On Friday, February 13, 2026, the downtown branch of the Barrie Public Library was filled with creativity, reflection and powerful youth voices during THRIVE: Our Voices in Motion, an arts-based Black History Month program led by local author and community leader Roxann Whittingham.
From 10:00am to noon, young participants gathered in a safe, affirming space designed to explore identity, resilience and self-expression through literature, lived experience and performance.
Storytelling That Sparked Reflection
The morning began with a reading from Johnny Lightning and the Magic Yellow Yam, a story that centers themes of being judged, reframing difference and discovering one’s purpose.
As the excerpt unfolded, youth listened intently. The story opened meaningful dialogue about what it feels like to stand out, to be misunderstood, and ultimately to recognize that the very traits that make us different can become our greatest strengths.
The conversation naturally deepened as Roxann presented a youth-safe spoken-word performance titled “This Woman.” The piece modeled vulnerability and strength, demonstrating how personal experiences — even those shaped by adversity — can be transformed into powerful artistic expression.
Youth Voices in Motion
What made THRIVE especially impactful was its interactive format. After engaging with the literature and performance, participants were invited to reflect and create.
Using poetry, music, drama, visual art and movement, youth expressed:
- Their personal stories
- Their experiences with identity and belonging
- Their hopes and aspirations
The room shifted from quiet reflection to active creation — pens moving across paper, ideas forming into rhythm and verse, artwork taking shape.
The session concluded with an optional sharing circle. Several participants courageously shared their work, receiving affirmation and encouragement from peers and facilitators. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect, empowerment and connection.
More Than an Event — A Space for Belonging
Black History Month is often a time to reflect on the past, but THRIVE focused intentionally on the present and future — on equipping youth with the confidence to own their narratives.
By centering lived experience, artistic expression and community dialogue, the program reinforced a powerful truth: every young person’s voice has value.
Events like THRIVE remind us that when youth are given tools, space and affirmation, they don’t just participate — they rise.
We are grateful to the Barrie Public Library for hosting this meaningful program and to every young person who showed up ready to explore, create and share.
Our voices are powerful. And when they are in motion, they create change.
