October 27, 2022 7pm - 8:30pm EST

The Black Open Mic is a virtual program focuses on elevating the voices of the Black Community. Supporting individuals impacted by anti-black racism, marginalization, racial trauma, and intergenerational trauma by elevating their voices, sharing experiences, and expressing their creativity. Host Billie-Jane Bolton Rojo engage and bring us all together as a community.

Creating a safe space to allow participants to openly share experiences which can influence wellbeing and express themselves to grow and heal which reduces stigma for the listeners and participants. 

Sharing story telling fashion of Poetry or voicing Personal Stories, reflecting on Inspirational Quotes from Black Leaders and a Healing Activity led by culturally responsive Psychotherapist/ Social Worker Nicole Perryman and Dr. Floyd Spence who share strategies or creative processes that help participants decompress what they’ve learned and teaches them techniques on how to cope and move forward. 

The Black Open Mic night is based on a variety of evidence-based and culturally informed practices through traditional African Practices of storytelling and through the facilitation of healing activities. Facilitators are trained on Culturally relevant care to enable participants to experience comfort and expression and promote healing in a way that speaks to their identity and culture. Storytelling is also used in our approach; it is rooted in African knowledge and ways of knowing and is the origin of poetry, rap and spoken word in communities of the Black diaspora. African culture is embedded in stories, storytelling, riddles, and parables. 

Participants will build their self worth, confidence and social connectedness will improve and positively influence their quality of life. The peer support counselling facilitate access to other local mental health supports. 

Poetry writers can share their craft and allies welcome to listen in.

The Black Open Mic is offered every 3 months Virtually and at no cost to participants. Together We Are Stronger®. 

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist 

Kujenga Family Wellness Project  

Nicole Perryman, is a Registered Social Worker, Play Therapist and Psychotherapist practicing in Durham Region. Nicole started her career supporting children, youth, and families in child welfare, social services and has worked within children's mental health, parental contact and parenting time assessments, youth involved in the criminal justice system, trauma centers, and education.   Nicole is the CEO and co-founder of "Ifarada [eye -fa-ra-da] Centre for Excellence and Kujenga [cue-jenga]" Family Wellness organizations that provide culturally-informed and trauma-focused approaches for children, youth, adults, and families.  She is an occasional professor, and field supervisor for students in social work, child and youth, and counseling psychology.  She is also a principal equity consultant supporting organizations across Canada and Internationally on their equity journeys.