Representation matters: Black youth talk about the power of connection and community

There was a sense of comfort, empowerment, and belonging for the 400 Black youth who recently gathered in Halifax during the National Black Canadians Summit.

As author and educator Moashella Shortte said: "There is joy in the coming together of Black folk." 

We met with youth from across the country who spoke about the power of connection and community, the importance of representation, and the significance of seeing mentors and leaders who look like them.
 

Alisha Senatus

"This is, genuinely, the absolute most Black people I've seen in one space in my entire life. Not ever in school, not even in Ottawa, where there are Black concentrated areas. It's amazing to see all the different cultures within the Black community, and to learn about those things and realize where you come from - you're of African descent, everybody is."

Drayton Mulindabigwi Jabo

"I've been to other Black-led events before, but nothing like this. The Summit felt monumental. It was like the start of something great, that kind of feeling. When I saw everyone in the big room at the main reception, it created a sense of familiarity, but also a sense of belonging, which I feel like you don't get as much in other places. It's been really inspiring to see a lot of Black leaders, and young Black leaders because it's not something that is portrayed every day."

Aaron Sardinha

"I want to acknowledge, recognize and honour that it's a privilege to be here, to come all the way from coast to coast and connect. We're doing that work for us all, for our melanin brothers and sisters and family members, people across gender identities and expressions. We are doing this work, and we are here for you and for each other. It feels like a family reunion in a lot of ways, connecting with each other, learning from each other, reminiscing, reuniting. It's been really really powerful to do that."

Alex Adams

"Being at the Summit felt awesome. As a kid, I felt like I was not always included because I looked different from most people. Here, everyone was kind and accepting. Sometimes it's really tough to find someone who has the same life experiences as you do. It was really cool to meet people my own age from across Canada and the world."

 

Funmi Odeniyi

"Since I moved to Nova Scotia from Nigeria six years ago, this was the first time I've been with this number of Black people. It feels so nice, being with people who are like you. This feels more like home. It really feels so special."

 

Josh Creighton

"I attended a previous Summit in Ottawa in 2019, and it was the first time I'd ever seen so many Black people in one space, across industries. It was dope. To be in Halifax this year, it's huge. We have the largest Indigenous Black population in all of Canada. That speaks volumes to the history and culture that exist here. It's great to have delegates travel from across the country to experience and appreciate the history that they are ultimately connected to."

 

Nyisha Clayton

"It feels comforting to be at the Summit. Where I grew up, there weren't a lot of Black people. I grew up in white spaces. So I'm not really used to being around areas or events where there are lots of Black people. Being at an event that is for Black people, it's empowering."

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.