First Quarter of 2026
Thanks to the support, encouragement and participation of our community members the first Quarter of 2026 has been amazing. Find below a brief recap.
January 3rd – March 27th 2026
Over 25 youth and 10 adults participated in weekly Yoruba dance rehearsals, culminating in a powerful cultural performance at our sold-out Taste of Africa event. This performance showcased storytelling, discipline, and cultural pride on stage.
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2. Volunteer Impact
AADFC’s success continues to be driven by strong community support:
45+ volunteers packed and prepared food
30+ cultural models participated in the fashion showcase
Volunteers contributed over 600 hours of service during this period.
This level of commitment reflects the strength and dedication of our community.
3. Black History Month Proclamation (February 1, 2026)
AADFC proudly hosted our Annual Black History Month Proclamation.
Highlights:
Attendance by Her Honour Salma Lakhani,
Recognition led by Mayor Scott Olivieri
Celebration of Black-owned businesses in St. Albert
This was a powerful moment of visibility, recognition, and community pride.
See our photo recap
Black History Month Presentations and Engagements
AADFC delivered extensive educational programming across the community
Toni Harrison Sessions (Jan 13 – Feb 3)
Rotary Club Presentation (Jan 24)
Cultural Cooking Sessions (Feb 2 & 9)
Steel Drumming Workshop (Feb 3 – Daniel George)
Elmer S. Gish School (Feb 11 – Helena Afrane)
St. Albert Chamber Spotlight (Feb 11 – Ray Watkins)
Sister Alphonse School (Feb 12 – Helena Afrane)
Anti-Racism Sessions (Feb 20 & 23 – Toni Harrison)
Bertha Kennedy School (March 4 – Danielle George)
4-Week Learning Series (Completed):In partnership with the St. Albert Public Library
Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures Developed by the University of Alberta. Facilitated by Toni Harrison
Through these engagements, AADFC reached over 3,500 students and members of the St. Albert community, significantly increasing awareness, inclusion, and cultural understanding.
5. Youth Development – Tutoring Program
As part of our youth program, AADFC supported 30+ tutoring sessions for youth in our community. This initiative helped:
Improve academic confidence
Provide mentorship and guidance
Support youth in overcoming learning challenges
This work reflects our commitment to investing in the success and future of our young people.
6. Community & Cultural Kitchen Engagement
February 27: West Country Hearth Presentation
March 17: Cultural Kitchen at St. Albert Food Bank
These sessions used food, storytelling, and shared experiences to build connection, inclusion, and cultural understanding.
7. Community Partnerships (March 12, 2026)
AADFC partnered with the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association for their Light Up the Night – Concert for Compassion. Through Apam Cultural Consult, we brought Afro-Caribbean culture to the stage, contributing to a meaningful community event centered on care and compassion.
8. Advocacy for Our Youth (March 20, 2026)
AADFC met with the principal and teachers of Paul Kane High School to advocate for students facing challenges related to racism.
This engagement focused on:
Promoting safe and inclusive school environments
Supporting affected students
Strengthening collaboration between families and schools
Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.
