Helping See The Vision Through
Steering Committee
Parents of Black Children is guided by a steering committee of dedicated parents with various areas of expertise. We are always looking for new committee members to support. Contact us if you are interested.
Kearie Daniel
Kearie Daniel is a Communications Leader, Strategist, Parent Advocate and Freelance Writer. Kearie is a mother of two, invested in ensuring equitable outcomes for Black children in Ontario’s education system. Kearie holds a BA(Hons) in Mass Communication and a Masters Degree in Broadcast Journalism. Kearie began her career as a Journalist working as a freelance associate producer and assignment editor for NBC News- London Bureau and CBS 60 Minutes. Kearie currently writes for magazines such as Flare, Today’s Parent and Chatelaine on issues of race, parenting and identity. Kearie is a passionate parent advocate and is also the author and host of the blog and podcast, Woke Mommy Chatter. Kearie is a parent advocate with the York Catholic District School Board and is a member of the Board’s Equity Sub Committee.
Soyini Downes
Soyini is a teacher and also a parent with two contributes to the groups overall strategic approach and direction. Soyini also provides one on one system navigations support to families who contact PoBC and are looking for advice on managing concerns or systemic barriers within the education system
Tracy Thomas Elleston
Tracy is a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW and has been a practicing social worker for over 17 years. With experience in Children’s Mental Health, Addictions, Child Welfare and private practice, Tracy is dedicated to serving children and families of colour, and in particular, assist in ameliorating the social-emotional and mental health challenges created by Anti-black racism.
Charline Grant
Charline is a mother of three children and a wife, who led the fight to take on the York Region District School Board to defend and advocate for her children and others against systematic racism. Charline is known for her courageous efforts to improve the York Region District School Board. Her efforts led to provincial changes in education and increased accountability, transparency around finances and equity training within the York Region District School Board. Currently a local business owner in Vaughan, and a former law clerk, Charline earned a diploma from Centennial College and has her real estate license from the Ontario Real Estate Association College. She has over 20 years of legal, real estate and management experience. Charline is a recipient of the Courage Award from the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the President’s Award from the Association of Black Law Enforcers. Charline was also a trustee candidate in the 2018 Municipal Election
Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines is a small business owner, community support worker, politician, husband and father of four with deep roots in Markham—Stouffville. A passionate supporter of the arts, Gregory has operated DOAHL Dance Academy in Markham for the past decade. Gregory has also worked with and advocated for adults with adults with intellectual disabilities, children with mental health challenges as well as at-risk youth
Malaika Leacock
Malaika Leacock is a Trinidad-born, Toronto-raised teacher, wife and mother. With decades of experience in GTA schools, she is passionate about culturally responsive and reflective pedagogy within an anti-oppressive framework.
Amanda Logan
Amanda Logan is a first generation Canadian, of Jamaican heritage, a wife, and mother to two children in the public school system. She comes from a family of Educators, and holds a strong belief in the need for advocacy for Black children and their families in navigating barriers commonly faced within the school system.
Jose Rose
Josie is a Social Worker, counsellor, Professor at Seneca College, facilitator of mental health psycho-educational programs and Social activist. Josie has an interest in Intergenerational and cultural trauma, human rights, anti-oppression and equity. Josie holds a Master of Social Work degree from University at Buffalo with a focus in Trauma Informed Care. Josie currently works as a Mental Health Case Manager assisting vulnerable individuals with mental health and Intellectual disabilities, who have been impacted by homelessness, race and ethnicity, physical abilities, socioeconomic issues and trauma. Josie is currently is the Chair of the York Regional Police Community Advisory Council (PCAC) where she has created and facilitated social justice and human Rights and hate crime prevention youth initiatives. Josie is also an executive member of York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC). Josie also sits as the Membership Outreach/Engagement Lead on the Social Planning Council of York Region and also on the Steering Committee for the Youth Homelessness Prevention & Housing Stabilization Strategy of York Region.
Claudette Howell Rutherford
Claudette Howell Rutherford is a teacher and Department Head of Social Science and Humanities in the YRDSB. She currently sits on the Equity Steering Action Advisory Committee and the Anti-Black Racism Steering Committee. Claudette is a mother of three children attending school in York Region. Claudette previously served as Director of Youth & Education for the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association and is now Vice President. Claudette is Chair of MACCA’S Annual Black Youth Empowerment Conference now funded by the Government of Canada, and Summer Camp Administrator. Claudette is the Program Director for the Ministry (MCCSS) funded KinnectYouth Mentoring Program. She is a member of ONABSE under the Parent Commission. Claudette continues to represent MACCA as a contributing member of the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities, a collective impact project with 70 other Black community organizations across the province of Ontario.
Our Partners
Parents of Black Children was founded with the support and guidance of six African Canadian organizations, with the intention of bringing Black parents together to create a space where their voices could be heard as a collective:

Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN)

Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA)

Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)

Thornhill African Caribbean Canadian Association (TACCA)

Vaughan African Canadian Association (VACA)
