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PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN
METHOD:PUBLISH
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CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20250204T130000Z
DTEND:20250204T144500Z
X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE
SUMMARY:x2025 Black History Month Launch Event
DESCRIPTION:Empowering Black Futures: Celebrating History\, Inspiring Change\n\n\n\nJoin us on February 4 for a powerful and inspiring morning as we kick off Black History Month in collaboration with the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce and the London Black Heritage Council.\n\n\n\nThis event is a celebration of Black excellence\, resilience\, and innovation\, honouring Black communities' rich history and contributions while paving the way for a brighter\, more inclusive future.\n\nMusical Opening: Nikki Clarke will kick off the event by singing "Lift Every Voice". \n\nKeynote Speaker: Alexandra Kane\n\n\n\nPanelists:\n\n\n	Nicole Kaniki - PhD\, Director\, Senomi Solutions Inc.\n	Nikki Clarke - Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce\n	Rosina Ferede - Black Youth Connect \n	Charles Fordjour - National Sales Manager - Aftermarket - Carfax Canada\n	Carl Cadogan - London Black Heritage Council \n\n\n\n\nAbout our Speakers\n\n\n\nAlexandra Kane\n\nPerforming artist\, music director\, producer\, equity transformation coach\, and activist. Alex holds a B.MusA from Western University\, a graduate certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Fanshawe\, and a graduate certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Mom to 4-year-old Kenneth and 2-month-old Zahra and wife to Ryan\, Alex has transitioned from small business owner to professional musician\, with several fantastic projects on the go. As a community change maker\, she leads Black Lives Matter London and works as a founding member of Black London Network. \n \n\nCarl Cadogan - London Black Heritage Council\n\nCarl Cadogan has served on numerous boards\, committees\, and task forces\, including the CBA\, the Premier's Council on the Voluntary Sector\, and the Provincial Work Group on Gaming. Carl has worked in the Charitable sector for almost thirty years and is currently the Senior Regional Manager for the Kidney Foundation of Canada. He is also the Chair of the London Black History Coordinating Committee and is part of other national and local organizations. Carl is working on his collection of short stories he hopes to be published in 2024 or 2025.\n \n\nNicole Kaniki - Director - Senomi Solutions Inc.\n\nDr. Nicole Kaniki is the Director of Senomi Solutions Inc.\, an Equity\, Diversity\, and Inclusion (EDI) Consulting company based in London\, Ontario\, where she supports institutions and organizations in developing and implementing EDI strategies. Dr. Kaniki has held several EDI leadership roles in post-secondary education in Canada\, including the Director of EDI in Research and Innovation at the University of Toronto and as the former Special Advisor on Anti-racism to the President at Western University. Grounded in social justice\, she advocates for the needs of equity-denied groups throughout her practices and amplifies marginalized and minoritized voices.\n \n\n \n\nNikki Clarke - National Business and Membership Manager - Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce\n\nNikki Clarke is the founder\, producer\, and host of the multiple award-winning talk show The Nikki Clarke Show on Afroglobal TV Network and on www.nikkiclarkenetwork.com. Nikki is the Immediate Past President of the Ontario Black History Society. Nikki has over 25 years of experience as a community activist. Nikki is an honouree of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2022. In 2023\, Nikki was nominated for RBC's Women of Influence\, Broadcast Media by the Black Business\, Professionals and Entrepreneur Awards\, Entrepreneur and Business by the Waterfront Awards\, and Torchbearer's Award by the Voice of Africa. Nikki is the National Business Manager for the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce.\n \n\nRosina Ferede - Social Media Manager and Session Facilitator - Black Youth Connect\n\nRosina Bethlehem Ferede is an artist who works in creation and collaboration in different capacities in and around the city. She is the social media manager and one of the lead facilitators at Black Youth Connect\, a drop in program for Black youth in the city\, where she has seen how community engagement and cultivating leadership has made a difference. \n\n\n\nCharles Fordjour- National Sales Manager - Aftermarket - Carfax Canada\n\n\n\nCharles Fordjour is a seasoned sales leader and coach with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals and teams reach their full potential. Currently serving as the National Sales Manager for the Aftermarket Department at Carfax Canada\, Charles has built a successful career rooted in his passion for mentorship and empowerment.\n\n \n\nThroughout his extensive career\, Charles has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a keen ability to inspire those around him. His leadership style is characterized by genuine care for others' development\, enabling them to thrive in their roles and achieve their personal and professional goals.\n\n \n\nIn addition to his professional accomplishments\, Charles actively volunteers with Accelerate Auto\, an organization dedicated to advancing young Black professionals within the automotive industry. His involvement with this organization reflects his belief in the importance of representation and support for underrepresented communities. Charles is dedicated to creating pathways for the next generation of leaders and fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.\n\n  \n\nAs a panelist for this year's Black History Month discussion\, Charles will share his insights on the significance of mentorship\, the role of leadership in driving change\, and the importance of perseverance in pursuing one's dreams. His experiences in the automotive industry\, combined with his commitment to uplifting others\, make him a compelling voice for empowerment and progress.\n\nhttps://www.accelerateauto.ca/en/whoweare\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhotography and Video Disclaimer: The London Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to photograph\, record\, and livestream this event.  These photos and videos may be used in publications\, posters and/or graphics. By registering for this event\, you understand and acknowledge that your photograph and videos with you in them may be taken and used\, per the discretion of the London Chamber of Commerce.
