Intersectionality is not just a concept or trendy word—it is a lived reality

As a proud Caribbean woman, educator, advocate, and helper, my journey has been profoundly shaped by my heritage, lived experiences, and the sacrifices of those who came before me. My Bajan lineage connects me to the 1816 slave revolt in Barbados—a fight for freedom, justice, and dignity that is embedded in my bones and resonates throughout my being. That resilience and determination have been passed down through generations, guiding me as I navigate the complexities of intersectionality in my work. 

The path I walk today has been paved by the courage of those who fought for our collective liberation, from the 1816 rebellion to the Black movement at Concordia University in the 1960s. As an educator and part-time university professor, I stand on the shoulders of giants—activists, leaders, and community members who demanded justice and refused to be silenced. Their resilience has been entrusted to me, and I carry their legacy forward. It is no longer enough to honour their sacrifices; it is time to build on them, turn inward, and strengthen our communities from within. 

My Jamaican and Bajan roots have instilled in me the importance of community and collective responsibility. In our culture, the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” reflects a principle that extends far beyond childhood. It’s about creating networks of care that uplift everyone, especially those who are often overlooked—Black, African, and Caribbean women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities. This perspective shapes my advocacy, ensuring it fosters inclusive, accessible, and equitable systems and communities. 

I am also guided by Ubuntu, a Southern African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” Ubuntu emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the belief that none of us can truly thrive unless we all thrive. It challenges the individualistic mindset often present in Eurocentric movements and calls for a holistic approach—one that centers the needs and experiences of those most marginalized. For me, Ubuntu is a call to action: to build bridges, foster collaboration, and ensure no one is left behind. 

This philosophy is deeply personal. My lived experiences with complex trauma, gender-based violence, and diagnoses of bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and chronic pain have taught me the realities of navigating a world that often forces Black individuals to hide their disabilities, mental health struggles, and physical ailments just to be seen as "enough." These experiences remind me of the importance of compassion and accessibility and reinforce my commitment to creating spaces where people are supported, valued, and seen in their full humanity. 

Advocacy, for me, is not just about policies or programs—it is about the people. It is about ensuring every person, regardless of their identity or circumstances, has the opportunity to live with dignity, access, belonging, and love. 

As a Black Caribbean woman in Canada, I have faced systemic barriers rooted in racism, sexism, and ableism. These challenges include being underestimated, tokenized, and excluded from leadership and critical conversations. Too often, Black individuals are celebrated for their gifts without being fully valued or supported. No longer will we allow ourselves to be tokenized or exploited. It is time to turn inward, build up our community, and celebrate our contributions on our own terms. 

 Intersectionality in Action 

Intersectionality is not just a concept or trendy word—it is a lived reality that shapes every aspect of my work. At DAWN Canada, we recognize that the experiences of Black, African, and Caribbean women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities cannot be separated from the larger systems of oppression they face. Whether through policy development, community-building initiatives, or education, we strive to ensure our work reflects the interconnected nature of these identities. 

While progress has been made, the work is far from over. The Black Disabled community exists at the intersection of multiple forms of marginalization—racism, ableism, and gender-based discrimination. These overlapping systems of oppression create unique challenges that require intentional solutions. 

The intention behind this series was to shine a light on those who are actively doing the work and those with lived experiences navigating the complexities of the Black identity—both within our staff and among the individuals we collaborate with. While this month often focuses on celebrating historical figures, it’s equally important to recognize the people in our proximity who are working tirelessly behind the scenes and truly deserve their flowers. 

As we look to the future, our work must be guided by resilience, collective care, and community empowerment. We must honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by building on their legacy and creating spaces where Black communities, with all their complexities and intersecting identities, can thrive without barriers. 

At DAWN Canada, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this work. The fight, resilience, and determination of my ancestors remind me that change is not only possible—it is inevitable when we come together with purpose and intention. Let us honor their legacy by building solutions, creating opportunities, and ensuring no one is left behind. Together, we can create a future rooted in equity, dignity, and belonging for all.