Welcome to The Black Community Initiative Formerly known as The Yolo Foundation
Together for a Stronger Community
At The Black Community Initiative, we advocate for Black communities across Canada to create lasting & equitable change.
Black LGBTQ+ Empowerment Circle
A monthly peer-support group that provides a safe, affirming space for Black LGBTQ+ individuals to share experiences, build connections, and receive mental wellness support. Facilitated by trained counselors with lived experience in the community.
2SLGBTQ+ Refugee & Newcomer Support
In partnership with community organizations, we offer settlement assistance, legal navigation, and cultural orientation workshops for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers of African and Caribbean descent. This includes housing referrals, mental health resources, and support letters.
Rainbow Mentorship for Black Queer Youth
This mentorship program pairs Black queer youth (ages 16–29) with LGBTQ+ professionals for guidance on career development, education, wellness, and identity affirmation. Focused on building confidence and pathways to leadership.
Supporting Black LGBTQ+ Communities in Toronto
The Black Community Initiative creates inclusive, empowering spaces for Black LGBTQ+ individuals in Toronto, offering programs that reflect their unique lived experiences at the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, and immigration.
Advocacy & Anti-Discrimination Initiatives
Our advocacy efforts focus on confronting anti-Black racism, homophobia, and transphobia within institutions and community systems. We amplify Black LGBTQ+ voices through policy dialogue, campaigns, and public education.
Cultural Celebration & Visibility Events
From Pride Month to Black History Month, we organize events that center Black LGBTQ+ excellence and celebrate intersectional identities through art, storytelling, and performance.
Our Programs
Below are the pillars of our work:
We Can End Hunger Forever
Hunger is still one the biggest – and most solvable – problems in the world. We have already made incredible progress: there are 300 million fewer hungry people now than in the 90’s. WFP is working for that every second of the day, feeding over 95 million people in urgent need and implementing programmes that tackle the causes of hunger. But this work depends on the support of people like you.
Our Accomplishments
What Is Causing the World Hunger Crisis?
That’s why we fight for the hope and happiness of young people when it’s threatened by abuse, exploitation and neglect. We see the hope and courage in young people every day, and it inspires us to support them through their most serious life challenges.
Now we’re stepping up the fight for hope and happiness at a time when it’s under threat like never before. Our goal and vision are built around the hopes of young people, to achieve long-lasting change for this generation and the ones to come.
Lack of access to nutritious food
Lack of access to nutritious food
Conflict and insecurity
Conflict and insecurity
A dramatic increase in food prices
A dramatic increase in food prices
A changing climate
A changing climate
COVID-19 and its secondary impacts
COVID-19 and its secondary impacts
Gender inequality
Gender inequality
See the Latest Stories of Hunger & Hope
Start your monthly donation to help with life-saving food to families in need
