Black Women Leaders Gather in Toronto to Confront Mental-Health Challenges Facing Black Youth

Black youth mental health Toronto symposium brings researchers, advocates and community members together as Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel examines suicide-related behaviours and self-harm among Black youth.

TORONTO, ON — Black women leaders, researchers, advocates and community members are gathering in Toronto on Friday evening for a symposium focused on mental-health challenges affecting Black girls, women, youth and families.

The 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Symposium is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Woodbine Banquet Hall, 30 Vice Regent Boulevard, with organizers positioning community-led solutions and culturally responsive mental-health support at the centre of the discussion.

Research Focuses on Black Youth

The keynote speaker is Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University who is leading Canadian research into suicide-related behaviours and self-harm among Black youth.

According to information supplied by event organizers, Daniel’s research examines the experiences of Black girls and boys, LGBTQ+ youth and young people with disabilities, as well as risk and protective factors surrounding suicide-related behaviours.

The work is also examining the potential effects of racism, social isolation and limited access to culturally relevant mental-health support.

A Gap in Race-Based Data

Organizers say one of the challenges confronting researchers and communities is the absence of sufficient race-based data that would provide a clearer national picture of suicide and self-harm among Black youth in Canada.

The symposium is expected to bring together perspectives from researchers, mental-health advocates, Black women leaders and community members, with discussions centred on culturally responsive care and community-led approaches.

The gathering comes ahead of the 2026 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Book Launch and Awards Gala, scheduled for Saturday in Toronto.

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