In the heart of the city, the BIPOC Foundation is creating spaces where people of colour can access resources, explore creative expression and build networks that have often been out of reach. Between youth programs and arts festivals, the work of the nonprofit is motivated by the desire to empower and be inclusive.

For Solomon Oyemala, outreach and events assistant, coordinating the foundation’s activities is an opportunity to interact with different people. The job includes the installation of event posters as well as planning programs in cooperation with local businesses and youth organizations.

“The diversity in the things that we do in terms of events and people that we reach out to. That’s actually what makes me, that’s what I’m most excited about,” Oyemala said. 

He has to cope with both a combination of off-site and online work every day, making sure that the community remains interested in the programs of the foundation.

Aziz Sani, the foundation’s community engagement and volunteer manager, clarified why the organization was established. Having noticed a shortage of representation in the professional and creative spaces, the founders wanted to create a space that other people can count on. 

“How can we create something that not just supports ourselves, supports other people? How can we create something that we wish we had so that other people don’t have to wish they had it as well all the other as well?” Sani said. 

To him, the mission of the foundation is to offer financial literacy, economic inclusion and representation opportunities.

The foundation’s programs extend beyond conventional expectations. Sani outlined projects like sports tournaments, art festivals and a digital media studio, which have helped hundreds of individuals to get employment and creative opportunities. 

“The first time he exhibited was at the Digital Arts Festival in 2023. Tending has gone on since the exhibit with us about six times. He did his first, speaking session as an artist last year. That’s an example of someone’s growth. I’ve been able to see it firsthand,” he said, highlighting the direct impact on individuals’ careers. 

Oyemala also stressed the role of the partnerships towards the realization of the foundation objectives. “If you’re looking for collaboration, we have like a diverse, we have diverse partners. We have business partners, banking partners. We have a diverse set of people that we can reach out to,” he noted. 

These relations can be helpful in sustaining programs and aligning them to the requirements of the community.

The two personnel members promoted involvement and perseverance. Oyemala encouraged new individuals to join and get experience and relationships, while Sani emphasized on the big picture: “Stay involved, stay in touch, learn more. If there is an organization and my entire job and the organization’s entire goal is to make sure that people of color everywhere feel much more supported, take advantage.”

The BIPOC Foundation still supports the growth, representation and community connection through shows such as Black History Month, youth multicultural concerts and collaborations with international arts festivals, which continue to give creators and opportunity an intersection point.