X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:<p><span style="font-size:16px\;"><strong>Empowering Black Futures: Celebrating History\, Inspiring Change</strong><br />\n<br />\nJoin us on February 4 for a powerful and inspiring morning&nbsp\;as we kick off Black History Month in collaboration with the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce and the London Black Heritage Council.<br />\n<br />\nThis event is a celebration of Black excellence\, resilience\, and innovation\, honouring Black communities&#39\; rich history and contributions while paving the way for a brighter\, more inclusive future.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style="font-size: 16px\;"><strong>Musical Opening:</strong> Nikki Clarke will kick off the event by singing &quot\;Lift Every Voice&quot\;.&nbsp\;</span></p>\n\n<p><span style="font-size:16px\;"><strong>Keynote Speaker: </strong>Alexandra Kane<br />\n<br />\n<strong>Panelists:</strong></span></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li><span style="font-size:16px\;">Nicole Kaniki - PhD\, Director\, Senomi Solutions Inc.</span></li>\n	<li><span style="font-size:16px\;">Nikki Clarke - Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce</span></li>\n	<li><span style="font-size:16px\;">Rosina Ferede - Black Youth Connect&nbsp\;</span></li>\n	<li><span style="font-size:16px\;">Charles Fordjour - National Sales Manager - Aftermarket - Carfax Canada</span></li>\n	<li><span style="font-size:16px\;">Carl Cadogan - London Black Heritage Council&nbsp\;</span></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br />\n<span style="font-size:16px\;"><u><strong>About our Speakers</strong></u></span><br />\n<br />\n<span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; background-color: transparent\; font-weight: 700\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Alexandra Kane</span></span></span></p>\n\n<p><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Performing artist\, music director\, producer\, equity transformation coach\, and activist. Alex holds a B.MusA from Western University\, a graduate certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Fanshawe\, and a graduate certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Mom to 4-year-old Kenneth and 2-month-old Zahra and wife to Ryan\, Alex has transitioned from small business owner to professional musician\, with several fantastic projects on the go. As a community change maker\, she leads Black Lives Matter London and works as a founding member of Black London Network.&nbsp\;</span></span></p>\n&nbsp\;\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;"><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; background-color: transparent\; font-weight: 700\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Carl Cadogan - London Black Heritage Council</span></span></span></p>\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;"><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; background-color: transparent\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Carl Cadogan has served on numerous boards\, committees\, and task forces\, including the CBA\, the Premier&rsquo\;s Council on the Voluntary Sector\, and the Provincial Work Group on Gaming. Carl has worked in the Charitable sector for almost thirty years and is currently the Senior Regional Manager for the Kidney Foundation of Canada. He is also the Chair of the London Black History Coordinating Committee and is part of other national and local organizations. Carl is working on his collection of short stories he hopes to be published in 2024 or 2025.</span></span></span></p>\n&nbsp\;\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;"><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; background-color: transparent\; font-weight: 700\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Nicole Kaniki - Director - Senomi Solutions Inc.</span></span></span></p>\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;"><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; background-color: transparent\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Dr. Nicole Kaniki is the Director of Senomi Solutions Inc.\, an Equity\, Diversity\, and Inclusion (EDI) Consulting company based in London\, Ontario\, where she supports institutions and organizations in developing and implementing EDI strategies. Dr. Kaniki has held several EDI leadership roles in post-secondary education in Canada\, including the Director of EDI in Research and Innovation at the University of Toronto and as the former Special Advisor on Anti-racism to the President at Western University. Grounded in social justice\, she advocates for the needs of equity-denied groups throughout her practices and amplifies marginalized and minoritized voices.