BLAXPO has developed a program which focuses on supporting the voices of BIPOC job seekers within a market laden with discrimination. A recent survey by Statistics Canada highlights the overwhelming figures related to Black job seekers currently in search of gainful employment. Stats Canada reports, “55% of Black individuals have experienced discrimination at work, during job applications, promotions and within the workplace…”. With this statistic in mind, it is important to understand the impact BLAXPO and similar programs offer the BIPOC workforce. BLAXPO reframes accessibility and inclusivity within the workforce, encouraging Black and marginalized community members to build their legacy within organizations by fostering safety and job security.

FBG connects the BIPOC job seeking community in Canada with opportunities to network in a variety of fields. Financial insecurity, job security and uncertainty within the economy are why these services and service providers are essential in challenging the status quo of the labour market in Canada for BIPOC job seekers. Co-founder of FBG, Nicole Antoine, emphasizes the significance of BLAXPO as a “welcoming environment for candidates looking to explore culturally aligned career paths”. Antoine posits, “[FBG’s] commitment extends beyond candidates, we actively collaborate with companies on their journey towards greater diversity and inclusion”.

A lasting connection is formed initially through the one-day career fair event; attendees and interested individuals can then foster relationships with prospective employers by utilizing FBG’s online platform, seen as a “virtual space [which] perpetuates the impact of BLAXPO”. BLAXPO caters to a multitude of career stages and encourages networking through various means through in-person events and virtual spaces. Using a similar concept to speed dating for the second year in a row, BLAXPO offered a speed networking event which many attendees likened to adding elements of “comfort, connectivity and trust” to the already engaging experience. Professional headshots were offered by Allianz; this seemed to be one of the most interactive vendors. Time slots for headshots filled up quickly according to Allianz spokesperson, Nancy Dorvil. Dorvil was serving confidence and kindness in a well-tailored vibrant green suit and coiffed locs. Her energy reflected a synergy within BLAXPO. Regardless of where one turned, there was conversation, laughter and a feeling of ease; this is not the typical energy when engaging with prospective employers as a Black individual attending career fairs in Toronto.

The fashion, hairstyles and energy of the crowd of attendees and vendors was refreshing. Natural and protective styles were on full display. Weaves, box braids, locs and fros – natural and protective hair styled to perfection. Black folks were dressed to the nines in what can only be described as self-reflective business casual to formal attire. Clean sneakers, colourful shoes, textures and patterns galore. The space was brightly lit with a mixture of hair and fashion choices, which shone brighter with the glaring confidence of each attendee. It was truly impressive.

BLAXPO offered many interactive features including live podcasts related to quiet quitting, building a legacy and developing connections over competition. There were opportunities for attendees to review and edit their existing resumes and speak directly with exhibitors including CN Railways, KPMG, Air Canada, Manulife and Moneris. A variety of exhibitors from different sectors were in attendance and many of the conversations taking place were around developing transformative mindsets – which coincidentally was the name of Dr. Dori Tunstall’s live podcast. Attendees were also privy to relax in the wellness pods or utilize this year’s newest feature, the Confessional Booth – where they could spill tea on takeaways of their overall experience.

Four Brown Girls was founded in 2015 as a not-for-profit event management facilitation organization. Their goal was to establish “safe digital and physical spaces for Black individuals”. FBG is a leading Canadian organization in non-profit event management fostering massive change, social innovation and activism in a market where little effort and attention has been shown toward marginalized Canadian job seekers. The progressive nature of this event is encouraging and exciting to watch. Inclusivity and access to equitable career options in a plethora of sectors means more diversity and overall change in access to wealth, breaking generational curses and building lasting legacies in the Black community.

FBG continues to challenge social norms and has reframed how Canadians who often feel powerless understand and interact with potential employers. The power dynamic has shifted within this space; both employers and potential employees communicate from a space of trust and community making it easier to develop authentic connections. BLAXPO’s slogan, Build Your Legacy, encourages exhibitors to support this form of social change and attendees to know this change is possible and attainable.

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Take Up Space is the motto here at BLAXPO; this is exactly what founders, Four Brown Girls (FBG) – Jayne Mandat, Nicole Antoine and Ariane Ntetu-Baya – have done. FBG created BLAXPO out of the need to bridge the gap between BIPOC job seekers and leading industries, a challenge which was amplified considerably as unemployment rates skyrocketed during the Covid pandemic. FBG has created a platform which includes a candidate profile that matches the wants, desires and skills of job seekers with professions and companies that will complement their talents and ambitions; BLAXPO, in essence, fosters a “connection, empowerment and education between candidates and progressive companies with strong diversity, equity and inclusivity mandates”. FBG offers their prospective job seekers a space to “establish their worth in the job market through one-day events and an interactive online platform”. The event was hybrid; audiences had the option to download the Hopin app to attend live activities such as the See My Colour and We Are The Culture forums from the comfort of their home or attend in-person at the Reference Library. These forums explored common themes reflected in black culture and were a hit among attendees.

The space was brimming with positivity, knowledge and an overwhelming sense of belonging. Afrobeats, vegan desserts and banter fill the air in the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon area of the Toronto Reference Library. The ambiance was lively and jovial, reminiscent of an authentic celebration of blackness. Brand and career development were the primary focus, yet FBG’s attention to cultural awareness fostered a safe space inclusive of BIPOC attendees. Furthermore, this experience was made more unique by the varying ages of those in attendance. There are babies in strollers, teenagers, even Aunties scattered throughout the venue socializing.

FBG collaborated with a host of agencies at BLAXPO including: the Government of Canada, Maui Moisture, Dentons, Mav Beauty Brands, Marriott and the YMCA; micro grants in the amount of $1000 were also made available. Attendees had the option to take part in one-on-one private mini therapy sessions, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, in Blaxpo’s Wellness Pods. These sessions were facilitated by clinicians of colour from the mental health clinic From Invisible to Visible. The general consensus amongst vendors and attendees alike, BLAXPO was a great success. Samita Vasudeva, YMCA representative, offered her thoughts noting, “this is a niche market and a number of attendees have expressed how reserved they typically feel in spaces like this, yet considering this fair was hosted by and for visible minorities offered these job seekers more freedom to be themselves”. Vasudeva also notes, “despite attending numerous job fairs, none have been comparable to [her experience at] BLAXPO“.

Four Brown Girls is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, in Montreal, as a way to create a safe space for Black Canadians. Their mission to incorporate social innovation coupled with activism reflective of the intersectionality of the BIPOC community has been a catalyst in FBG’s propensity to foster change. BLAXPO was a VIBE… energetic, family friendly and black positive. Look out for more BIPOC inclusive events hosted by FBG.

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