Joe G. Thomas is an Author, Farmer, and founder of Black Vegans of Toronto. He is a strong advocate of a plant-based lifestyle and food justice and sovereignty for Black and racialized people.

My name is Cara McArthur. I am a community advocate, public speaker, educator, and community engagement specialist who is passionate about working with historically underserved populations. The focus of my work to date includes urban agriculture, public speaking, community development and advocacy via Anti-Oppressive frameworks, workshop facilitation, program management, and...

Pamela Phan is a lifelong resident and community worker in the Jane-Finch community, working in food and climate justice, anti-poverty, and community-building based on care. She holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from York University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Queen’s University where her research focused...

My name is Ernest Barnie. I am a Registered Social Service worker, currently serving as a Case Manager (Job Retention Specialist) at the YMCA for nearly two years. I graduated from the Social Service Worker program at Seneca College, where I had the opportunity to complete my internship at the Spot...

My family immigrated from Ghana to Canada in the late 1970s, settling in Jane/Finch (Driftwood) where I spent my childhood before moving to the Peel region. Several years later, after completing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at York University, I began employment with the City of Toronto’s Community Gardens...

Hello. My name is Bernice Yanful. I am a current BCCF steering committee member. I recently completed PhD studies at the University of Toronto. My research was focused on school food programs and their connection to food security and food sovereignty. I am currently a postdoctoral fellow, focused on research...

Charlyn Ellis has been an active member of the urban farming community for over fifteen years. Since 2009, she has been a dedicated supporter of the Emmett Communal Garden, serving as the garden coordinator, providing administrative support, and offering hands-on assistance in the garden.  In addition to her work with...

Sam Tecle is Assistant Professor of Community Engaged Learning at New College, University of Toronto. His work focuses on Black and Diaspora Studies, Urban Studies, and Sociology of Education. His forthcoming work: Black Grammars: On Difference and Belonging focuses on the experiences and perspectives relating to blackness and Black identification of East African...

Aisha Jalloh is a current student at York University completing her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Aisha’s experience with food insecurity and passion for alleviating food insecurity is what connects her to Black Creek Community Farm. As a steering committee member, Aisha hopes to share valuable knowledge and experiences that can help put an...

Leanne Rabinowitz is a chef and nutritionist with a Bachelor of Commerce in Food Administration from the University of Guelph. She is currently a student at TMU doing a graduate certification in Food Security.  She comes from an entrepreneurial background in the hospitality industry.  For the last 6 years, she...