Black History Month: Bloom Where Planted

Meet the event speakers and performers

Abigail Dunbar

Abigail Dunbar is a 19-year-old, Toronto dance artist. She started dancing at the age of 5 at Definitely Dance studio, located in the Jane and Finch area. She is a competitive dancer, completing 15 years dancing with the studio. There she developed her passion for dance and teaching. She trained in styles of ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, pointe and assisted teaching with them for many years.

She now runs a dance program in the Jane and Finch community called Inspiring Community Dance Connections. Where she teaches young kids how to dance, helps to inspire family bonding/safer communities and takes initiative in breaking racist stereotypes for people of colour in the dance industry.

Jermal Humphrey (JERMAL)

JERMAL is a Toronto-based artist whose music is a rich tapestry of R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Reggae influences. Seamlessly blending these genres, JERMAL delivers a sound that is both passionate and smooth, marked by soulful grooves and heartfelt emotion. His artistry shines through in two standout EPs, Rhythm & Hues Vol. 1 and Rhythm & Hues Vol. 2, accompanied by a series of memorable singles that showcase his versatility and depth.

Rooted in the essence of R&B, JERMAL creates music that speaks to the soul, provoking emotional vulnerability and forging deep connections with his listeners. With his unique sound and unwavering authenticity, JERMAL is carving his own distinctive path in R&B music.

Laura Hammond (keynote speaker)

Laura Hammond is a dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability and community-driven solutions, blending her passion for ecological restoration with economic opportunity. As the founder of Bee Connected, she creates innovative programs that connect people to pollinator stewardship, food systems education, and sustainable practices.

Currently, Laura is pursuing a degree in Governance, Law, and Management at Athabasca University and is a Masters of Environmental Science candidate. Her academic focus, paired with years of hands-on experience, shapes her approach to environmental leadership.

Natalie “Rare” Chattargoon (Emcee)

Rare is a community leader who hosts workshops across the GTA focusing on arts, mental health and wellness for holistic development. She loves supporting others in discovering or growing in their purpose within the mind, body and soul. Rare is knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate in her work ethic. With more than five years (and counting) of experience, she is truly a trailblazer at its finest, even with many barriers within her life. Resilience is the word for this woman of excellence.

Nekpen Obasogie (Panelist)

Nekpen Obasogie is an author, founder/manager of the Nigerian Canadian Multicultural Centre in Toronto, and CEO of NEBO TV. Since 2021, Nekpen has authored three history books on the advent of Europeans in West Africa (Benin Kingdom) since the late 15th century. Nekpen holds two Bachelor's degrees – Law and Society and Sociology – and a certificate in Refugee and Migration Studies from York University. She is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at OISE/ University of Toronto in the Social Justice Education (SJE) program.

In 2022, Nekpen initiated the annual Edo Language Day Worldwide (Edo is her native language in Nigeria). Last year, she coordinated her committee members to the United Nations in New York for a briefing session. Nekpen's enthusiasm for arts inspired her to establish a new Art Gallery in Brampton for academic researchers and art enthusiasts. This year, Nekpen was invited by the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities of Canada, Kamal Khera, to celebrate the Black History Month event in Ottawa with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on February 5, 2025.

Precious Danso (Panelist)

Precious embodies the essence of her name, radiating kindness, compassion, and a commitment to uplifting others. She sees herself as a servant to her community, dedicating her time and energy to those in need. As a natural leader, Precious founded Grow Esteem, a business dedicated to step into their confidence, refine their presence, and master the art of self-expression. Her work is rooted in etiquette training, and leadership coaching, helping people navigate both social and professional spaces with poise, clarity, and confidence. She also established Well Thought Of Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on creating opportunities for underserved communities.

Stephen Mensah (Panelist)

Stephen Mensah is the Executive Director of the Toronto Youth Cabinet, representing over 623,000 young Torontonians. Born in Toronto and shaped by three formative years in Ghana, Stephen brings a global perspective. His lived experiences have fueled his passion and deep commitment to social justice, equity, and youth advocacy.

Under his leadership, the Toronto Youth Cabinet has emerged as a driving force for change, securing $15 million in youth program investments, establishing five new youth hubs, and advancing policies that address systemic racism, mental health, and youth unemployment. Stephen’s leadership has influenced education policies benefiting Ontario's 2 million students, including spearheading the introduction of free menstrual products in Ontario schools, championing initiatives to combat anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism in education and securing over $150 million in additional student mental health funding.

In 2024, Stephen represented Canada at the International Youth Su

mmit in Frankfurt, Germany, promoting global youth engagement and solutions to shared challenges. His contributions have earned him several accolades, including being named one of Toronto’s Rising Stars by Toronto Life Magazine in 2023, the United Way Youth Leadership Award, and the BlackNorth Initiative Youth Leadership Award in 2024.

Driven by a vision for a just and inclusive society, Stephen continues to inspire meaningful change and build bridges of opportunity for future generations.