Presenting

James Valitchka

 At 10 years old was recognized as a “Best selling author and Goodwill Ambassador for Literacy”.

Founder & President of “Global Youth United for Success”

Recipient of the “Top 20 Under 20” award for innovation, achievement and excellence.

 Bio:

 James has published seven  books, including I Love Grandpa, Superheroes Don’t Have Dads, Locked Up Mysteries, Free To Be Me, Jess and Cade’s Spy Missions, Maybe I’ll Be a Pastor and I’m Not Brown I’m Human.

James is an Anti-bullying advocate who has spoken at several Safe School Forums and Anti-bullying workshops and conventions.

 His best selling book “Superheroes Don’t Have Dads” …  is printed and sold in English, French and Spanish.

 “Superheroes Don’t Have Dads” is a beautifully written and illustrated book, which addresses issues of self esteem, bullying, single parent homes and personal change; all from the perspective of an 8 year old boy. This book can and will make a difference for children, families and educators in a truly meaningful and unforgettable way.

“James has had over 35 media interviews as of June 15, 2005. He was interviewed by CTV and was the CTV National News success story on May 9th, 2005. During James’ National Book Tour for Literacy, James was interviewed in Vancouver by CBC Radio Morning News, Breakfast Television and The Province newspaper. James had interviews including segments with Global TV, CKY-CTV News, and CBC Radio. James has spoken at events with over 1,000 people in attendance and is a regular keynote speaker at educational conferences, schools, libraries and humanitarian causes.”

 Quote from Toronto Mayor David Miller

“James Valitchka spoke to people’s hearts and described what it is like  to be a bully, to be bullied and how to combat bullying. You have to know what motivates bullying and find the support that the bullies and their victims need. In addition, his book “Superheroes Don’t Have Dads” is wonderful. He is the child of a single mother and I was amazed that a young boy of such immense talent and commitment to write chose his message to reach bullies in their hearts, reach them through literature and get them doing positive things. “

 Lisa B. Lee

 “The Gene Queen” Professional International Genealogist, Consultant & Keynote Speaker

 Bio:

Graduate: National Institute for Genealogical Studies (UofT)
Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies
Certificates in U.S., Canadian and Irish genealogy and methodology
Author/Publisher: “Skin Deep: My Journey to Discover the “Black” and “White” Descendants of William Lee”
“GotGenealogy.com” Newsletter
Educator: Got Genealogy Academy
Former President of the California State Genealogical Alliance (CSGA)
Journal Editor and Board Chair of the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California
Board Member of the California Genealogical Society (CGS)
Active Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and dozens of Societies in the U.S. and Canada

 Les McKinnon

 Founder, Heritage Pathways; Author, Historian, Preservationist

Emancipation Festival Community Achievement Award Recipient – 2002

Executive, Grey County Black History Event Committee - Historical and Grey Bruce Emancipation Festival Representative

First Chair & President of the Old Durham Pioneer Road Cemetery Restoration Committee “Prototype for the Reclamation of Desecrated Cemeteries

 Bio:

 Keynote Speaker on Black History, Cemetery Preservation and Restoration and, Environmental Management

Key Initiator and Participant in “Speakers for the Dead” - the Priceville Cemetery Restoration Project

Editorial Board Member:  “Black Canadians: A Long Line of Fighters” - “inspiration behind the development of the Ontario Black History Society started by Wilson Brooks and Dan Hill Sr.”

Co-Partner with Editor Peter Meyler: 1889 manuscript “Broken Shackles” reprint about the life an escaped slave, James Henson, who eventually made his way to Owen Sound

Former Chair of Heritage Pathways, a group whose mission is to discover, preserve and promote public awareness of the many pathways to Ontario’s heritage

Panellists