Celebrating the Beauty of Black Identity

Written by Dylan Adler
Edited by Dominique Cao
Cover Image by Elena Chen

For some, Black History Month is a month to honour the long legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.   

But for others, Black History Month is something that should happen every day; it is a time to make Black history and culture even more prominent in awareness across the country, because to say it is beautifully complex is an understatement. 

I am no expert on Black history or culture. However, through this article I intend to better understand the personal themes that students at Havergal experience during this month––as well as love for their identity, something every person is entitled to embrace and feel comfortable sharing. 

The official 2023 theme for Black History Month is “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History Today and Every Day,” focusing on the daily contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada. 

In the spirit of learning more, I met with several members of Havergal’s Black Student Alliance (BSA) and developed a series of general questions based on this month’s theme. 

What does this year’s Black History Month theme mean to you (as a teenager, member of your family, and student at Havergal)? 

This theme can mean so many things. First, it means needing to talk less about people from the past, and more about those who are still alive and making change today, which is important so we can see ourselves in their position, advocating for change. This does not just include commonly known activists like Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks, but those who are more modern and of today’s world. “It is powerful to know that change is still happening.”

The theme also means understanding intersectionality, as well as the different ways one can identify themselves (this can include being part of multiple communities, such as the Hispanic and LGBTQ2+ communities). In addition, understanding the differences between African cultures, such as East versus West African culture, which is something people do not really acknowledge, and should more often. 

What is your opinion on Black History Month, and how it is portrayed (at Havergal, in the media, etc.)? 

Black History Month focuses on recognizing Black history, but “Black history is what makes Black culture”. This means talking less about the struggles and more about the people and traditions. 

In addition, for some, Black History Month means that we are carrying the voices of Black people and their traditions and cultures throughout the entire year and the years to come. BSA is working hard to spread that message, as well as making Havergal a more welcoming place so that students can feel proud of being Black. 

Overall, it really depends on how you look at it, which is what is so great about Black History Month. No matter what, it encourages you to learn and hear people’s stories. 

Do you think there is a more important theme we should be focusing on? 

We need to talk more about acceptance in the broader culture, which can reduce the misuse of words and art so that it does not become offensive or cultural appropriation. “At some point, we just need to be more comfortable talking about it.”

This year, instead of Black history, BSA is focusing more on this aspect, which includes everything from food to dance to music. Black culture is a powerful thing that comes from all across the world. In fact, a lot of dances we see in the media (including TikTok) originate from Black dances––which is really amazing. “In one way or another, we’re all connected.” 

What single message would you like to share with the Havergal community?

“I am very proud of being Black…what hurts me most is when people do not feel comfortable to say that.” 

“Black community as a whole is a powerful, powerful thing.” 

“I really appreciate those who have fought for us to be more comfortable with ourselves, more appreciative of ourselves.” 

“[It is] important knowing that change is still happening, really powerful, all year-round.”

“[Black History Month] means that we are recognizing different types of Black people for the whole year, even though it’s just a specific month.”

“Black culture is good, but Black history is what makes Black culture.”

From what I have learned, Black History Month all comes down to celebrating and being proud of who you are, and it takes an immense amount of bravery and courage in many cases to embrace that.

Yes, history is messy, but ignoring it will never do anything, and we have to talk about it. We have to move forward, and find light in the darkness. 

Everyone is different. Let’s celebrate that. 

To end it off, I want to give a huge thanks to all of the people that agreed to be interviewed! I had so much fun talking with you and you are all incredibly nice. I would also like to thank Ms. Goodridge and head of BSA, Morayo for being so supportive with my article!