YOUTH PROGRAMS
The Come Up
The Come Up (TCU) is a Black youth empowerment program that works towards uplifting and sharing the voices of young people of African descent while also addressing challenges, societal issues, and barriers experienced by Black youth in Edmonton.
Mission
To encourage individual and community empowerment from within.
TCU is a youth-led collective that caters to Edmonton's African, Black and Caribbean youth communities. Our mission is “to encourage individual and community empowerment from within.” Whether through hosting community socials, organizing workshops, or curating knowledge campaigns, TheComeUp hopes to be at the forefront of subjects that matter to Black youth.
Program Framework
Youth participating in the collective have the option to join the following task forces:
- Education and Advocacy
- Events Planning
- Social Media and Outreach
- Community Wellness
- Arts and Culture
TCU’s task forces allow youth to engage in community development activities with skills they already have or are interested in developing. With each task force being structured around a specific subject, youth have the flexibility to choose which areas of focus they value and develop the capacity to navigate skills such as social media marketing, project coordination, community activism, and so much more.
Projects
Since our inception on Sept. 12, 2013, we have worked on a number of projects and collaborations that have sought to uplift and empower youth in our community. Some notable ones include:
- Melanin Narratives
- Triennial Youth Conferences
- TCU’s Little Black Book
- Youth Mental Health Research study with Dr. Bukola Oladunni Salami (RN,MN,PhD)
Within our work, we always seek to honour the mission and values of our program and the Africa Centre, and ensure that our spaces are inclusive and welcoming to all members of the community.
Program Gallery
Melanin Narratives X
Melanin Narratives is a recurring project that has taken shape in many forms over the years. Historically, the event has been structured in the form of galas, showcases, art exhibits, and community outreach all to empower black youth in Edmonton.
In 2026, Melanin Narratives celebrated its 10-year anniversary with Melanin Narratives X. Watch the recap of this milestone evening celebrating a decade of storytelling, creativity, and community.
Stay Updated:
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Our Partners & Funders
