UsNow 2026: Black & Racialized Women's Conference (in person + online)
About this Event
What does it mean to be a daughter, a mother, a partner, a sister, a leader, or a caregiver? Which expectations have we inherited, and which ones are we ready to let go?
Join us for UsNow 2026: Beyond Resilience – Racialized Womanhood, Care, and the Right to Rest, a one-day gathering created for Black and Racialized women to explore the identities we've inherited, the expectations we've carried, and the ways we can redefine womanhood on our own terms.
Through storytelling, reflection, movement, and meaningful conversation, we'll examine how systems such as racism and patriarchy—along with our own cultural expectations—shape the ways we live, lead, care for others, and care for ourselves.
Together, we'll imagine new possibilities rooted in authenticity, connection, wellbeing, and collective care.
What You’ll Experience
- Powerful keynote speaker : Amira Elghawaby
- Thought-provoking panel of Black and Racialized women across different life stages
- Halal-friendly Caribbean lunch by Chef Resa from Baccanalle
- Dance & movement practice with Suzan Richards from the Cultural Arts Studio
- Artisan expo featuring Black & Racialized entrepreneurs
- Workshops on the health impacts of anti-Black racism & collective care
What You’ll Gain
- A deeper understanding of how societal and cultural expectations shape our experiences as Black and Racialized women.
- Space to reflect on the identities you've inherited and the ones you're choosing to reclaim.
- Meaningful connections with women committed to personal and collective growth.
- Practical insights to support your wellbeing, leadership, and relationships.
- A renewed sense of possibility, community, and care.
Virtual Attendance
The Zoom platform will be used to stream the conference. A professional audio/visual team and a skilled moderator will be on site to ensure that virtual attendees remain engaged and actively participate throughout the conference.
Accessibility & Supports
- ASL interpretation (please indicate need)
For additional conference details, visit the official UsNow 2026 site.
Refund Policy
All ticket sales are final. Refund requests will not be approved except in exceptional circumstances at the organizer's discretion or where required by law. Tickets may be transferred to another attendee up to 7 days before the conference by contacting us.
🎟️Ready to rise in community and care? Grab your ticket today—spaces are filling fast!
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration & Morning Refreshments
Info: Ease into the day with music, morning snacks, coffee, and tea. Take time to connect with fellow attendees and explore the Artisan Marketplace before we begin the day together.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Conference Opening: Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:50 AM
Grounded Movement Practice
Host: Teacher Suzan - The Cultural Arts Studio
Info: Participate in a grounding movement practice while connecting with fellow attendees and sharing your intentions for the day.
🕑: 10:55 AM - 12:25 PM
Beyond Resilience: Racialized Womanhood, Care, and the Right to Rest
Host: Amira Elghawaby
Info: In this keynote, Amira Elghawaby will explore racialized womanhood, care, and what it means to move beyond resilience. Drawing from her professional leadership and lived experience navigating systems, she will reflect on the expectations placed on Black and Racialized women and femmes, and what becomes possible when we create space for rest, care, and self-definition.
🕑: 12:25 PM - 01:20 PM
Lunch & Artisan Marketplace
Host: Chef Resa - Baccanalle
Info: Enjoy a flavorful Caribbean meal prepared by award-winning Chef Resa Solomon-St. Lewis of Baccanalle.
🕑: 01:20 PM - 02:50 PM
Panel: Redefining Womanhood: Identity, Choice, and the Lives We Create
Info: This panel brings together women and femmes with different lived experiences to explore the expectations placed on us around relationships, marriage, motherhood, family, career, identity, and the lives we are expected to create.
Together, we’ll reflect on what happens when we question those expectations, choose differently, or redefine womanhood for ourselves.
🕑: 02:55 PM - 03:25 PM
Dance & Movement
Host: Teacher Suzan - The Cultural Arts Studio
Info: Engage in dance and movement while exploring the history, rhythms, and cultural traditions of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Reflection and Closing Remarks
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 187.71
