BREAKING THE CYCLE CONFERENCE

​Breaking the Cycle: Understanding the Educational Experiences of Black Children in Canada is a two-day national conference exploring systemic inequities, anti-Black racism, and pathways toward inclusive and just educational systems. Through data-informed dialogue, community knowledge, and applied practice, the conference aims to strengthen both system-level accountability and family- and community-led advocacy in education.

​We invite scholars, practitioners, educators, community leaders, parents, caregivers, youth, and advocates to share research, practice-based insights, community initiatives, and lived experiences that advance equity in education for Black children and youth.

​The conference will be held on April 24-25, 2026, and is organized around two thematic streams, each aligned with a specific conference day, audience, and purpose:

• Stream 1 (Day 1): Systems, Educators & Policy – Building Inclusive Systems

• Stream 2 (Day 2): Community, Parents & Practice – Empowering Black Families

SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITIES

​Stream 1 (Day 1): Systems, Educators & Policy – Building Inclusive Systems

Audience: Educators, administrators, superintendents, policy and program developers, school board staff and representatives, and system-adjacent professionals.

​Stream 1, which aligns with the first day of the conference, focuses on strengthening educational systems and professional practices to better support Black students. Submissions should prioritize applied, skills-based, and training-oriented approaches that educators and system actors can implement within school and board settings, including but not limited to:

• Analyses of policy and practice addressing anti-Black racism in education

• Research on institutional accountability and anti-racist frameworks

• Case studies of systemic reform in schools or school boards

• Educator training models and professional learning approaches

• Inclusive pedagogy in practice and anti-racist curriculum implementation

• Practical response frameworks for addressing and responding to reported incidents of racism

• Trauma-informed, healing-centred, and wellbeing-focused approaches for Black students

• Strategies for creating psychologically safe and affirming school environments

• Tools for advocating for culturally responsive mental health and student support resources within school systems.

• Evaluations of educator training for equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Innovative policy interventions and systemic strategies​

We strongly encourage submissions from school-based and system-adjacent mental health and student support professionals, including social workers, counsellors, psychologists, and child and youth workers, particularly those focused on culturally responsive and anti-racist practice within educational settings.

Stream 2 (Day 2): Community, Parents & Practice – Empowering Black Families

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Audience: Parents of Black children, caregivers, community members, youth, and grassroots practitioners.

Stream 2 aligns with the second day of the conference and centers family and community knowledge, advocacy, and practice. Submissions should uplift community-led, parent-led, and practice-based approaches that support Black children’s educational journeys and strengthen the relationships between families, schools, and communities, including:

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• Community-led models for uplifting and supporting Black students

• Parent- and caregiver-led workshops on advocacy tools and strategies

• Newcomer parent navigation of the Canadian school system

• Youth-led perspectives, initiatives, and creative expressions

• Programs strengthening collaboration between families and schools

• Practice insights that support wellbeing, belonging, and achievement

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We strongly encourage submissions from parents, caregivers, grassroots organizers, youth leaders, and community practitioners whose work uplifts Black students and strengthens family and community power in education. We welcome creative, culturally grounded, and intergenerational approaches that reflect the realities and resilience of Black families navigating the Canadian school system.

YOUTH PARTICIPATION

​Youth are encouraged to contribute as presenters. We especially welcome youth-led insights, projects, and creative expressions grounded in lived experience.

• Youth under 18 may submit independently or with an adult co-presenter.

• If selected, youth presenters will be supported to ensure a safe and accessible presentation experience.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

​To be considered for the conference program, please submit:

1. Title of submission
2. Abstract (300 – 500 words): A clear summary of work, including its relevance to the conference theme and aligned stream.
3. Presenter(s) Information: Full name, affiliation (if applicable), short bio (75-100 words), and contact email. A maximum of 2 presenters per submission is permitted.
4. Preferred format: Indicate whether your content is best suited as a workshop (interactive, skills-focused) or a talk (presentation of research, insights, or lived experience). All sessions will be 45 minutes long.
5. Keywords (3 – 5) that reflect your topic.

​Submissions should reflect original work, evidence-informed insights, or community practice with potential to inform discussion and action. All submissions will undergo review by the conference program committee. Submissions are welcome in English or French. The conference aims to include at least one French-language workshop on each day.

​IMPORTANT DATES

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• Call for papers open - December 22, 2025
• Submission due date - January 31, 2026
• Notification of acceptance - February 21, 2026
• Official conference program publication - March 1, 2026

REVIEW CRITERIA

​Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to the conference theme and chosen stream

• Clarity of objectives and insights

• Contribution to knowledge, practice, policy, or community empowerment

• Diversity of lived experiences

• Potential to engage participants in inclusive discussions and actions

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We welcome submissions that center Black voices, lived experiences, culturally grounded research, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. Help us build a vibrant, action-focused program that amplifies solutions and stories for equitable education for Black youth in Canada.

HOW TO SUBMIT

​Please submit your proposal via our online form: Abstract Submission Form.

​Submissions must be in English or French. Presenters selected must register for the conference and consent to sharing materials with the planning team.

​CONTACT AND SUPPORT

​For questions or accessibility support, contact Mariana Garrido through email (cmVzZWFyY2ggfCBmdXR1cmVibGFja2ZlbWFsZSAhIGNvbQ==) or by phone (+1 289 696-8441).

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