Beyond Sunday: I Am Because We Are.
Beloved Friends,
This week, as we celebrate Black History Month, I give to you excerpts from a blog post written by Takudzwa Lavin Nyaririr, a member of the United Church.
– Rev. Kirsty
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Here is poet and parent, Takudzwa Lavin Nyaririr, in her own words…
“This is my story. It is my contribution to Black History Month in The United Church of Canada. It is rooted in my heritage as an immigrant from Zimbabwe.” …
“My mother works as a nurse in the Northwest Territories and Alberta, and my father works as an equipment operator in rural Alberta. