It is all connected.

On October 12, 2024, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) hosted "Heritage Unveiled," featuring a presentation by renowned historian Rito Joseph. His talk highlighted the significant contributions of Black Canadians across various fields since the late 1700s, a crucial topic often overlooked in Canadian history education. While many are familiar with the Loyalists—those who left the United States to remain loyal to the British monarchy—Canada’s curriculum rarely explores who these individuals were or how they helped shape the development of Upper and Lower Canada.

The event also included a Q&A session featuring a diverse panel of experts:

- Wilkinson Derisme, founder of MusiqualiT, a platform for creatives, musicians, and producers.

- Samanta Nyinawamuntu, leader of the Black Healing Centre, which offers wellness activities and mental health services tailored to the Black community.

- Lourdenie Jean, an intersectional feminist and community organizer advocating for environmental justice through her platform, L'Environnement, C'est Intersectionnel.

- Chris Luamba, a well-known lawyer and civil rights activist.                

During the Q&A, despite each panelist’s distinct focus, a common theme emerged: the interconnectedness of racism and discrimination in our daily lives. Whether in the arts or healthcare, Black Canadians face both individual and systemic racism. Lourdenie pointed out that mainstream environmentalism often blames humans for harming the planet, yet fails to address the social injustices that dehumanize marginalized communities. This limited perspective stifles progress in tackling environmental issues through a more inclusive lens. Chris was sharing his story with law enforcement, telling us that he witnessed his own family members being discriminated against at a young age. It was because of how consistent he was being targeted that he decided to go tackle to law that allows police officer do so.

Samanta shared a personal story about her experience with the Black Healing Centre. After finding a promising location for their services, the landlord was initially enthusiastic. However, once they learned the organization's name, the landlord suddenly raised objections, preventing them from securing the space. This incident highlights the subtle yet persistent forms of discrimination that still exist.

The panelists agreed that education is key to dismantling these barriers. Chris, for example, suggested that if officers at the École nationale de police du Québec (ENPQ) received training on how to engage with unfamiliar communities, outcomes could improve. Beyond education, simple acts of kindness and humanity are essential in moving toward a more equitable society.

Education also empowers the Black community itself. As I spoke with attendees, many expressed how much they had learned from the FBC’s initiative. They were surprised to learn how far back Black Canadians have been contributing and wondered why this history isn't taught in schools. This reinforces the importance of events like these. As Wilkinson aptly stated, one of the best ways to support  organizations is by showing up to events and offering your expertise. "We need everything—lawyers, accountants—every skill is valuable."

One of my favorite moments from the event was discovering the talented duo Joyciana and Ryan. Her soulful voice, paired with his guitar, was the perfect way to end such an inspiring and thought-provoking day.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you have followed every platform mentioned in order to keep yourself updated on their respective upcoming events. If you were there, let us know in the comment section what did you learn that day.