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Public Speaking
Youth Leadership Program
Youth Leadership Program
The Public Speaking Youth Leadership Program empowers Black youth in Toronto by providing a culturally affirming, supportive space to develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills. Co-facilitated with Ebony Toastmasters International and peer mentors, the eight-week program blends skill-building workshops, interactive activities, and mentorship from role models who reflect participants’ identities and lived experiences. The overall goal is to equip youth with the tools to express themselves effectively, advocate for their communities, and succeed academically and professionally. Outcomes include increased self-confidence, improved public speaking and leadership abilities, stronger cultural pride, and deeper community connections. By removing financial and access barriers, we ensure all participants can thrive, fostering resilience and empowering the next generation of Black leaders who will return as mentors, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and positive change within the community.
Confidence Boost:
Confidence Boost:
Students became more comfortable speaking to groups and sharing ideas.
Leadership Growth:
Leadership Growth:
They embraced leadership as guidance, collaboration, and service.
Community Building:
Community Building:
Strong bonds formed between youth who had never met before.
MISSION and VALUES
Our Mission
We empower Black youth, help them build confidence, and promote leadership. Our goal is to provide Black youth with the tools they need to succeed.
Our Values
Our core principles guide our work and shape our community:
Cultural Pride: Celebrating and respecting the rich heritage of Black culture.
Excel in Communication: Striving to communicate clearly and effectively.
Respect and Inclusivity: Creating an environment where everyone's voice is valued.
Community Engagement: Actively participating in and improving our communities.
Together, we are dedicated to helping the next generation of leaders uplift and inspire their communities!
The importance of public speaking for Black youth:
The importance of public speaking for Black youth:
"When Black youth find their voice, they begin to shape their world."
"Public speaking turns silence into power and presence into purpose."
"Every word spoken with confidence chips away at centuries of silence."
"Our voices are not just sounds—they are tools of change, legacy, and liberation."
"The mic becomes a mirror where Black youth see themselves as leaders."
"When Black youth speak boldly, history listens and the future responds."
"Public speaking teaches that your story matters—especially when the world says it doesn’t."
"A strong voice builds bridges, breaks barriers, and inspires revolutions."
"To speak is to exist; to be heard is to matter."
"When Black youth speak, the future listens."
"Your voice is power. Use it, don’t mute it."
"Silence won’t save us. Speaking up might."
"Black voices belong in every room. Especially the loud ones."
"Confidence on the mic becomes courage in life."
"Your story has weight. Say it with your chest."
"The more we speak, the less we’re erased."
"For Black youth, public speaking is protest, pride, and possibility."
TESTIMONIALS
See what our participants and parents have to say
See what our participants and parents have to say
"I am glad that my mom signed me up for this course. It was great learning public speaking skills from BLACK educators, surrounded by students that looked like me. I always felt comfortable and the activities were engaging"
Ruth M.
"it was a joy to witness my daughters transformation. She became a much more confident in speaking publicly in such a relatively short time. The course was very engaging as my daughter was very excited to attend each session. Before taking this course my daughter often had comments on her report card regarding projecting her voice. I am sure I will not be seen this comment on report cards again even her posture during presentations exudes confidence"
Kathy M.
"My child looked forward each week to attending. The sessions were very engaging and thought-provoking. She always came back excited to share her experiences at the sessions. She made new friends and improved her confidence in public speaking."
Parent
Gallery
First Cohort
First Cohort
First Cohort Summary
First Cohort Summary
Second Cohort
Second Cohort
Partnerships and Collaborations
Rita Burke
Yolanda Haywood
Sam Burke
Mentor and Mentor Organizations: Community resources dedicated to empowering Black youth.
Ruth Burke
Ruth Burke
Ebony Toastmasters
Yolanda Haywood
Yolanda Haywood
Ebony Toastmasters
Sam Burke
Sam Burke
Ebony Toastmasters
Youth Unlocked
Youth Unlocked
Kimora
Falstaff Community Centre
Falstaff Community Centre
Nadine Mullings
RESOURCES
Notable Black Canadian Public Speakers:
1. Jean Augustine
Why Include: First Black woman elected to the Canadian Parliament. Known for advocating for multiculturalism, women’s rights, and designating February as Black History Month in Canada.
