On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the downtown branch of the Barrie Public Library once again became a vibrant space of reflection, creativity and empowerment during the second installment of THRIVE: Our Voices in Motion with local author Roxann Whittingham.
Held from 1:00–3:00pm, this free Black History Month program continued the important work of centering youth voice, identity and artistic expression in a safe and affirming environment.
Story as a Catalyst for Conversation
The afternoon began with a reading from Johnny Lightning and the Magic Yellow Yam. The excerpt introduced powerful themes of being judged, reframing differences and discovering purpose — messages that deeply resonated with the young audience.
Through guided discussion, participants reflected on moments when they felt misunderstood or underestimated, and how those experiences can shape resilience and strength.
Roxann then delivered her spoken-word piece, “This Woman,” a moving performance that modeled how lived experiences — including adversity — can be transformed into meaningful artistic expression. The performance created space for honest dialogue about identity, confidence and belonging.
Creativity in Action
As with the previous session, youth were invited to move from reflection to creation.
Participants explored their ideas through:
- Poetry and spoken word
- Music and rhythm
- Drama and storytelling
- Visual art
- Movement
The room filled with focused energy as young people put pen to paper, shaped ideas into verse and brought personal stories to life. For many, it was more than an artistic exercise — it was an opportunity to be seen and heard.
The session concluded with an optional sharing circle. Those who chose to share did so with courage, receiving encouragement and affirmation from peers and facilitators. The supportive atmosphere reinforced that every voice matters.
Building Belonging Through the Arts
The February 14th THRIVE session reaffirmed the importance of creating intentional spaces where youth — particularly those from marginalized communities — can safely explore identity and self-expression.
By combining literature, lived experience and the arts, THRIVE continues to demonstrate that creativity is not just about performance — it is about empowerment, confidence and community connection.
We are grateful to the Barrie Public Library for hosting this meaningful Black History Month initiative and to the youth who showed up ready to reflect, create and thrive.
When young people are given space to tell their stories, they don’t just participate — they lead.
