Black Canadian 365 Virtual Conference 2025

Black Canadian 365 LIVE EVENT: Dream Big!

On Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, join D.O. Gibson for the fourth annual Black Canadian 365 Conference—an inspiring live event celebrating Black History Month with students across Canada. This year’s theme, “Dream Big,” will feature powerful stories of Black Canadians who reached remarkable heights through ambition, resilience, and determination.

I will be attending the Grammy’s in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd and will be excited to return back to Canada to kick off a new year of Black Canadian 365!

Event Details:

• Two live sessions to choose from: 9:30 AM EST and 1:00 PM EST (same content offered twice for accessibility).
• Format: Virtual event via Zoom, with an additional live stream available on YouTube.
• Audience: Tailored for all grades (K–12), offering engaging and age-appropriate content.
• Flexible Access: Registration includes access to both live sessions and a recording of the event, ensuring schools can participate even if the timing doesn’t fit their schedule.

What to Expect:

D.O. Gibson will deliver a dynamic and memorable experience, combining impactful storytelling with high-energy rap performances. This one-hour presentation is an enhanced version of past events, featuring fresh stories and thought-provoking content designed to engage students and spark important conversations.

This year, D.O. will:

• Highlight new and previously untold stories of Black Canadians and their impact on our history and future.
• Inspire students to dream big and pursue their ambitions while emphasizing representation, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself.

A Proven Legacy:

Since its launch in 2021, Black Canadian 365 has reached more than 800 schools across Canada, with D.O. Gibson connecting personally with thousands of students through his unique blend of music and storytelling. This year, the event is expected to reach over 50,000 students, making it one of the largest Black History Month celebrations in the country.

Exciting Bonus Offer!

Schools that register will receive FREE access to an updated and expanded 12-part online course on Black Canadian history, perfect for classroom use. This resource, valued at $500, offers a deeper dive into key topics and figures, making it an ideal companion to the live event.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to educate, inspire, and empower your students through the stories and achievements of Black Canadians.

Register today to secure your spot and take advantage of this impactful event and exclusive bonus resources!-

We are now accepting bookings for 2024/25!

To book simply use our Online Booking Form or email me at duane@staydriven.com

We are now accepting bookings for 2024/25.

Hope you had a great summer!

I’ve been enjoying some well-needed / deserved rest for most of the summer…

Except for the trip I took last week to Bogota, Colombia – it was a blast.

In May, I had the opportunity to perform in France, South Africa and the Netherlands. It was amazing.

I am currently working on my first illustrated children’s book and an accompanying children’s album.
I can’t wait for you to see it.

To kick off the year, I will do a limited run of Back to School performances.
I’m confident this show will make your school year a great start for students and staff!

The discounted cost for one presentation (one hour) is $999 + HST or two for $1499 + HST.

This applies to bookings for September to October 15th only.

Booking for November’s anti-bullying week and February’s Black Canadian 365 is encouraged as we will fill up fast so it is best to book in advance.

Looking forward to working with you!

Here is a feature of me appearing on Canada’s Number 1 daytime show The Social and Top morning program in the country Breakfast TV!

This year I am celebrating my 20th year of visiting schools.

I’m excited to come to YOUR school this school year!

Despite a Worldwide pandemic, 2021 has been one of my most successful years!

You can see what I’ve been up to this year by viewing this video…

Click here to visit our contact page to book an Anti-Bullying, Black Canadian 365, or Leadership show.

I’m looking forward to visiting your school soon!

Duane / D.O.

In February 2020, D.O. was featured on CTV’s Evening News!

https://youtu.be/94RQ_JI7kWI

In February 2019, D.O. was featured on CTV’s Etalk!

The segment talks about D.O.’s Stay Driven program focusing on Black History and his role as a father to his two children.

Check it out below

https://youtu.be/j115pJlPQ_A

This is a look at my Stay Driven school tour in February 2019.

It’s been great visiting schools talking about Canadian Black History.

This video will give you a look at elementary, middle, and high schools and includes testimonials from educators.

Thank you to Driftwood, St. Basil and St. Francis Xavier CES for letting me capture the experiences from Stay Driven at your schools!

I am excited to announce that we have sold out our Black Canadian History tour!

In April, I will be doing three weeks of shows in British Columbia.

There are still chances to book for the remainder of 2018-19 school year and we are accepting bookings for 2019-20.

Please visit our online booking form for more information.

This Fall we kick off a new season of Stay Driven.

After a summer of touring Europe, I’m excited to get back into schools and connecting with youth.

We are back with our Anti-Bullying and Leadership programs.

Due to the popularity of our Black History program, I’m no longer just booking this show for February but throughout the entire year.  It was great last year doing this program in April, May and even June!

We have early bird discounts available so click here to visit our contact page to book.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

D.O.

Every February we learn about Black History but too often we focus on the same things.

It’s important to know about historic and inspirational heroes such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, but we also need to dig deeper and learn more about inspirational leaders from Canada.

Our Black History presentation specializes in Black Canadian History.  I talk about Viola Desmond who stood up for her rights by sitting down at a movie theatre in Nova Scotia.  In 2018, she will be on the ten-dollar bill.

I talk about freedom fighter Josiah Henson – a slave that travelled the Underground Railroad for freedom in Canada, became a land owner, and helped other free and empower other blacks.  The presentation is interactive and I get the students rapping along to a negro spiritual.  I play a music video about Black Canadian achievements.  Finally, I call upon volunteers to play a game of “name that tune” to highlight black music contributions.

Black History Month Presentation

*Please note that this is an elementary k-5 school show that we filmed.  The presentation works at middle and highschools as well and is tailored to the audience.

Black History Music Video

Now booking for 2017-18!

It’s 2017 and we are looking forward to visiting more schools and reaching more youth.

We’ve made a few new additions… new brochure, new videos, new references… feel free to contact us with any questions,

Click here to download new brochure

Stay Driven EPK

Highschool and In The Zone EPK

New D.O. song “Follow Me” – where I get to play a teacher!

We’ve added a few video clips from a Stay Driven Highschool performance.

Check it out:

I’m excited to add a new presentation that focuses on Mental Health.

This is a subject that I have been asked about a lot over the last few years.

The program will address early warning signs and provide tips and solutions in an entertaining and educational way.

“You went to my sons school today in Toronto. I want to thank you from the bottom of My heart for your positive influence on my Kids. They came home listening to your songs and saying that you were nice and you taught about bullying. My sons have been bullied in that school. It’s been an ongoing battle.

Thanks for dedicating yourself to serious and crucial topics. Such as bullying and self esteem. I appreciate you. Thank you
For being amazing. Thanks so much”

– parent from school in TCDSB, May 15 2015