One of WIBCA’s most successful initiatives, Black Girls Gather (A WIBCA Book Club), is a volunteer-run, registered charity situated on Montreal’s West Island. Its target demographic is young black girls aged 12 to 17. Through seminars and conversations on topics like racism, feminism, love, family, and friendship, the program aims to empower them and lessen the effects of anti-Black racism by exposing them to Black feminist, anglophone literature and culture. The book club achieves its objective of addressing the particular difficulties young Black girls encounter in obtaining stories that reflect and celebrate their identities by addressing the dearth of representation and access to varied literature. We had conversations with Vanessa, the program facilitator, and co-coordinator Fabiola Ngamaleu Teumeni to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
WIBCA is a volunteer-run, registered charity located in the West Island of Montreal that is dedicated to serving the youth, adults and seniors of the community by offering educational programming and support for all.
Black Girls Gather (A Book Club), one of WIBCA’s most successful programs, targets young black girls between 12 and 17 years of age. The program seeks to empower them and mitigate the impacts of anti-Black racism by exposing them to Black feminist, anglophone literature and culture by engaging them in workshops and discussions around themes such as racism, feminism, love, family, friendship, etc… all whilst building a network of support, mentorship, and solidarity for Black girls and non-binary people.
What problem does it aim to solve?
At Black Girls Gather, we focus on tackling the unique challenges young Black girls face in accessing stories that reflect and celebrate their identities. Here’s how our book club is making a difference:
Lack of Representation and Access to Diverse Literature
Mainstream literature often fails to reflect the identities, culture, and experiences of young Black girls. This lack of representation can impact their self-esteem and sense of belonging. At the same time, access to books featuring Black protagonists or written by Black authors is limited in many schools and communities. Our book club provides a space where these stories are accessible, relatable, and affirming, ensuring every participant feels seen and valued.
Cultural Connection and Empowerment
Beyond representation, our book club introduces literature that celebrates Black culture, history, and achievements. These stories help participants connect with their heritage, fostering a sense of pride, empowerment, and understanding of their place in the broader narrative of Black excellence.
Building Critical Thinking and Discussion Skills
Our discussions encourage participants to engage deeply with the themes, characters, and issues presented in the books. Through this process, they develop critical thinking skills, confidence in sharing their perspectives, and the ability to connect literature to their own lives and communities.
Promoting Literacy and a Love for Reading
At its core, our book club aims to inspire a lifelong love for reading. In spaces where resources to foster literacy may be limited, we provide a supportive environment where participants can explore, grow, and fall in love with the written word.
By addressing these challenges, Black Girls Gather creates a nurturing space for young Black girls to grow into confident, thoughtful individuals who see themselves reflected in the stories they read and the lives they lead.
When did you start/join it?
The program launched in Fall 2020.
What made you want to get involved?
Black Girls Gather (A WIBCA Book Club) was created as a direct response to my (Fabiola) personal experiences growing up and navigating predominantly white educational institutions. Throughout high school and CEGEP, I never had access to Black teachers, nor did I encounter books written by Black authors in my curriculum. The stories I was exposed to often felt distant and irrelevant, rarely centring Black voices or reflecting the realities of my identity and experiences as a young Black woman. This lack of representation left me feeling invisible within the spaces where I was supposed to feel seen and valued.
As a young Black girl, I often felt a profound sense of disconnection from the narratives around me and the environments I inhabited. There was a noticeable void in representation—both in the classroom and beyond. I longed for a space where my identity and lived experiences were not only acknowledged but celebrated. A program like Black Girls Gather would have been transformative for me, offering the representation, mentorship, and sense of belonging that I so deeply craved.
Knowing that many Black girls today continue to face these same challenges inspired me to take action. I wanted to create a space where young Black girls can see themselves reflected in the stories they read, engage with narratives that celebrate their voices, and connect with others who understand their experiences. This kind of community is essential for building confidence, fostering creativity, and nurturing a sense of pride in one’s identity.
The vision for Black Girls Gather began to take shape when my co-coordinator, Mariame, and I connected at the Bishop’s Forum in August 2019. We bonded over our shared love of books, our similar experiences growing up, and the glaring absence of spaces designed to amplify Black women’s voices. As we reflected on what we had lacked in our own youth, we realized how powerful and necessary a program like this could be for the next generation. From those conversations, Black Girls Gather was born—a safe, empowering space for young Black girls to learn, grow, and thrive together.
What was the situation like when you started?
Black Girls Gather was launched during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time marked by isolation and uncertainty. The pandemic brought unique challenges, with many young people feeling disconnected from their peers and struggling with their own personal difficulties. In this context, the program became a much-needed opportunity to bring young Black girls together, even in the midst of physical distancing. Although we couldn’t meet in person, we adapted by hosting online reading discussions and virtual workshops.