“She brought Black History to Parliament. Jean Augustine speaks with heart and history.”
2. André De Grasse
Why Include: Olympic medalist and motivational speaker who often addresses youth on perseverance, confidence, and overcoming adversity.
“More than medals—he speaks to dreams, discipline, and defying odds.”
3. Dr. Afua Cooper
Why Include: Historian, poet, and activist who speaks on the Black Canadian experience, slavery, and identity.
“Dr. Cooper tells the truth Canada forgot. Her voice is knowledge and fire.”
4. Esi Edugyan
Why Include: Two-time Giller Prize winner, often delivers compelling keynotes on race, storytelling, and Black presence in Canadian literature
“Her words are literature and liberation. Esi speaks softly and strikes deeply.”
5. Dionne Brand
Why Include: Poet and public intellectual whose speeches blend art, politics, and identity.
“She doesn’t just speak poetry—she speaks protest.”
Famous Speeches
MLK’s “I Have a Dream,”
Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet,”
Amanda Gorman’s Inaugural Poem
Barack Obama’s DNC Keynote
Angela Davis at UCLA
James Baldwin’s Oxford Debate
Maya Angelou’s “On the Pulse of Morning,”
Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
Sojourner Truth, "Ain’t I a Woman?"
Jesse Jackson, 1984 DNC
John Lewis: "Get in Good Trouble"
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
ABOUT US
Darius Bruno
Director
Darius Bruno
Director
I am 25 and born in Toronto. I have a BA in Psychology from Wilfred Laurier University and a diploma in Computer Programming from Seneca College.
I am the Director of Echoes for Excellence, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black youth through public speaking and leadership development. With a strong commitment to community building and equity, I founded and leads the organization with the vision of creating safe, culturally affirming spaces where youth can build confidence, develop communication skills, and grow as leaders.
I work closely with facilitators, mentors, and partners like Ebony Toastmasters International to ensure programs are impactful and accessible. My leadership style is rooted in collaboration and lived experiences, reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths of Black youth in Toronto.
I am passionate about uplifting the next generation, I am dedicated to helping young people find their voice and use it to inspire positive change in their communities and beyond.
Malachi Bruno
Business Manager
Malachi Bruno
Business Manager
I am 22 and born Scarborough. I am a student at Toronto Metropolitian University - Ted Rogers School of Business - Global Management Studies.
I am the Business Manager for Echoes for Excellence, where they help make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. From handling budgets to supporting events and programs, I continue to play a key role in keeping the Public Speaking Youth Leadership Program strong and growing.
Passionate about creating opportunities for other young people, I brings fresh ideas, energy, and dedication to the team. As a young leader, I understand the challenges Black youth face and are committed to helping remove barriers. I am proof that youth can take on leadership roles today—not just in the future—and is excited to help inspire and support the next generation of confident speakers and community leaders.
Jelani McLean
Community Engagement Manager
Jelani McLean
Community Engagement Manager
I’m 29 years of age, born in Toronto Ontario. I have a diploma in Event & Venue Management and I am of Caribbean heritage.
I am the Community Engagement Manager for Echoes for Excellence, dedicated to building strong connections between youth, families, and community partners. Passionate about creating opportunities for Black youth, I bring the program to life by organizing outreach, partnerships, and events that reflect the voices and needs of the community.
At the heart of their work is a belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. With creativity, energy, and lived experience, I ensure the program is not only about public speaking but also about building relationships and strengthening community pride.
My role in the Echoes for Excellence public speaking program is Community Engagement Manager. I research and source creative marketing strategies, target goals, venue scouting, and event coordination.
Being able to effectively communicate is an essential tool everyone needs to have. I faced many challenges with public speaking, one of those challenges was speaking under my breath. After being told over and over again to speak up, I learned to start off with a strong voice and finish with a strong voice as well.
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