What is Black power? Is it the black-gloved fist raised to the sky? Is it the afro, perched erect and unshakable atop a woman’s head? Is it the tightly woven locks of a Black man? Is it the regal, urban sistren dressed in dashiki? Is it an aura? Is it anger? Is it protest? Or is it more?
Too often, we create stereotypes for what Black power should look like. And in doing so, we ignore the quiet revolutions that occur in our society—the Black males who make it to university, rather than prison; Black authors who make significant contributions to Canadian literature; athletes who revolutionize the world beyond sports.
Their silent actions shout “Black power” in ways that refuse to go unnoticed. These are the stories that we share in this space.
Indeed, Black power lives in Canada. It migrated here with the first slaves to this land, set its roots down with the blood of Black soldiers, and staked its claim with the contributions that Black people continue to make in the ongoing history of Canada.
In this issue, you will also find stories that invite your discussion on topics surrounding Blackness. We take a closer look at our weaknesses and the prejudices that we perpetuate in our own community.
It is my hope that through introspection, we can truly emancipate ourselves from the mental slavery that seeks to keep Black people as their own oppressors. Isn’t it time for our concept of Black power to remove its focus from the “white man,” and unite us as a people? This edition is a call to unity as much as it is a reflection on our strengths.
For years now, I’ve been on a mission to know myself and to appreciate my Black, Caribbean heritage. I now find pride in my kinky hair, my black skin. I have not arrived, but I’ve come a long way in my journey. This is the Black power that I want to share with young people like my cousin who longed for “Chinese hair,” or one of my nieces who wanted to be the white, American princess on television. These stories are for their benefit.
This personal passion now fuels my desire to make this edition one that our community—Black and other races alike—can appreciate. My version of Black power calls for inclusion; for Black people to realize that because of our contributions to every facet of Canadian life, we cannot set ourselves as an unapproachable niche; for non-Black people to realize that Black power does not mean bitterness, resentment, or hate for “the white man.” Anger is not our focus.
To this end, something amazing is going on in this space. I am happy that in this edition we have several non-Black contributors, whose writing and artwork have added another dimension to this final product. You could say that this space is a kaleidoscope of colours; an amalgamation of Black and white and everything in between. Canada, this is your story.
Here’s to (Black) history in Canada. Here’s to (Black) power.
In faith, hope, and love,
Petura Burrows
BHM Supplement Coordinator
@peturaburrows
