Resources
We are Many Things
A podcast that explores the vibrant histories, traditions, lived experiences, and the threads that weave together a community’s identity.
We Are Many Things is a podcast series that explores the soul of the Black community — its richness, its complexity, and the beautiful diversity of its people. Each episode features honest conversations between the host and guests who share their thoughts, feelings, and lived experiences. Together, they reflect on what it means to be part of a vibrant and dynamic community.
We Are Many Things is brought to you by North York Community House.
Created and hosted by Sharron Wood, with Adyam, Casey, Lionel, and Rickysha Jn-Baptiste.
Music by Keely.
Edited by Sage Bankasingh.
Bios
Sharron Wood is a seasoned Career and Work Counselling Professional with a deep understanding and a commitment to social justice, the empowerment and education of youth and an unrelenting desire to effect positive change in her community. Sharron has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a diploma in Career and Work Counselling and works with youth at North York Community House. Sharron is a proud member of the Afro-Caribbean community.
Adyam is a grade 12 student who is originally from Africa. She is actively involved in her school and works tirelessly as a student representative to amplify the voices of her fellow students. Adyam brings that same level of engagement to We Are Many Things, where she shares her ideas and lived experiences as a Black youth in Canada.
Casey was born on the sun-kissed island of Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada. Growing up in a mostly single-father household, her father taught her resilience, the value of hard work, and the importance of family. These life experiences helped Casey develop an unbreakable spirit that continues to carry her through life.
Casey came to Canada in 2004 to explore new horizons and experience a different way of life. Over the years, she worked in many different roles—from factory work to childcare—gaining a wide range of life experience along the way.
Casey became a wife and a mother to two amazing, intelligent, strong-willed, and caring young ladies.
In 2015, Casey joined North York Community House as a placement student and was hired as the Interim Language and Literacy Worker – the beginning of her journey into meaningful community engagement. Since then, Casey has held various roles within the organization—from Summer Camp Coordinator to her current position as Community Support Worker.
Casey believes her journey is a testament to her love and passion for helping and bringing people together.
Rickysha Jn-Baptiste, is a dedicated and passionate social service professional, a devoted mother, and an enthusiastic advocate for community development. She holds a Social Service Worker Diploma with a focus on Immigrant and Refugee Support from Seneca College, an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Social Services from the University of Guelph, and a Social Service Worker Diploma from Humber College.
Rickysha began her journey at North York Community House in 2014 as a placement student with the Village Bloggurls program, later transitioning into the role of Girls Program Worker. She is deeply committed to empowering young girls, fostering inclusivity, and promoting equitable communities.
Proud of her Caribbean heritage, Rickysha was raised by parents who immigrated to Canada from St. Lucia. She is grateful for the love and support of her family, who have always encouraged her to pursue her passions and make a meaningful impact in her community.
