Celebrating The Unsung Heroes: Joy-Anne Layne

For over 25 years, Joy-Anne Layne has worked with youth and families across Montreal, Quebec. She has been a counselor at day camps, tutored in afterschool and weekend programs, and coordinated the Teen Leadership Program at the Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association.

Currently, she is working at the English Montreal School Board as a childcare worker for
“special needs children.” To stay connected to her community, Joy-Anne still finds time to work as a trainer for the Strengthening Black Families Program, which is also part of the CDNBCA.

Joy-Anne has declared that each role has reinforced her belief in the power of mentorship and advocacy. She says, "Through every stage of my journey, there are lessons that have remained clear to me, and that is to lead by example and show up for your community. Show that you care by being there consistently to offer encouragement to those that need it, because that can make a difference in a person or family's life."

Celebrating The Unsung Heroes
Honoring the Unsung Heroes of Black History 
Black History Month is not just about the names we all know—it's about the countless trailblazers, innovators, and changemakers whose contributions shaped history but were never fully recognized. This month, we shine a light on their stories, resilience, and impact. Let’s celebrate the voices that history overlooked and ensure their legacies inspire generations to come.

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