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POLICING AND COMMUNITY - A VOICES TOWNHALL
JUNE 11, 2026 6PM - 8PM BLACK EXPERIENCE TOWNHALL
The Durham Black Network, a division of the Carion Fenn Foundation, in partnership with Pickering Public Library, invites you to attend the Black Experience Townhall: June 11, 2026, 6pm - 8pm focusing on Policing & Community at 1 The Esplanade South, Pickering, ON L1V 2R6 Canada, Auditorium (2ndFloor). A Voices Forum, through community dialogue exploring systemic barriers and pathways to advancing equity and equality within policing. No Cost. Limited Capacity. Register now to secure a spot
improve systemic barriers together
Through speakers, community dialogue, research, shared resources, and allyship, system leaders, service providers, and members of the public will come together to listen, collaborate, and work toward meaningful change. Looking at systems and creating an environment to bring those entities to the Townhall to interact through expert presentations, real-life stories, and community dialogues with both the Black Community and Allies. Through our program structure, Black Community Members can have a platform to be heard and allies are able to listen with empathy to better understand each other and work together to improve the systemic barriers that exist. The outcome of this program is to build self worth, confidence and social connectedness to improve and positively influence their quality of life with the goal of creating equity and equality within our systems.
AGENDA: BLACK EXPERIENCE TOWNHALL THURSDAY, June 11, 2026, 6PM - 8PM
- 6:00pm – 6:20pm Networking
- 6:20pm – 6:30pm Welcome & Greetings
- 6:30pm – 6:45pm Speaker 1
David Mitchell,
Retired Officer
- 6:45pm – 7:00pm Speaker 2
Pastor BJ Daniels
Purpose Church, Pickering
- 7:00pm – 7:40pm Community Dialogue
Stories, Feedback & input
- 7:40pm – 7:50pm Meditation
Andy Tyas, Meditation Instructor
- 7:50pm – 8:00pm Closing
Get involved!
Sponsor our Black Experience Townhall and help contribute to the success of rebuilding relationships and supporting the Black Community. It’s through support like yours we are able to offer our programs for FREE to support the public and show that Together We Are Stronger®.
David Mitchell Senior Director, Operations ((YAACE) Youth Association For Academics Athletics & Character.
R. David Mitchell is a highly decorated retired public servant and leader with over 34 years of experience, he is known for his work in law enforcement, housing, and youth development. He is a founding member of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.) and the first former resident Chair of Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC). As of 2023, he continues to serve as the Senior Director of Operations for the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (YAAACE). Key Career and Community Roles
- Public Service: Mitchell is a retired 35-year Ontario public servant who held various roles within the justice policy and public safety sectors, concluding his public service career as the Assistant Deputy Minister for the Youth Justice Division.
- Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.): As a co-founder and ten-year President, he provided leadership in advocacy, community engagement, and targeted minority recruitment.
- Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC): He was appointed by Toronto Mayor David Miller to be the first Chair of the TCHC Board of Directors, notable as a former resident himself.
- YAAACE (Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education): In his current role as Senior Director of Operations, Mitchell contributes to YAAACE's mission of supporting Black and equity-denied youth through culturally reflective programs and services in academics, athletics, and violence prevention. Awards and Recognition
Mitchell's dedication to public service has earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Harry Jerome Award, the African Canadian Achievement Award, and the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement President's Award.
Pastor BJ Daniels Purpose ChurcH, Pickering
Pastor BJ Daniels is the lead pastor of Purpose Church, Pickering. He is originally from North Carolina in the United States and is married to Pastor Ayesha Daniels.
In 2025, he released his first book, 40 Days of Grief Recovery. This offers a gentle, faith-filled companion for anyone navigating the pain of loss.
He holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family therapy, has served as a clinical counsellor and is licensed in Ontario to perform civil unions while he pastors alongside his wife. He is also a professional actor with roles in several commercials, TV shows, and movies, featured in Canada and the USA.
Andy Tyas, Meditation Practitioner
Andy Tyas is an experienced educator and long-time meditation practitioner who is passionate about helping young people build confidence and experience an emotional balance. During 23 years of teaching in Pickering, Andy has worked closely with students of all ages and backgrounds, supporting them through both their academic journeys and the everyday challenges that come with growing up. His approach has always combined patience, care, and understanding how important mental well-being is for learning and personal growth. Andy began practicing and sharing guided meditation in 1997, leading hundreds of sessions over the years for anyone who has the desire to participate. His sessions focus on helping people experience peace, through a sense of self esteem and belief that they can tackle the challenges that lie before them. He believes meditation is a simple, accessible tool that can help anyone navigate their thoughts and emotions in a positive way. Outside the classroom and meditation sessions, Andy enjoys music, sports, and staying active in his community. Whether he is coaching, teaching, or guiding a short meditation, his goal is always the same: to help others feel supported, grounded, and empowered to be their best selves.
Health 180 with Carion Fenn - Rogers TV
This forum centers community voices, lived experiences, and constructive solutions that support safer, more equitable communities for all. Please note: This Townhall will be recorded for broadcast on Rogers TV. By attending, participants acknowledge and consent to the Carion Fenn Foundation, Carion Fenn and Rogers TV recording and broadcasting their image, voice, and participation as part of the program. Open to the public. Free to attend | Limited capacity. Register now to secure your spot.
Black Health Week
Black Health Week is recognized annually from the first Thursday to the second Thursday in March. It raises awareness about the health impacts of anti-Black racism on Black communities. This week serves as a time for advocacy, support, and engagement with research and resources dedicated to advancing Black health and well-being.
Radykal Jahz, Poetry
Radykal Jahz is a Jamaican born Poet who resides in Bowmanville, Ontario Canada. His Poetry is reflected of the challenged in society and his art is crafted, inspired and reflective of daily life challenges in society. With the focused theme of Faith, beneath the skin, politics, history among others to name a few, his passion can be seen in the delivery of his poetry. He's performed in various areas in Canada sharing his vision of his inspiration through poetry to bridge the injustices in society and encourage unity in society.
Poetry by: Radykal Jahz
Proudly presented by Durham Black Network
The Durham Black Network advocates for equity and equality by raising awareness of anti-Black racism in Durham Region. We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers that affect the diverse experiences of the Black community, while working alongside allies to foster meaningful, lasting change.
Get involved!
Sponsor our Black Experience Townhall and help contribute to the success of rebuilding relationships and supporting the Black Community. It’s through support like yours we are able to offer our programs for FREE to support the public and show that Together We Are Stronger®.
Community Partners:
Past Funding Contributors
