Saturday 20 June 2026
Community Coalition Promotes Wellness and Mental Health
by Obasola Bamigbola, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Members of Ottawa’s African, Caribbean, and Black communities gathered at the Sandy Hill Community Centre on Saturday, June 20, for the Healthy Lifestyle Seminar, which aimed to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
The event, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., was organized through a coalition of community organizations (Coalition of African, Caribbean, and Canadian Organizations), including the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO), Rocena Kidney Foundation, Barbados Ottawa Association Inc., St. Lucia Ottawa Association, Black History Ottawa (BHO), the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa, Flo’s Seniors, Jaku Konbit and the Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association.
The program opened with remarks from Ingrid John-Baptiste of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa, who emphasized the importance of community-based health education and acknowledged representatives from each organization involved in the coalition.
Ingrid introduced the event facilitator, Denise Moore-Isaacs of the Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association, who guided participants through the day’s activities.
The morning’s keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Oluwatoyin Shonubi, family physician, mental health advocate, and founder of REALYOU Mental Health and Wellness Hub. Her presentation, titled Recharging Your Body and Mind, focused on understanding stress and burnout and their impact on overall health.
The session became interactive, with attendees offering examples and asking questions about managing work, family responsibilities, and self-care.
Before concluding, Dr. Shonubi left participants with a quote from Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global: “Taking time to recharge is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for a healthy mind and body.”
Her presentation was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session that continued the conversation around emotional resilience and healthy lifestyles.
The seminar also featured an Exhibitors’ Showcase highlighting programs and services available within Ottawa’s Black community. Joanne Robinson of Flo’s Seniors introduced participants to services offered through her organization, as well as Jaku Konbit’s Call Me, Let’s Chat program and Ontario Health atHome resources for seniors.
Representatives from the Walnut Foundation, a men’s health organization, the African Canadian Association of Ottawa(ACAO), the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition, and the Black Mental Health and Counselling Program at Somerset Community Health Centre also shared information about their work and encouraged participants to access the resources available to them.
Facilitator Denise Moore-Isaacs welcomed Tadala Msosa, Executive Member of the Brotherhood Coalition, and Travis Dougan,the Brotherhood Coalition’s Director of Communications, for a presentation titled Men’s Emotional Health: A Brotherhood Conversation.
Joining them were Brotherhood Coalition members Chuks Onwuachi, Daniel “Goldstripes” Desir, and Régy de la Cruz-Abraham(Rejuno).
Travis spoke about the origins of the Brotherhood Coalition, explaining that the initiative emerged during the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since then, the group has created spaces where Black men can connect, support one another, and foster personal growth.
Tadala emphasized the importance of emotional wellness among Black men and highlighted how racism, discrimination, and systemic bias can contribute to emotional stress and mental health challenges.
The discussion sparked thoughtful questions from audience members, many of whom shared their own experiences.
As the seminar drew to a close, Maxine Grant of the Rocena Kidney Foundation conducted a raffle, with participants receiving a variety of prizes.
Closing remarks were delivered by John Adeyefa of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa, who expressed appreciation to the speakers, volunteers, partner organizations, and planning committee whose collaboration made the event possible.
Participants praised the seminar for addressing issues that affect everyday life while providing practical information and opportunities for community connection.
The event demonstrated the power of collaboration among Ottawa’s African, Caribbean, and Black organizations.
