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Black History Month serves as a powerful tribute to the achievements, culture, and contributions of Black people; honoring their struggles and triumphs while acknowledging the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. Originally established as “Negro History Week” in 1926, it was later expanded into a month-long celebration in 1976 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). Today, Black History Month is celebrated across Canada, the United States, and many European countries, providing a meaningful opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the profound impact Black communities have had on shaping history.

In honor of this important month, we had the privilege of speaking with Sarah Simbi Nakure, a long-time Canadian resident and Settlement Facilitator at Eastman Immigrant Services. With years of dedicated experience supporting immigrant populations, Sarah offers valuable insights into the evolution of Black history and the ongoing journey toward inclusivity in Canada. She shares her personal reflections on the significance of Black History Month, offering a unique perspective on its importance to the broader community.

Question 1: How has your experience as a visible minority in Canada evolved over the past 20 years? 

Sarah: When I first moved to Steinbach, I was one of the few visible minorities in the area, and it was clear to everyone that I was new. Seeing a black person was like a miracle, and those I saw were here for a visit or shopping, as most of them lived in the Winnipeg area. I believe there was one family that was in the area before us, and people could definitely tell that I was not from that family. It was as if everyone was curious to know about this new arrival. I remember walking in the streets of Steinbach, and people would ask me this question: “By any chance, are you the wife of so and so?” People had heard of a wedding of black people that took place in the area. Later on, when I had my firstborn, people were interested in seeing and touching the baby just to feel the difference between him and their own baby. At that time, the few people I met were friendly, albeit inquisitive. I’m still in touch with many of them today, and I’m grateful for the connections we formed back then.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted significantly. There are now many Black people in Steinbach, and it’s become far more common to see us in the community. Our presence is no longer a rare sight, and it’s heartening to see how familiar and accepted we’ve become. This wasn’t the case two decades ago, and I feel proud to witness the change.

 

Question 2: In your view, how have attitudes toward visible minorities in Canada changed since you first arrived? Have you noticed any progress?

Sarah: Though this may not apply to everyone, I’ve noticed that people often have preconceived notions about Africans, and they approach us with a preset mindset. When they ask questions like “Where do you come from?” their reactions sometimes betray an underlying assumption, which can make one wonder about the intent behind such a question. With this in mind, one could conclude that the indifference we experience toward visible minorities often stems from misinformation or a lack of information about immigrant communities.

 

Question 3: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first moved to Canada, and how did you overcome them?

Sarah: Coming to Canada without family or friends and not knowing anyone was a big challenge. I did my best to connect with local churches and made friends with church members who, in the end, became my friends and family. This helped ease my integration into the community.

Knowing where to find information was another significant issue. It seemed as if no one was aware of the services I was looking for, as they were not familiar with the needs of immigrants. The phone book was the most efficient resource I had at the time, which enabled me to find the information I needed.

 

Question 4: How do you maintain your cultural heritage while living in Canada? What aspects of your culture do you hold? 

Sarah: Both Kenya and Rwanda, where I was born and lived, are Christian countries, and I was raised in a Christian community where we upheld the values and principles of Christianity as outlined in the Bible. Coming to Canada and encountering different cultures and religions did not stop me from maintaining what I learned and valued as a child, as the principles of the Bible remain the same, regardless of the environment.

 

Question 5: Can you talk about how you celebrate your culture, both in your personal life and within your community here?
Sarah: Personally, I celebrate the Christian culture that I have knowledge of and a better understanding of, compared to the cultures of the countries I lived in during my younger years. Apart from Christian ceremonies, culturally, I enjoy African dress codes, wedding ceremonies, and some traditional dances.

 

Question 6: What does Black History Month mean to you personally?

Sarah: Black History Month would hold more meaning to me if people of all backgrounds had a dedicated month to celebrate their history and contributions. If there is a Black History Month, why aren’t there months for other groups?

I believe that by dedicating this month to Black people, society is acknowledging that Black individuals have been misunderstood and wronged for a long time. It serves as a public recognition that they need to be heard, in order to regain their rights and be treated justly. This may reflect a history of segregation in Canada.

