Dates
Empowering Black Futures: Celebrating History, Inspiring Change
Join us on February 4 for a powerful and inspiring evening as we kick off Black History Month in collaboration with the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce and the London Black Heritage Council.
This event is a celebration of Black excellence, resilience, and innovation, honouring Black communities' rich history and contributions while paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Musical Opening: Nikki Clarke will kick off the event by singing "Lift Every Voice".
Keynote Speaker: Carl Cadogan - London Black Heritage Council
Panelists:
- Dr. Nicole Kaniki - PhD, Director, Senomi Solutions Inc.
- Nikki Clarke - Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
- Rosina Ferede - Black Youth Connect
Additional panelists will be announced soon.
About our Speakers
Carl Cadogan has served on numerous boards, committees, and task forces, including the CBA, the Premier’s Council on the Voluntary Sector, and the Provincial Work Group on Gaming. Carl has worked in the Charitable sector for almost thirty years and is currently the Senior Regional Manager for the Kidney Foundation of Canada. He is also the Chair of the London Black History Coordinating Committee and is part of other national and local organizations. Carl is working on his collection of short stories he hopes to be published in 2024 or 2025.
Nikki Clarke is the founder, producer, and host of the multiple award-winning talk show The Nikki Clarke Show on Afroglobal TV Network and on www.nikkiclarkenetwork.com. Nikki is the Immediate Past President of the Ontario Black History Society. Nikki has over 25 years of experience as a community activist. Nikki is an honouree of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2022. In 2023, Nikki was nominated for RBC’s Women of Influence, Broadcast Media by the Black Business, Professionals and Entrepreneur Awards, Entrepreneur and Business by the Waterfront Awards, and Torchbearer’s Award by the Voice of Africa. Nikki is the National Business Manager for the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Nicole Kaniki is the Director of Senomi Solutions Inc., an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Consulting company based in London, Ontario, where she supports institutions and organizations in developing and implementing EDI strategies. Dr. Kaniki has held several EDI leadership roles in post-secondary education in Canada, including the Director of EDI in Research and Innovation at the University of Toronto and as the former Special Advisor on Anti-racism to the President at Western University. Grounded in social justice, she advocates for the needs of equity-denied groups throughout her practices and amplifies marginalized and minoritized voices.
Rosina Bethlehem Ferede is an artist who works in creation and collaboration in different capacities in and around the city. She is the social media manager and one of the lead facilitator's at Black Youth Connect, a drop in program for Black youth in the city, where she has seen how community engagement and cultivating leadership has made a difference.
Photography and Video Disclaimer: The London Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to photograph, record, and livestream this event. These photos and videos may be used in publications, posters and/or graphics. By registering for this event, you understand and acknowledge that your photograph and videos with you in them may be taken and used, per the discretion of the London Chamber of Commerce.
