Greetings everyone,
I am Olusegun Isioye, Manager of Client Services and Program Coordination. I am here to share my reflections as we commemorate Black History Month in our communities.
In our pursuit of a shared and promising future, it is essential to delve into the factors that have molded our present—what I refer to as the "markers of the past." The Government of Canada notes that over 400 years ago, the first person of African heritage arrived in what is now Canada. In 1628, Oliver Lejeune became the first recorded enslaved African to live in Canada, his birth name lost to history.
I encourage you to look at the Trans-Atlantic Slave voyage image and the natural resources in Africa below before you continue with your reading.
While slavery was officially abolished in 1833, its impact lingers, particularly in the realm of identity. Identity, encompassing names, origin, culture, individuality, and the unity of the Black community, bears a significant gap in collaboration. Geographic locations contribute to varying levels of knowledge and understanding, creating a challenge to unity. This brings to mind the lyrics from Peter Tosh's song "African: "Don’t care where you come from, as long as you’re a black man, you’re an African." It is worth noting that collaborations are growing, and evident in the musical realm. American or Canadian Africans are collaborating with those in Africa, resulting in Grammy nominations, wins, and the establishment of an identity for Afro beats. I urge that these collaborations must extend beyond music into science, technology, economics, healthcare, and other sectors to amplify the greatness within us and to heal the scars of colonization.
The phrase "scars of anti-Black racism" refers to the lasting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical impact that experiences of racism can have on individuals who are targeted based on their race, specifically those of African descent. Anti-Black racism refers to discriminatory attitudes, beliefs, or actions directed against people of African descent, and it has a long history that spans across various societies and cultures. Coping with the impact of scars from anti-Black racism is a complex and ongoing process. Here are five strategies that individuals may find helpful in managing the emotional and psychological effects:
1. Seek Support:
Surround yourself with a supportive community of friends, family, or like-minded individuals who understand and validate your experiences.
Consider joining support groups or engaging in conversations with people who have gone through similar experiences. This can provide a sense of belonging and understanding.
2. Therapy and Counseling:
Professional therapy or counseling can be a valuable resource for processing emotions and developing coping strategies.
Therapists, especially those with a background in cultural competence or racial trauma, can help individuals navigate the impact of racism on mental health.
3. Self-Care Practices:
Prioritize self-care to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This might include activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature.
Identify activities that bring you joy and make them a regular part of your routine to counteract the negative effects of racism.
4. Educate Yourself and Others:
Knowledge is empowering. Educate yourself about the history and dynamics of racism. Understanding the roots and manifestations of racism can provide context and help combat feelings of isolation.
Consider participating in community education initiatives or sharing your knowledge with others to promote awareness and understanding.
5. Advocacy and Activism:
Engage in advocacy and activism to address systemic issues. Channeling your energy into creating positive change can be empowering.
Connect with organizations or movements dedicated to combating racism and contribute to their efforts, whether through volunteering, supporting campaigns, or participating in community events.
Remember that coping with the impact of racism is a personal journey, and it is essential to find what works best for you. Combining multiple strategies and seeking professional help when needed can contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to managing the scars of anti-Black racism.
The scars of colonization run deep within the Black community, impacting Indigenous lands and control of resources. Many have adopted the Western ways of life, with the leadership model standing out as a poignant example. Inherited from colonial rule, this leadership style (one of a power-over stance), characterized by oppression, persists in some African nations, hindering the development and perpetuating poverty. Additionally, it focuses on natural resources over human capital and overlooks the potential of ideas (our mind and our voices) to generate greater revenue. Consequently, a significant brain drain has occurred, with talent leaving Black economies for global opportunities.
At Kind Minds Family Wellness, we are committed to nurturing leadership capabilities not only within our organization but also among our clients. We aim to foster leaders capable of solving problems, envisioning change, and, most importantly, building, and empowering Black communities and the African continent collaboratively with Africans in the Diaspora.
As leaders celebrating the heritage of members of the Black communities, consider these thoughts and questions:
How does your understanding of identity influence collaboration within the Black community, considering elements like names, origin, culture, and individuality?
Reflecting on leadership styles inherited from colonial rule, how do power-over models impact Black nations, and what collective steps can transform these paradigms?
To combat brain, drain in Black economies, how can we collaboratively promote brain gain back into our communities? What strategies will retain and nurture local talent, ensuring meaningful contributions to the development of Black economies and the African continent?
Wishing you a fulfilling Black History Month 2024 filled with reflections that inspire meaningful action toward the change we aspire to see. Cheers!
Best regards,
Olusegun Isioye
Kind Minds Family Wellness
Reference:
Government of Canada. (2023, February 01). Historic Black Communities in Canada. Canadian Heritage. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/historic-black-communities.html