BOOK IN 3 EASY STEPS

1. Choose a program
2. Choose three dates that work best for you
3. Use Online Booking Form, email duane@staydriven.com, or call 416-910-3900

In addition to the programs below, I can tailor a custom performance to your needs; just let me know what you would like to address.

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!-

STANDARD PROGRAMS

1.  Black Canadian 365
Key focus: Character Education
Grades: K-12

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

Knowing about historical and inspirational heroes such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks is essential. Still, we must dig deeper and learn more about passionate 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 at a movie theatre in Nova Scotia.  Recently her image was added to the ten-dollar bill.  I talk about freedom fighter Josiah Henson – a slave that travelled the Underground Railroad for freedom in Canada, became a landowner and helped others free and empower other blacks.  The presentation is interactive, and I get students rapping along to a spiritual.  Finally, I call on volunteers to play a “name that tune” game to highlight black music contributions.

Have you previously booked Black Canadian 365?

Please note I also offer a follow-up Black Canadian History program.  If I have been at your school within the last two years, this is a great way to follow up the presentation and expand your student’s knowledge of Black Canadian History.

2.  Anti-Bullying
Key Focus:  Anti-Bullying, Self-esteem, Literacy
Grades: K-8 (H.O.L.L.A. program)
Grades: 7-12 (Defy the Odds)

H.O.L.L.A. is a one-hour anti-bullying assembly that combines speaking with live hip-hop performances to engage your students while delivering a reliable message. The acronym “H.O.L.L.A.” stands for: Help, Outlet, Lead, Leave, Assert – five strategies that can be used to combat bullying.  I talk about building self-esteem through finding an outlet and how you need to stand up to bullies.  The program is interactive, and I get all students involved through call-and-response rapping.

3.   In The Zone
Key focus: Leadership, Character Education, Social Media, Literacy and Goal setting
Grades: K – 12

In The Zone is an engaging one-hour assembly that combines live hip-hop performances with a focus on character education.  I talk about what it means to defy the odds to achieve your dream when faced with challenging obstacles.  I encourage youth to have role models and focus on improving by 1% daily to achieve their goals.   The presentation is interactive, as I perform spontaneous freestyle raps while also getting all of the students involved through call-and-response rapping.

4.  Still Driven
Key focus: Character Education, Media Literacy, Cyberbullying
Grades: K – 12

It has been a challenging couple of years as students and staff have dealt with COVID19.

Our new Still Driven program is meant to respond to those challenges and will motivate your students.

The program focuses on making informed decisions online – including social media – and presenting strategies to combat cyberbullying.

What Takes Place During An Hour-Long Seminar?

Here is a sample view of a performance

1-5 -> Rap performance

Acapella rap engages students (Acapella so that teachers can understand it as well!)

6 – 10 -> Introduction

D.O. talks about how he faced adversity and how he overcame obstacles to become a University graduate and Guinness World Record-setting rapper.

11 – 14 -> Video

Music video engages students.

15 – 29 -> First story

D.O. illustrates a lesson through a story, asking students what they would do in the situation and concluding with the lesson learned.

30 – 34 -> Freestyle Rap

D.O. asks students for topics to include in a freestyle rap.

35 – 44 -> Second story

D.O. talks about another lesson learned.

45 – 50 -> Rap performance

D.O. performs a song that requires students to rap with him.

50 – 59 -> Conclusion

Questions, and Prize giveaway.