In community centres across Winnipeg, something powerful is taking shape. Black youth — ages 14 to 24 — are gathering each Saturday morning not for recreation, but for transformation. CBEE Prairies Manitoba’s Youth Empowerment Initiative has officially launched its inaugural cohort, and the energy in the room is undeniable.
The program, designed as a 12-week leadership intensive, pairs each participant with a dedicated mentor drawn from Manitoba’s Black professional community. Sessions cover public speaking, financial literacy, teamwork, civic engagement, and introduction to entrepreneurship. But beyond the curriculum, the program creates something harder to measure: belonging. For many participants, this is the first time they have been in a room full of peers who share their experience — and a team of adults who believe in their potential without condition.
“We’re not just teaching skills,” says the program lead. “We’re building identity, confidence, and vision. These young people already have brilliance. We’re giving them the structure and community to channel it.” The first cohort includes students from across Winnipeg — from high schoolers exploring career options to university students seeking leadership development and community connection. By the end of the 12 weeks, participants will have completed a portfolio of projects, delivered a public presentation, and connected with a network of peers and mentors that extends well beyond the program. Applications for the next cohort are now open. No fees apply.