</span></span></span></p>\n&nbsp\;\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;">&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;"><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; background-color: transparent\; font-weight: 700\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Nikki Clarke - National Business and Membership Manager - Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce</span></span></span></p>\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;text-align: justify\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;"><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; background-color: transparent\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Nikki Clarke is the founder\, producer\, and host of the multiple award-winning talk show The Nikki Clarke Show on Afroglobal TV Network and on www.nikkiclarkenetwork.com. Nikki is the Immediate Past President of the Ontario Black History Society. Nikki has over 25 years of experience as a community activist. Nikki is an honouree of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2022. In 2023\, Nikki was nominated for RBC&rsquo\;s Women of Influence\, Broadcast Media by the Black Business\, Professionals and Entrepreneur Awards\, Entrepreneur and Business by the Waterfront Awards\, and Torchbearer&rsquo\;s Award by the Voice of Africa. Nikki is the National Business Manager for the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce.</span></span></span></p>\n&nbsp\;\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;"><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(0\, 0\, 0)\; background-color: transparent\; font-weight: 700\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Rosina Ferede - Social Media Manager and Session Facilitator - Black Youth Connect</span></span></span></p>\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;"><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba81bb74-7fff-523d-44df-d4b42c32b829"><span style="font-family: Arial\, sans-serif\; color: rgb(34\, 34\, 34)\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; font-variant-emoji: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Rosina Bethlehem Ferede is an artist who works in creation and collaboration in different capacities in and around the city. She is the social media manager and one of the lead facilitators at Black Youth Connect\, a drop in program for Black youth in the city\, where she has seen how community engagement and cultivating leadership has made a difference. </span></span><br />\n<br />\n<span style="color:#000000\;"><strong>Charles Fordjour- National Sales Manager - Aftermarket - Carfax Canada</strong></span><br />\n<br />\n<span style="color:#000000\;">Charles Fordjour is a seasoned sales leader and coach with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals and teams reach their full potential. Currently serving as the National Sales Manager for the Aftermarket Department at Carfax Canada\, Charles has built a successful career rooted in his passion for mentorship and empowerment.<br />\n&nbsp\;<br />\nThroughout his extensive career\, Charles has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a keen ability to inspire those around him. His leadership style is characterized by genuine care for others&#39\; development\, enabling them to thrive in their roles and achieve their personal and professional goals.<br />\n&nbsp\;<br />\nIn addition to his professional accomplishments\, Charles actively volunteers with Accelerate Auto\, an organization dedicated to advancing young Black professionals within the automotive industry. His involvement with this organization reflects his belief in the importance of representation and support for underrepresented communities. Charles is dedicated to creating pathways for the next generation of leaders and fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.<br />\n&nbsp\;&nbsp\;<br />\nAs a panelist for this year&rsquo\;s Black History Month discussion\, Charles will share his insights on the significance of mentorship\, the role of leadership in driving change\, and the importance of perseverance in pursuing one&rsquo\;s dreams. His experiences in the automotive industry\, combined with his commitment to uplifting others\, make him a compelling voice for empowerment and progress.</span></span><br />\n<a href="https://www.accelerateauto.ca/en/whoweare"><span style="font-size:16px\;">https://www.accelerateauto.ca/en/whoweare</span></a></p>\n\n<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38\;margin-top:0pt\;margin-bottom:0pt\;">&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<div><br />\n<br />\n<br />\n<span style="font-size:14px\;"><strong>Photography and Video Disclaimer:</strong> The London Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to photograph\, record\, and livestream this event.&nbsp\; These photos and videos may be used in publications\, posters and/or graphics. By registering for this event\, you understand and acknowledge that your photograph and videos with you in them may be taken and used\, per the discretion of the London Chamber of Commerce.</span></div>\n
LOCATION:London Chamber of Commerce 101 244 Pall Mall Street London\, ON N6A 5P6
UID:e.2487.1581
SEQUENCE:3
DTSTAMP:20260417T121313Z
URL:https://business.londonchamber.com/events/details/x2025-black-history-month-launch-event-1581
END:VEVENT

END:VCALENDAR
