This month we celebrate what Black history means to us as individuals and in our communities. In this blog, three of our board members offer a lens into what Black History Month means to them; through Allyship.

Jennifer Ottywill, VP Marketing and Communications

Undoubtedly, our society remains imbalanced in the face of equality and fairness towards marginalized groups. With deeply embedded unconscious bias layered within our social and organizational structures, the need for an individual and collective response is essential. Allyship to me is an ongoing commitment to working towards breaking down these barriers in whatever way I am able. If there is a will, there is a way. If your will compliments deep unrest for racism and social inequality- the foundation is set. How I exercise my will:

• A will to use my voice and never be silent in the face of racism or inequality
• A will to leverage my skillsets to participate in social change (volunteering for a not-for-profit that advocates for ED&I- CAUFP)
• A will to build a diverse and inclusive community
• A will to educate my children on our differences and our sameness, our privilege, to recognize unfairness and to advocate for what is right
• A will to live a life of continued education and learning
• A will to self-reflect and identify my privilege
• A will to leverage said privilege and use whatever tools I have to drive change
• A will to have uncomfortable conversations. A must-read “White Fragility: Why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism”- most people stay silent in fear of not knowing how to do this. Start here.

As a white woman, I have not lived a life without privilege, I have never been without opportunity. It is because of this privilege and not in the face of this privilege that my will as an ally is stronger than ever.

Tazrian Alam, Director Professional Development

As a South Asian Canadian, celebrating Black History Month this year is particularly exciting. Earlier this year, we witnessed a biracial daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants take the oath for the second-highest office in American government. Black and Brown women everywhere rejoiced; there was a shared sense of joy and hope. It was wonderful to witness the moments of shared joy since it is too often that we relate to each other through shared struggles. My celebration of Black History Month is dedicated to finding more connections to Black history, specifically in Canada, and raise awareness about the rich Black history in Oakville, Ontario – the town I call home.

I was born in Bangladesh and grew up in the dominantly white suburbs of Oakville. Oakville is often stereotyped as a haven for the white and the affluent, however, many are unaware of the rich Black history of our town. As an avid hiker, I have hiked Sixteen Mile Creek since I was eight, however, it resonated with me to learn, as a terminus point of the Underground Railroad, Sixteen Mile Creek was a common escape route and many Black Canadians first made their home in the Oakville area.

The long history of Black excellence in Oakville began in the 19th century as the Black community’s industrious entrepreneurs helped shape Oakville into the bustling town that my own family immigrated to. I celebrate Canadian Black history by learning about people like James W. Hill, who established himself as a successful farmer and helped lift Oakville out of temporary economic depression. On top of that, Hill also helped rescue 800 people who escaped slavery. I was amazed to learn his farmhouse still stands today on Maple Grove Drive! I also want people to know about Samuel Adams who founded Turner Chapel. According to records, the church operated as a gymnasium, a social hub, a place to go for dinner, recreation — everything. Turner Chapel is also still standing. My celebration of Black History Month this year is dedicated to the collective consciousness around the contributions made by Black Canadians.

Here’s to celebrating the rich Black history in our backyard; I challenge you to look into your own town’s historical society or public records.

Neha Prasad-Kovach, VP Youth Engagement

As someone who is a proud ally year-round, there are several ways I celebrate Black History Month:

• Through conversation- about anti-Black and other forms of racism with my network (social media, work, family and friends)
• Making inclusion part of my daily practice
• Donate and volunteer- with one of the many organizations supporting members of the Black community (Jean Augustine Centre of Young Women’s Empowerment and CAUFP)
• Continuous education and dialogue with my children: on what unconscious and conscious bias is and what role we have to play to our friends and community as allies in standing up against unfairness as a result of systemic racism or bias
• Reading books to my kids- some favourites include ‘Ambitious Girl’, ‘Black Heroes’ and ‘Anti-Racist Baby’
• Commitment to continued education- on past events and the experiences shared by the Black community

As an ally, my goal is to ensure that the next generation will have a better world, racial equity would be a thing of the norm and to hand over the world to my kids, just a little better (ideally a lot better) than how I found it.

Today and every day we celebrate Black history.