Set it. Raise it. Be it. This past year MLSE partnered with The Standard and the NBA to support Black Canadian women in the sports and entertainment industry through professional development content, programming and experiences.

A Different Booklist has been a mainstay in Toronto since 1995, tied to the birth of the Raptors. Its evolution from an African and Caribbean bookstore into a cultural centre for the community, is ongoing as they look to open their doors in their new facility, A Different Booklist Cultural Centre.

Driving force in having BHM and Emancipation Day recognized in Canada, the impact of Rosemary Sadlier’s legacy can be felt coast to coast. Rosemary is a historian, author, educator, social justice advocate and a true director of change.

Canada’s first black female member of parliament, Jean Augustine has blazed a path for women all over and has played a pivotal role in having Black History Month recognized. A true director of change- this is Jean’s journey.

The Raptors Hold Space for the National Basketball Youth Mentorship Program as Founder and President, Kevin Wilson joins Savanna Hamilton to speak about the program and why mentorship is important. The mentorship program is a free program that youth can sign up for at any time at www.nbymp.ca.

The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander became the first member of Parliament in 1968. He was appointed as the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in 1985, at the time, no other visible minority in Canada had served in a position of that nature. In addition to being a passionate Raptors fan, he also served as chair of the Raptors Foundation. In recognition of his many important accomplishments, January 21st has been celebrated as Lincoln Alexander Day across Canada.

The Raptors hosted a screening of the film King Richard for youth to motivate and empower them to continue in sport

The players gave their personal game tickets to a group of youth to see their first game, as an incentive to continue their leadership efforts in their community.

Raptors guard Fred VanVleet announces the creation of the “Fred VanVleet Scholarship,” a new award to support a Black or Indigenous student through their undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto uoft.me/fredvanvleetscholarship/

Raptors Lead Assistant Coach Adrian Griffin, shares his welcome to the NBA moment as a player, speaks on his coaching philosophy on and off the court and having children who are following in his basketball footsteps.

Northern Reflections is a series celebrating and profiling the Toronto Raptors and those that are inspired by them. Michael Linklater speaks of his love for basketball, his culture, representing Indigenous People and the road to truth and reconciliation.

Head Coach, Nick Nurse explains what the London trip means to the team and how they will use sport to help bring the community together.

The Raptors are excited to announce our collaboration with Awakenings and the City of Toronto, celebrating Black and Indigenous creatives and amplifying the voices and stories of the Awakenings artists. Specifically, the video for the song Freedom Heights (A Song for Joshua Glover), produced by Kardinal Offishall, with additional instrumentation by Joel Chambers and Mylez McLymont. It is performed by Jully Black, Susan Carol, Savannah Ré, Emanuel and Kardinal Offishall.

Kitchen Concerts at the Inn is a music series celebrating life and honouring the story of Joshua Glover, a freedom seeker who escaped enslavement and jail in the United States and then lived and worked at Montgomery’s Inn. Chapter I launches with a powerful lyric video for the commissioned new song “Freedom Heights (A Song for Joshua Glover),” which reflects on Joshua Glover’s fight for freedom and his will to survive and live as a free man. After escaping enslavement and capture in Missouri and Wisconsin, in 1854 Joshua Glover found refuge in Toronto, where the abolitionist movement was prominent at the time. Here he created a new life―one that was a true testimony to resilience and human dignity. He still inspires us today to fight for life and freedom, not only our own, but for those who need help the most. Musicians Jully Black, Susan Carol, Savannah Ré, Emanuel, and Kardinal Offishall have contributed to this song of revolution, empowerment and resistance that pays homage to Joshua Glover, aiming to bring an awakening of inner light and peace during current times of struggle. Learn more at http://toronto.ca/museums Commissioned by Toronto History Museums, City of Toronto, for Awakenings

Northern Reflections is a series celebrating and profiling the Toronto Raptors and those that are inspired by them. Aprille Deus is a perfect example of someone who’s been directly influenced by her relationships in the organization. She speaks on her calling to continuing to pave the way for more women, and why it’s important to be more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community in the game of basketball.