However, I question whether a dedicated month is really necessary for a Black person to be heard. In my view, there should be other ways to address these issues and create more inclusive spaces for all communities year-round.

 

Question 7: How do you think Black History Month helps to shape the understanding of visible minority culture in Canada? Do you feel it is adequately recognized and celebrated?

Sarah: In a multicultural and diverse country like Canada, I believe everyone should be celebrated. If Black History Month is to be truly impactful and widely recognized, it may require more than just the usual observances. For it to resonate with all Canadians, perhaps there should be a dedicated day off—where businesses close, and radio and TV stations take time to acknowledge the importance of the month. It would be a time for employees to get the day off, and for communities to come together to listen to the struggles and stories of Black people. It’s an opportunity to understand why these issues persist, what can be done to address them, and when those changes will take place.

 

Question 8: In your opinion, how can Canada become more inclusive of visible minority communities and their contributions to the country’s history and future?

Sarah: Those in positions of authority, who have the power to make changes, must first recognize and assess the steps they’ve taken toward inclusion. They need to listen to the voices of visible minorities and make an informed judgment. Does the cry of visible minorities truly matter? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to respond to their concerns without delay and take meaningful action.

 

Question 9: Have you ever experienced discrimination or racism in Canada? If so, how did it affect you, and what steps do you think should be taken to address it?

Sarah: Discrimination and racism are real issues in Canada for those who are willing to see and hear it. In the twenty years I’ve lived here, I can’t say I’ve never encountered these challenges. The experiences of visible minorities affect me both directly and indirectly. When you’re aware of what’s happening to others, it’s hard not to fear that it could happen to you too, simply because you belong to the same group of people.

It’s not a pleasant experience, for example, when traveling with people of different backgrounds, only to find yourself singled out for additional screening without a clear reason. The first thought that comes to mind is, “Is it because of my color?” It’s frustrating when a Black person, or their belongings, are randomly selected for a scan, while others pass through without being checked. If random checks are necessary, they should apply to everyone equally, rather than disproportionately targeting people of color.

 

Question 10: What changes would you like to see in the next 10 to 20 years in terms of visible minority history and recognition in Canada?

Sarah: Given that Canada is a multicultural country, it should recognize and celebrate all people of color equally, not just in words but in action. In the next 10 to 20 years, I would like to see visible minorities no longer feel as though they are sidelined or unable to contribute significantly to the well-being of this great country. Instead, I want to see them in positions that reflect their education, knowledge, experience, and wisdom—being proud of what they can offer and what they achieve.

It’s disheartening, for example, when a physician with ten years of experience in their home country is forced to work in a field unrelated to medicine. This type of systemic issue needs to change.

I would also like to see African Canadian children—those descended from enslaved ancestors—treated without prejudice. The discrimination they face doesn’t only affect them but harms the entire country. Their well-being is my concern, just as it should be for all Canadians.

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In this interview, Sarah Simbi Nakure, reflects on her 20-year experience as a visible minority in Canada. She shares her journey of overcoming challenges, maintaining her cultural heritage, and celebrating African traditions. Sarah discusses the significance of Black History Month, advocating for year-round inclusivity and better recognition of visible minorities’ contributions. She highlights personal experiences with racism and calls for systemic change, urging equal treatment for all, particularly African Canadian children. Sarah envisions a future where everyone, regardless of background, is valued and respected in Canada.

In conclusion, the impact of racial comments and inappropriate jokes cannot be underestimated, especially for visible minorities who may carry the weight of these words long after they are spoken. These actions can have a lasting effect on self-esteem and identity. It’s also crucial to remember that Canada’s history begins with the Indigenous peoples who were the first to inhabit this land. All of us, from visible minorities to immigrant groups, are part of the ongoing story of this country.

Ultimately, Canada belongs to everyone, regardless of our background or skin color. It’s a nation built on diversity and shared experiences, where every individual should feel respected and valued. As we move forward, it’s vital that we continue to create inclusive spaces and embrace the richness that comes from our collective humanity. Only by understanding each other and recognizing our unique contributions can we truly build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and fairness.