Episode 26: More Than A Month
Black History Month. If we are honest, this month only exists because Black history has been all but untold in Canada. In this compelling episode of Canadian Salad, Andrea and Hostion are joined by two remarkable women, Cleia and Asiyah, to dive deep into their personal experiences as Black women in Canada. Cleia, with Jamaican roots, shares her journey from Montreal to Victoria and gives insight into the embodiment of Black identity and belonging. Asiyah, an Afro-Caribbean Muslim woman from the Bahamas, brings a unique perspective on the multitude of intersectionalities she navigates as an immigrant here.
Understanding Black History: More Than Just A Month
For many, Black History Month is a time for reflection and education. But as Cleia and Asiyah describe, the month can sometimes feel more like a banner waving over issues that deserve constant acknowledgment and action. While it gives visibility, it often misses the essence of truly understanding and appreciating the multifaceted history and present-day realities of Black communities across Canada and beyond.
Both guests shared how their unique backgrounds shape their perspectives on Black History Month. Cleia, daughter of Jamaican immigrants to Canada, and Asiyah, an Afro-Caribbean Muslim woman from the Bahamas, paint vivid pictures of their worlds where Black history is lived every day, not confined to a single month.
Cultural Identity and Integration: The Intersections of Race and Culture
Cleia's tale weaves through her life in Quebec, where cultural intersections and a lack of explicit Black History Month celebrations shaped her identity from within her own household. Meanwhile, Asiyah recalls her life in the Bahamas, a Black majority country, bringing a different perspective to the discourse. For her, Blackness isn't a historic observation but a social construct enriched often limiting the perception and complexity of one’s true identity.
Both expressed frustration and hope in equal measures, advocating for an ongoing, inclusive dialogue about race and culture well beyond a singular month. They emphasize the critical need for continuous community investment and how acknowledging intersectional identities—where race, immigration, and faith intertwine—can open up spaces for meaningful change.
Indigenous Sovereignty and Immigration: Navigating the Dual-Narrative
The conversation further touched on the role of Indigenous sovereignty in shaping Canadian identity and immigration policies. Asiyah, grappling with her status as an immigrant settler on Indigenous lands, highlights the dual nature of settlement and belonging. She calls for a harmonious approach to welcoming newcomers in a manner that respects and upholds Indigenous rights.
A Rich Diaspora: Celebrating Unity in Diversity
In navigating cultural identity, there's beauty and complexity in the diaspora. Whether it's the vibrant Caribbean community in Toronto or the robust conversations among Black communities in smaller Canadian cities, these stories are emblematic of the larger fabric of Black history and presence.
In the words of our guests, recognizing the layers within Black identity is crucial—not just acknowledging a shared history but also celebrating the diverse paths individuals and communities take within larger narratives.
One thing remains clear: Black History Month is a starting point, not an end. It should catalyze ongoing conversations, inspire change, and enable a deeper understanding of the vast, joyful, and sometimes challenging tapestry of Black histories and identities.
Join us in rooting these conversations in everyday life, learning about the past, and shaping a collective future filled with recognition, respect, and justice. Thank you for diving into these stories with us—where Black history, present, and future are intertwined in a living, breathing celebration of culture and identity.
Quiz Sources
Founder of Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson - NAACP
The Diversity of the Black Populations in Canada, 2021: A Sociodemographic Portrait - Stats Canada