards, Sean was presented with the 2012 Medal of Appreciation for his work with youth from the United Nations Association of Canada. In 2014 Sean caught the attention of the historic Southern Poverty Law Centre. The esteemed civil rights organization requested the use of two of his poems for their alternative-learning curriculum for teachers across the United States.
After spending years as a motivational speaker, Sean branched out and began presenting to corporations. His talk “Dismantling Racial Bias In The Workplace,” focuses on how to address anti-Black racism in the workplace and offers collaborative solutions on how to dismantle racial bias.
The Founder and Director of Laying Foundations Together inc. (LFT), Sean has helped several national and multinational companies take major strides in reaching their Diversity and Equity goals for a more inclusive workplace. Through performing, lecturing, and mentoring, Sean continues to cement his role as an active leader in the global community.
Tomika Long- Toronto
Tomika Long embodies resilience and determination. She’s the visionary behind Zee Zee’s World, a thriving Puzzle Company, with her puzzles gracing the shelves of renowned stores such as Indigo, Winners, and Marshalls. Her journey is a testament to her business acumen and her unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers.
As a devoted mother to seven children, juggling basketball practices and parent-teacher committee meetings, Tomika’s life is a whirlwind of activity. Yet, she found the time to seek love, venturing outside her comfort zone and embracing a long-distance relationship. Looking back,Tomika is amazed at the life she now leads.
With several years of marriage under her belt, she has become an inspiration to countless Black women who may have doubted the possibility of finding love, let alone a life partner. Tomika’s relationship caught fire when she decided to be open to love, regardless of geographic boundaries, and it continues to burn brightly to this day. Now, she’s ventured into the realm of long-distance love expertise, helping women in their quest for love and offering hope that their ideal partner is indeed out there, waiting to be found.
Mawuli Chai – Moderator – Toronto
Mawuli Chai is a gregarious human being who is a creative savant and social entrepreneur. He brings 10-plus years of progressive engagement in capacity building, stakeholder engagement, youth and community development, and media relations. He brings multi-sector experience that spans municipal, provincial and federal levels—leading major projects, initiatives that has had social impact on individuals, communities and organizations he has consulted and engaged with.
Mawuli is a consummate content creator, writer and publicist that brings an immersive repertoire of compelling celebrity interviews and encounters. A Carleton University alumnus with learnings in Sociology & Anthropology; with specialization in media, film and television. He has consulted with major entertainment conglomerates such as Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Def Jam Recordings. He has interviewed several celebrities including Chaka Khan, Queen Latifah, Maxwell, DeVon Franklin and Oprah Winfrey.
He has augmented his professional endeavours with his love for community by participating in youth mentorship, community development, advocacy and equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Rachael-Lea Rickards- Moderator – Toronto
Rachael-Lea Rickards is the Owner and Founder of Real Talk Creative, a design agency that curates humorous and clever gifting solutions for the corporate world. You may know her Real Talk Candles which was on Indigo, Winners and Homesense shelves and went viral in 2020.
Rachael-Lea has always been known for her Real Talk, a non apologetic approach to speaking up for herself and others. As a known event producer in the city, Rachael-Lea is also a keynote speaker, published author and playwright.
“It just made sense to be a part of this wonderful event, where she can join the conversation and be one of your hosts for the night.”
Natasha Lawrence – Toronto
Natasha Lawrence (she/her/Natty) is a Community Health Worker at WHIWH CHC. She is passionate about all things sexual health, and incorporates that passion in her day to day work supporting African, Caribbean, and Black communities. She has several years of experience providing sexual health education to youth, parents, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and applies Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression, Intersectional Feminist, and Queer Theoretical frameworks to support the communities she serves.”
Micheal Lambie– Toronto
Micheal Lambie is a design expert, entrepreneur, public speaker and multi-faceted artist with experience in graphic design and visual arts from Toronto, Canada.
Early in his career, as the Creative Director and Partner of an advertising agency, Micheal won awards developing television commercials, print ads and graphic layouts. But it was his love for decorating, designing and flipping homes, that helped him realize his passion for interior design. In 2011, he founded “Micheal Lambie Interiors”, which creates elegant and contemporary spaces for residential and commercial clients, and is now an award-winning interior design firm.
For the past three years, this Ontario College of Art and Design alumni, has been sharing his talents as a “Design Expert” on Canada’s top lifestyle television show, “CityLine”, and can now be seen as a judge on the CBC reality competition series “Best In Miniature”.
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