Future Black Female (FBF) was founded in 2019 by Dr. Tapo Chimbganda to support and empower Black female youth embarking on their journey.
The first FBF project was a global essay contest where writers from across 16 countries were asked to share experiences as Black females in their communities.
The stories, similar to Dr. Tapo who immigrated to Canada from Zimbabwe and learned to navigate a system that was often harsh and abrasive – reinforced the universal truth that Black female youth from all around the world are fighting against racist systems and struggling with challenges such as poverty, educational barriers, economic barriers, health and wellbeing, and often due to lack of voice.
FBF aims to amplify these voices while providing Black girls & women 16-22 with a community and support system that aims to increase access to opportunities that result in Black female youth across the globe becoming more socially, politically, and economically empowered through strong networks, skills advancement, and rights-based advocacy.
They offer a free three-tiered Wellbeing Development Strategy that includes:
- Financial Wellbeing Program- Which introduces the concept of financial management skills, including planning, saving, spending, budgeting, tax return, investment and so on.
- Mental Wellbeing program: Mental Health Services focusing specifically for Black girls aged 16-22 in Canada
- Career and Education Wellbeing program: Providing Culturally Relevant and Responsive Career Pathways for Black Women in Ontario
Additionally, FBF works with many different community partners to provide events for networking, skill building, and fun entertainment – examples include regular speaking opportunities, BIPOC girls summer camps, movie nights, and their upcoming Black Girl Improv with Suitcase In Point on September 15th. Sign up here.
Located in the heart of Niagara and close to public transit routes, Dr. Tapo brought Future Black Female to Downtown St. Catharines in June of this year to help ensure FBF’s services are accessible to all.
You can connect with Future Black Female through www.futureblackfemale.com or social media. They also accept walk-ins Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM at 110 James Street, (entrance on Church Street).
If you would like to support Future Black Female, consider sponsoring or donating an item for their Silent Auction that runs Wednesdays and Fridays and goes to fund their programming.
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