PASAN

☆Spotlight Series: Rodney Diverlus

Rodney Diverlus is a Haitian-Canadian multidisciplinary artist and artivist who seamlessly melds his artistic knowledge, embodied performance, and powerful voice with a deep commitment to activism. Through his work, Rodney creates large-scale public installations and arts-based interventions that blur the boundaries between protest and performance, challenging social norms and influencing public policy. Beyond his artistic practice, Rodney is a dedicated community activist, writer, and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto. As lead strategist for Black Lives Matter Canada, he guides the development of the movement’s public interventions, programs, and actions, using art and activism as tools for transformative social change.
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☆Spotlight Series: Michelle Ross

Michelle Ross reigned as queen of Toronto’s Church Street for nearly five decades. Born in Jamaica, Ross first climbed onto the stage in 1974 at Toronto’s Club Manatee with a rendition of Dionne Warwick’s “Anyone Who Had a Heart.” Although she chose this song as her opener, Ross would become best known for her showstopping tributes to her namesake, Diana Ross. A self-declared “professional diva,” Michelle often concluded her acts by dramatically removing her wig, a playful way to call attention to the fine line between gender identity and performance. “Both sides are equally part of the glamour,” she once said.
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P.S. If you're a PASAN or CAAT client, join us this afternoon at 1:30pm for a celebration of Black history and excellence with food, music, speakers, trivia, and prizes!
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☆Spotlight Series: Donovan Bailey

Donovan Bailey is a legendary Canadian sprinter whose achievements redefined excellence in track and field, reshaping Canada’s sporting identity. In the lead-up to the 1996 Summer Olympics, Bailey established himself as the world’s fastest man, setting an indoor world record and earning his place on the Olympic team. In Atlanta, he delivered a historic performance, winning Olympic gold in the 100 metres and setting a new world record, reaching a top speed never before recorded by a human at the time. His victory was a defining moment for Canadian sport, restoring pride and confidence on the global stage. Just days later, Bailey anchored Canada’s 4 × 100 metre relay team to its first-ever Olympic gold, cementing his place in history. Bailey’s influence extends far beyond the track. As a Black Canadian athlete succeeding on the world stage, he became a powerful symbol of representation and possibility for young Black Canadians and aspiring athletes across the country. His success helped challenge stereotypes and broaden the narrative of Canadian achievement, inspiring a new generation to pursue excellence in sport, leadership, and community.
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P.S. Don't forget that all PASAN and clients are invited to our event on Monday February 9th from 1:30-3:30pm at our our offices (526 Richmond St. E.) with catered food, speakers, music, trivia, and prizes!
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☆Spotlight Series: Jully Black

Jully Black is an award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and activist whose voice has helped shape Canadian music and culture for over two decades. Often called “Canada’s Queen of R&B,” Jully Black rose to prominence with chart-topping hits and powerful performances that blend soul, R&B, and pop with messages of resilience and self-determination. Beyond her music, she is a fearless advocate for Black empowerment, gender equity, and social justice; consistently using her platform to speak out against anti-Black racism and systemic inequality. Whether on stage, on screen, or in the community, Jully Black represents unapologetic Black excellence and continues to inspire generations with her artistry, authenticity, and commitment to change.
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P.S. Don't forget that all PASAN and clients are invited to our event on Monday February 9th from 1:30-3:30pm at our our offices (526 Richmond St. E.) with catered food, speakers, music, trivia, and prizes!
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☆Closed invitation for PASAN & CAAT clients only☆

On Feb 9th, join PASAN and CAAT as we open the space for Black History Month.

Rooted in PASAN’s commitment to abolition, prisoner health, and harm reduction, this gathering is more than a celebration. It’s an opportunity to come together in solidarity, recognize the ongoing impacts of incarceration and health inequities on Black communities, and recommit to the work of care, resistance, and community-led change beyond February.

What to expect on Feb 9th: delicious Caribbean food, music, trivia, and words from community members.

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It’s almost February!
As an abolitionist prisoner health and harm reduction organization, PASAN approaches Black History Month not only as a time of celebration, but as a space for reflection, accountability, and collective care. African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in Canada continue to be disproportionately impacted by incarceration, HIV, Hep C, and systemic barriers to healthcare. Yet ACB people are also, and have always been, on the frontlines of harm reduction, mutual aid, HIV activism, and community care.
As February approaches, we invite you to reflect with us: how do we honour Black history through abolitionist practice, not just celebration?
Image: artwork by artist Elton Tucker, titled Vibrantly Alive (2005) - featured in the gallery for Art, AIDS and Activism in October 2009
(https://visualaids.org/gallery/art-aids-and-activism)