These online gatherings became a safe and welcoming space for participants to share their thoughts, explore stories by Black authors, and connect over shared experiences. It was incredible to see how, despite being apart physically, we were able to foster a strong sense of community. A particular highlight was that the virtual format allowed us to reach young Black girls across Montreal, extending the program’s impact beyond the West Island and creating a broader network of connection and support.
How has it changed since?
While the core of the program remains the same, we’ve made some important additions to enhance the experience for participants. Our reading discussions are still held online to ensure accessibility for those who don’t live on the West Island, but we’ve introduced more in-person components. A key highlight has been our monthly workshops, where participants gather face-to-face to catch up, play games, and engage in fun, creative activities.
These in-person workshops have brought a new layer of connection and energy to the program. They allow participants to deepen their relationships and share moments of joy that complement the thoughtful discussions we continue to have online. By balancing virtual and in-person formats, we’ve been able to maintain the inclusivity and accessibility of the program while creating more opportunities for connection and engagement.
What more needs to be done?
There’s still so much work to be done to expand the impact of Black Girls Gather and ensure it reaches its full potential. One of our main priorities is to broaden the program’s reach by introducing it to more schools and cities, creating spaces where young Black girls feel seen, supported, and celebrated. To achieve greater representation, we also plan to advocate for the inclusion of books by Black authors—like those featured in our program—into educational curriculums. As part of this effort, we aim to publish a report that highlights the importance of these works and demonstrates the impact of Black Girls Gather on participants, underscoring the value of centring Black voices in education.
We also aim to further develop the program’s content and activities by introducing new workshops that address topics such as digital literacy and media awareness, helping participants navigate social media responsibly, identify misinformation, and use digital platforms creatively. Additionally, we plan to explore activism and advocacy, equipping participants with the skills to raise their voices and advocate for meaningful social change. Another focus will be STEM-based activities, offering hands-on opportunities to inspire curiosity and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math. These topics, along with many more, are designed to touch on the variety of interests our participants have, as the workshops are shaped by both the activities they enjoy and the topics we believe are important for their personal development. This approach ensures that participants are provided with diverse tools and opportunities to grow, both personally and collectively.
Finally, we hope to establish more partnerships with community organizations, educators, and local leaders to ensure that Black Girls Gather continues to be a sustainable and impactful initiative. By working together, we can amplify the voices of young Black girls and provide them with the support they need to thrive.
How can our readers help?
At Black Girls Gather, our mission is to create a space where young Black girls can connect, explore their identities, and grow through the power of storytelling. With your help, we can continue to inspire and empower the next generation. Here’s how you can support our efforts:
Fundraise or Donate Money
As a community-driven book club, we rely on funding to purchase books, host engaging events, and provide the resources our girls need to thrive. Your contributions, whether through donations or fundraising efforts, ensure we can keep running and achieving our goals. Every bit of support helps us continue offering a nurturing space for growth and connection.
Donate Books
Books are at the heart of what we do. One of the most meaningful ways you can contribute is by donating books written by Black authors or featuring Black characters. These stories allow us to build a library that celebrates diversity, amplifies Black voices, and reflects the rich tapestry of Black culture and experiences. Your donated books become tools for inspiration and discovery for the girls in our program.
Volunteer Your Time
Our book club thrives on the dedication of those who believe in our mission. Whether you’d like to help facilitate discussions, read aloud during our sessions, or lend a hand with event organization, your time and presence make a world of difference. Volunteers play a crucial role in creating the supportive and welcoming environment that makes our club special.
Spread the Word
One of the simplest ways to help is by sharing our story. Talk about Black Girls Gather with your friends, share our mission on social media, or encourage schools, libraries, and community organizations to get involved. Raising awareness about what we do helps us grow and reach more young Black girls who could benefit from being part of our community.
Your support means everything to us. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply share our mission, you’re helping to build a brighter future for our book club and the young girls we serve. Together, we can keep making a difference—one story at a time!
Where can we follow you?
West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA): Facebook | Instagram | Website
Black Girls Gather (A Book Club): Facebook | Instagram | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local community organization you love?
One incredible local community organization we absolutely love is CULTUR’ELLES MTL. Based in Montreal, this inspiring initiative is dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black women and non-binary individuals by providing spaces where their voices are celebrated, and their talents shine. Through a variety of cultural events, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, CULTUR’ELLES MTL fosters creativity, community connection, and collaboration.
What we admire most about CULTUR’ELLES MTL is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and representation. By creating safe and welcoming environments, it encourages individuals to share their stories, embrace their identities, and thrive. This organization goes beyond building community—it’s creating a movement that enriches Montreal’s cultural landscape while leaving a powerful, lasting impact. It’s a true celebration of resilience, creativity, and connection!
