Steering Committee

Soyini is a teacher and a parent who contributes to the group’s overall strategic approach and direction.  Soyini also provides one-on-one systems navigation support to families who contact PoBC and are looking for advice on managing concerns or systemic barriers within the education system

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 assisting in ameliorating the social-emotional and mental health challenges created by anti-Black racism. 

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; increased accountability and 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 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 intellectual disabilities, children with mental health challenges, as well as at-risk youth 

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 is a first-generation Canadian of Jamaican heritage, a wife, and a 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.  

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 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 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.