EVENTS
BLESSE NEWSLETTER
Building Black Ownership in All Capacities
Edition: Fall 2025 — Two Years of Redemption, Reintegration & Rebirth
A Message from the Founder — Andrew Bond
As October 31st, 2025 approaches, I reflect with gratitude, humility, and purpose on what these past two years of freedom and reintegration have truly meant.
Coming home wasn’t the end of the journey—it was the beginning of a transformation. I made a choice to shift my mindset, discipline my behavior, and align my goals with a higher calling: to rebuild not just my life, but the lives of others who walk the same path.
Through this process, BLESSE (Born Leaders Elite Sanctified Social Enterprise) was born—a social enterprise rooted in the principles of ownership, empowerment, and community restoration. What started as an idea during my re-entry has now evolved into a growing movement for justice-impacted, at-risk, and marginalized Black individuals across Toronto and beyond.
We are not incorrigible. We are capable of greatness, compassion, and leadership. Our redemption stories are blueprints for liberation.
Milestones & Moments of Impact (2024–2025)
From humble beginnings to city-wide collaborations, the last two years have been filled with moments that remind us why this work matters:
CABR Townhall
Featured on CityTV News at the CABR Townhall Meeting.
MCRC Basketball tournament
Sponsored MCRC 5v5 Basketball Tournament.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Guest speaker at Iron Sharpens Iron’s Black Men’s Group for National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
He's A Guy Podcast
Guest on He’s A Guy Podcast.
School Mentorship with The Forgiveness Project
REAL-SILIENCE SYMPOSIUM
"The event was an immense success, and it was heartwarming to see so many attendees truly feel the passion and commitment you brought to such a wonderful panel of community leaders. I believe we created a unique experience that Toronto hasn't seen before! The message was incredibly impactful, and I felt privileged to be involved in recording the event. I'm really excited to share all the footage we captured with you! Hope to hear from you soon, Best regards."
Derrick Fagan
Content Producer / Cinematographer DF Media Productions Inc
Kelvin
Looking Forward: The Future of BLESSE
As we step into this new chapter, BLESSE stands at the forefront of transformation. Our upcoming projects will continue to break barriers and build bridges—between past and future, pain and healing, incarceration and innovation.
We are expanding our educational, mentorship, and social enterprise programs, focusing on equipping Black men with the tools to thrive mentally, financially, and spiritually.
New collaborations are on the horizon, and our network of partners continues to grow. Every program, every partnership, every step forward reminds us that resilience isn’t just survival—it’s evolution.
Acknowledgements
From our humble beginnings to our current growth, BLESSE extends deep gratitude to every organization, ally, and supporter who believed in our vision.
To Black Mental Health Canada — thank you for standing with us from the start and for walking hand-in-hand in the healing journey of our community.
To NH Education — thank you for providing a bridge to education, employment, and economic empowerment for those rebuilding their lives. To every mentor, partner, donor, and volunteer — your belief is the foundation of our impact.
Closing Message: Becoming the Example
To my brothers who’ve walked through fire—know that your scars are symbols of survival, not shame.
To the men rebuilding piece by piece—your effort is sacred. And to our community—let’s continue to show the world that Black resilience is not just real, it’s revolutionary.
This is more than a return. It’s a rebirth. Let’s keep building ownership in all capacities—mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, socially, and through family.
Join the movement.
Support the mission.
Be part of the transformation.
Please Have a BLESSE Day.