Our Story: Cultivating Heritage, Empowering Seniors
The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step
The Heritage Roots Coalition was born out of a pressing need: a dedicated platform for Seniors of African descent to connect, collaborate, and share their wealth of knowledge. Recognizing the invaluable experiences of African, Caribbean, and Black Seniors in the corporate and public sectors, we envisioned a forum where they could actively contribute to the growth of Edmonton and the broader Canadian community.
The Heritage Roots Coalition was born out of a pressing need: a dedicated platform for Seniors of African descent to connect, collaborate, and share their wealth of knowledge. Recognizing the invaluable experiences of African, Caribbean, and Black Seniors in the corporate and public sectors, we envisioned a forum where they could actively contribute to the growth of Edmonton and the broader Canadian community.
Our journey began with informal discussions among a few founding members who saw the potential for greater impact. These early conversations highlighted the lack of structured engagement opportunities and led to a small gathering in November 2023 under the interim name Alberta Seniors Group. This initial meeting provided a space for Seniors to share their experiences and explore meaningful ways to contribute to their communities.
Goals and Objectives
- To encourage cordial interaction and collaboration among Seniors of African descent.
- To provide advocacy and resource support for the improvement of the mental health of Seniors of African descent through communal activities and networking.
- To enhance and promote the establishment of a “Heritage Roots Coalition” Seniors Community Centre comprising of retirement homes, Entertainment and Social intermingling centres dedicated solely to the peculiar needs and circumstances of HRC seniors.
- To reach out to other groups/communities of Seniors in the province with the purpose of establishing symbiotic relationships on mutually beneficial projects and programs.
- To act as a standing Arbitral/Mediator body for HRC members and other sister Organizations on matters and issues affecting HRC members, when called upon.
- To organize periodic lectures, events and mentorship programs for youths, young adults and organizations within the HRC community with the purpose of imparting knowledge and wisdom within the arsenal of acquired life experiences, when called upon.
- To motivate and mentor our Youths to actively participate in all facets of the Canadian society, including active participation in the political process.
- To be a resource group for the youths and young adults of African descent by connecting with and providing support to them.
- To be a voice for, and to protect the interests of Seniors of African descent in Alberta.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Empower Seniors of African descent to thrive by fostering unity, providing advocacy and mental health support, mentoring the next
generation, building meaningful connections across communities, and ensuring their voices are heard and their heritage preserved.
To ensure the welfare and well-being of Senior citizens of African descent in Alberta.
Our Executives
Thomas Bankole
Chairperson
Rose Joshua, PhD.
Vice Chairperson
Sam Afolayan, PhD.
General Secretary
James Akano
Treasurer
Sikiru Ladejoh
Director of Operations
Solomon Okogun
Director of Communications
Barr. Emmanuel Alade
Legal Adviser
Our Impact: Empowering Seniors, Building Stronger Communities
At Heritage Roots Coalition, we champion the vital role Seniors play in a thriving society. We empower African, Caribbean, and Black Seniors to stay engaged, share their wisdom, and actively shape the future of Edmonton and Canada.
Connecting & Supporting: We combat loneliness and isolation by fostering a strong sense of belonging through community gatherings, mentorship programs, and social events.
Promoting Lifelong Growth: We empower Seniors to continue learning and growing through workshops, skill-sharing sessions, and leadership opportunities.
Advocating for Inclusion: We amplify the voices of African, Caribbean, and Black Seniors, ensuring their perspectives are heard and valued by policymakers and community leaders.
Creating a Legacy: Our members, with decades of experience in corporate, public service, and community leadership, mentor younger generations and share their cultural heritage, building a more inclusive and vibrant society.
At Heritage Roots Coalition, we celebrate Seniors not just as members, but as leaders and inspirations, shaping a better future for generations to come.
