Recently, I had the privilege of meeting an individual; let me call them A for privacy. A came to Canada from Jamaica many years ago, carrying with them the hopes and resilience that so many newcomers bring when they begin life in a new country.

As we spoke, A shared with me some of the painful realities they have faced: repeated experiences of racism that left deep marks on their journey. Listening to A, I felt sorrow and compassion. No one should have to endure exclusion or prejudice simply because of the color of their skin or the place they come from.

But we cannot stop at sorrow. Feeling sorry is not enough. Stories like A’s call us to action. They remind us that racism is not just a matter of history; it is a present reality that continues to shape lives in Canada and beyond.

Why Sharing Matters

• Breaking silence: When individuals like A share their experiences, they break the silence that often surrounds racism.
• Building empathy: Hearing these stories helps us see beyond statistics and policies, into the lived realities of our neighbors.
• Creating accountability: Naming racism makes it harder for society to ignore or minimize its impact.

What We Can Do

• Educate ourselves and others: Learn about the histories and realities of racialized communities in Canada. Share what you learn in conversations, classrooms, and workplaces.
• Challenge stereotypes: Speak up when you hear harmful assumptions or jokes. Silence allows prejudice to grow.
• Support inclusion: Advocate for spaces, whether in churches, schools, or community centers, that honor diversity and foster belonging.
• Listen deeply: Sometimes the most powerful action is to listen without defensiveness, allowing others to be heard and validated.

A’s story is not isolated. It is part of a larger narrative that calls us to confront racism with courage and compassion. My hope is that by sharing this encounter, we can move together from awareness to education, and from education to transformation.

Let us not stop at sympathy. Let us commit to solidarity, so that every person, regardless of origin or identity, can live with dignity, safety, and hope.