Black Culture
Popular Culture Project
Centering Black Youth as Cultural Producers,
Knowledge Creators, and World Builders
Join us at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) for a research-driven and community-centred exploration of Black youth excellence, creativity, and resistance through popular culture.
March 6th & 7th, 2026
Due to the overwhelming response we are now accepting registrations for the waitlist.
2026 Conference Activities
Black youth can register to participate in one, two, or all of the conference activities (please see age specification). Use the links below to register for conference events!
Black Youth Culture IS Popular Culture
Black youth are cultural producers, knowledge creators, and architects of resistance and liberation. Yet their voices are often marginalized in academic and media spaces.
Through popular culture, which includes gaming, hip-hop, visual arts, social media, and so much more, Black youth are creating meaning, imagining futures, and building community. This project amplifies those voices and creates spaces for youth to lead scholarship, celebrate their creativity, and shape the future together.
Project Partners
"This space made me feel seen and celebrated. I never knew there were so many young Black people thinking about the same things I am. It was empowering."
- Jordan, Grade 11
"I came in nervous, but left with confidence. The workshops helped me see my creativity as something valuable and worthy of sharing."
- Aisha, Grade 10
"Hearing from scholars AND young people like me showed me that my voice matters. I'm definitely coming back."
- Marcus, Grade 12