Healthy Living
Shining a spotlight on those who pave the way this Black History Month
17 February 2022 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
In line with our Black History Month theme, “Black History/Black Future: Recognizing and Celebrating Those Who Pave the Way” we’re shining a light on Black People who have uplifted their communities.
Samantha Adenuga-Adebiyi is an African Caribbean woman, a wife and mother of a beautiful daughter, Sarah. Samantha has a heart of gold and unbridled enthusiasm. She uses a holistic approach to make a difference in any service she provides to ensure that the well-being of everyone is considered.
Before joining the YMCA, Samantha worked as a social worker at a senior’s nursing home for eight years and then as an instructor for social service workers for six years at a community college. Her degrees and certifications are in the field of Social Work, and Children and youth studies.
Samantha currently works as the program co-ordinator for the new Black Achiever’s program, which brings together youth ages 14 to 19 with Black mentors and role models within their community.
Samantha is an active member of the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Black Experience Staff Advisory Committee and the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Training committee. The topic of Anti-Black Racism is a sensitive but important topic for her, and she notes that systemic racism is a downfall to Black people’s success. Samantha believes that for change to occur, we first have to change mindsets; all forms of racism, oppression, discrimination, prejudice, injustice and inequality are a problem, they exist, and they need to change.
Samantha is determined to use her time, knowledge and experience to advocate for Black people, and hopefully create an environment, a community, a country, and a world, in which diversity and social inclusion are accepted, valued, and celebrated.
Learn more about Black History Month at the Y!
Samantha Adenuga-Adebiyi is an African Caribbean woman, a wife and mother of a beautiful daughter, Sarah. Samantha has a heart of gold and unbridled enthusiasm. She uses a holistic approach to make a difference in any service she provides to ensure that the well-being of everyone is considered.
Before joining the YMCA, Samantha worked as a social worker at a senior’s nursing home for eight years and then as an instructor for social service workers for six years at a community college. Her degrees and certifications are in the field of Social Work, and Children and youth studies.
Samantha currently works as the program co-ordinator for the new Black Achiever’s program, which brings together youth ages 14 to 19 with Black mentors and role models within their community.
Samantha is an active member of the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Black Experience Staff Advisory Committee and the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Training committee. The topic of Anti-Black Racism is a sensitive but important topic for her, and she notes that systemic racism is a downfall to Black people’s success. Samantha believes that for change to occur, we first have to change mindsets; all forms of racism, oppression, discrimination, prejudice, injustice and inequality are a problem, they exist, and they need to change.
Samantha is determined to use her time, knowledge and experience to advocate for Black people, and hopefully create an environment, a community, a country, and a world, in which diversity and social inclusion are accepted, valued, and celebrated.
Learn more about Black History Month at the Y!
