BC Community Alliance Responds to Tragic Death of 15-Year-Old Sened Mussie Gebreamlak Woldai by Mobilizing Legal and Crisis Support Systems for Black Youth
VANCOUVER, B.C. — On July 19, 2025, the BC Community Alliance (BCCA) and the broader Black community were devastated by the loss of Sened Mussie Gebreamlak Woldai, a 15-year-old newcomer from Surrey who was fatally stabbed in downtown Vancouver near Robson Square. The teen’s life was cut short before it truly began, marking yet another tragic and preventable act of violence against a Black youth in British Columbia.
In response, BCCA is urgently advancing two critical initiatives to address the systemic failures that continue to put Black and racialized youth at risk:
1.Black Legal Clinic BC – Community Consultations (August 5–7, 2025)
In partnership with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), Safe School Hub Inc., Sovereign Creatives, and with funding from the Law Foundation of British Columbia, BCCA is co-hosting three in-person consultations across Vancouver and Surrey. These sessions aim to gather community input to help shape British Columbia’s first Black-led legal clinic—a space designed to serve communities who have long been excluded from culturally relevant legal services.
“We have buried too many children. This clinic is about justice that sees us, hears us, and protects us—before it’s too late,” said Brian Seremba, Operations Director at BCCA.
2.Crisis Response Team Launching Fall 2025 – With Early Launch in Sight
BCCA is also preparing to launch a Crisis Response Team (CRT) this fall to address rising violence and mental health emergencies among Black and newcomer youth. The CRT will deploy trained mediators, community elders, and trauma-informed professionals to:
- Respond to crises in schools and neighborhoods
- Provide grief and wellness supports for families
- Deliver de-escalation and prevention workshops
- Engage at-risk youth before systemic intervention is needed
Community donations are being accepted to accelerate the CRT launch before September, ensuring that support arrives not after tragedy—but in time to prevent it.
About Sened
Sened had only recently arrived in Canada. 
He was known by his family and friends as joyful, kind, and full of light. A fundraiser is currently underway to help repatriate his body to Eritrea, where he can be buried alongside his ancestors.
“Sened’s death is not just a loss—it’s a call to action. At BCCA, we carry his name in every room we enter, not in silence—but in determination,” said Seremba.
About BC Community Alliance
BC Community Alliance (BCCA) is a Black-led nonprofit dedicated to dismantling systemic racism through youth empowerment, culturally informed advocacy, and trauma-responsive programming. Through its Supports for Student Learning Program, Safe School Hub, and community safety initiatives, BCCA is actively reshaping what equity, healing, and justice look like across British Columbia.
Event Registration
Black Legal Clinic Consultations
August 5–6: 520 Alexander St, Vancouver
August 7: Royals Community Centre, Surrey
Register at: www.blacklegalclinicbc.com
Media Contact:
Brian Seremba
Co-founder and Staff Director
BC Community Alliance
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn: @bcca_vancouver