đź“Ł Calling All Changemakers, Scholars, Elders, Advocates & Allies!
We’re inviting dynamic presenters, passionate partners, and committed community builders to be part of an urgent and powerful conversation: “Elders in the Margins: The Aging While Black Experience”.
Call for presenters and Partners
The Elders in the Margin:
​Black Health + Wellness Symposium
Overview
Seniors have complex and evolving health, physical, and social needs. For African, Caribbean, and diverse Black seniors, those needs are even more specific, shaped by culture, history, lived experiences, and the impacts of structural racism. At HAHWAS, we focus on this intersection. We are dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique realities of aging while black, and ensuring that these realities are reflected in the policies and systems meant to support us.
This is more than a symposium; it’s a movement to shape the future of aging for black Canadians. From dynamic educational sessions to vibrant community gatherings, The Black Health and Aging Symposium 2026 is your moment to find your people, amplify your voice, and make an impact.
- Keynote speakers
- Panels
- Workshops
- Community Conversations
- Link -UPS
- Health Expo
This one-day event brings together healthcare leaders, policymakers, researchers, community advocates, and elders for dialogue, learning, collaboration, and action. The Expo features dozens of health exhibitors, free health screenings, interactive wellness activities, and culturally grounded engagement.
Whether you’re a policy leader, caregiver, artist, advocate, service provider, researcher, or community elder, and if you are committed to reshaping systems, uplifting unheard voices, and advancing equity in aging for black communities and all individuals affected by systemic gaps. Your voice matters and together, we will drive positive changes and foster an inclusive future for everyone.
What participants will experience?
To support community health and well-being the Expo will offer:
- Free health screening
Including blood pressure checks, vital screenings and oral health assessment provided by trained professionals
- Oral health and hygiene care
On site dental experts hiring, offering guidance, assessment and preventative education
- Healthy cooking demonstrations
Featuring nutritious, culturally relevant meals and a hand on healthy eating and nutrition art projects for all ages
- Interactive line dancing sessions
Community Line dancers will get everyone moving with fun, energetic routines designed to promote fitness and joy
- Dozens of health exhibitors
Access Resource is services and programs that support mental health, aging, chronic disease management, family health, and more
Event Details
What: Elders in the Margin: Black Health & Wellness Symposium and Expo
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Symposium: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Expo: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Langara College — 100 West 49th Ave, Vancouver, B.C.
Cost: Free to the community (Refreshments provided)
For More information:
symposium@harambeehealthandwellness.ca
info@harambeeahealthandwellness.ca
+1 604-712-1685
