By Inis Tagbor
Prior to relocating to Canada in September 2023, I never identified as Black or thought of myself in terms of race. Thanks to my world-class education and exposure to a variety of literature, I have an in-depth understanding of racialization. Still, I never actively acknowledged the notion in terms of its application to me specifically.
On Feb 25th, 2025, I was opportune to assist in facilitating the Black History Month Celebration here at the Keele campus of York University, specifically at the CIBC Lobby Accolade East Building. This red-letter event occurred between the hours of 4:30 pm and 9 pm.
In this piece, I intend to accentuate three highlights of this pivotal experience. The first is my introduction to the Black National Anthem. Along with many others present, I discovered that the United States of America and Canada share a ‘Black National Anthem’. According to Issa Abdi Jamaa, the Alumni Engagement Officer at the Division of Advancement and the host of the event, this special anthem is often played at Superbowl Games. The tune was sung at the beginning of the event after an official welcome address. It was beautifully executed and there was not a dry eye in sight.
Next, I was elated to be amongst some visionary black individuals who have contributed immensely to the Black community at York University by being intentional about creating Black student spaces. Prominent examples include the Black Excellence at York University Club (with a focus on the personal and professional development of Black Undergraduate Students at York) and the Advancing YU Black Students’ stream (a mentorship program specifically for Black undergraduate students).
The conversation around Black-centred spaces intrigued me and I began to resonate with the idea that most Black Canadians have a hard time with their identities as some may not have as strong ancestral ties to their heritage and these spaces enable them with a learning environment where they can connect with their roots.
Finally, the networking component of the Black History Month event served as a reminder of the importance of being open to making new connections. The light buzz of hearty laughter and conversations surrounding hair-care products and the salon recommendations lifted my spirit – a spirit that I did not notice needed uplifting. Everyone was eager to share resources and connect on LinkedIn and the overall vibes were truly immaculate.
To round this up, I now have a clearer image of what it means to have a community for Black people. Regardless, I still identify with my African lineage before I identify as Black. That is a lore to be explored on another occasion!
I am a Communications and Political Science Honours major with a zeal for the creative space. In July 2023, I was one of four Ghanaians selected to represent my country in the rather elite International Writing Program dubbed ‘Between the Lines’. A creative writing and intercultural exchange program hosted by the University of Iowa annually. This amplifies my conversance with creative writing and my amity for social discourse and public speaking. With a sunny disposition and a proclivity to take initiative, I intend to make a sustainable impact, and I genuinely hope this piece eludes that!
— Inis Tagbor