Honouring Black Academic Superstars 🙌🏾

As I co-planned Black History Month events at my university in February 2020, I found myself reflecting on the barriers to success for Black students in my immediate environment. The one that stood out to me at the time was financial barriers and their associated opportunities for relief or lack thereof. After perusing the list of financial awards available, I noticed that there was no award specifically for Black students despite there being awards for other identities. Being a Black student who dabbled in activism, I knew that I had to embark on a journey to change this promptly.

I received the Beadle Family Award at my university in 2019, and it recognizes an outstanding student undertaking a bachelor's or master's degree in tourism and hospitality management. Not only was it beneficial financially, but it was also a great boost of confidence knowing that I was the one who epitomized the criteria of the award. Though I am intrinsically motivated, it was a reminder that I am, in fact, destined for greatness. That is how the Award for Diversity and Community Building came about; it was a way to pay it forward. Yes, I wanted to provide some financial relief to the recipients. However, I also wanted Black students to get the same feeling I got without a sliver of doubt as this is an award founded by a Black person for Black people.

Being the first of its kind, this award recognizes and supports Afro-Heritage students who serve their communities through volunteering, applied scholarship, or leadership. Since Black students are typically disadvantaged or displaced despite their capabilities, this award is also meant to celebrate Black excellence and propel its recipients towards academic success. Currently, I fund this award out-of-pocket so that one student can benefit each year. However, I hope that by sharing the award, I can encourage others to donate as well so that more students can benefit each year.

Momspiration ❤️

In addition to genuinely wanting to create more opportunities for Black students, I was inspired by my mom. She is a single mother who, despite being the sole breadwinner of her family, was always willing to help others. She did this even on the days that we didn't have much. Her kindness extends to friends, family members, and strangers, and she helps them with just about anything, from tuition fees to medical and living expenses. This principle of goodwill is one that I have adopted from her, and I have used it to guide my actions on a daily basis.

On another note, as we come to the end of Black History Month, I'd like to remind folks to celebrate Black history and Black excellence throughout the year, and not just in February. This applies to everyone, regardless of their ethnic background. Even though I am a Black woman, I am still learning about Black history, and I must say it has been an enlightening journey that I will continue and encourage others to embark upon. Below are two of the resources that I have used lately to learn more about Black history in the Canadian context. What I love most about these resources is that they touch upon the untold stories of Black Canadian ancestors and are, without a doubt, eye-openers.

Book: Policing Black Lives by Robyn Maynard 📖

Policing Black Lives is the first book to provide a comprehensive account of over four hundred years of injustices towards Black people in Canada. It outlines the role that the state played in perpetuating several issues that Black people faced, such as racial profiling, deportation, and poverty. This book also serves as a call-to-action for folks to help dismantle bureaucratic structures and systems that sustain racial inequities in our society.

Short Film: Secret Victoria: Rush for Freedom 📽️

Secret Victoria: Rush to Freedom highlights the mass migration of Black people in the 1950s and how it shaped the city we know as Victoria today. James Douglas, a man of mixed heritage, invited Black people from San Francisco to settle in Victoria during his fight against American expansionism. Though some eventually returned home, the persons that remained paved the way for Black families in Victoria presently. This film is short yet powerful and recounts a part of history that is instrumental but not well known.

As we move forward, I hope that we will all engage in lifelong learning when it comes to Black history and the origin of other heritages represented around us. Many of us as racialized individuals have been plagued by microaggressions, stereotypes, and the ill-effects of social injustices. These sometimes stem from ignorance, so one of the ways to address them is to take the time to learn more about the plurality of our society and appreciate its undeniable beauty.

Tips would be greatly appreciated and will be used to contribute to the award, or you can contribute directly to the award. Thanks in advance :)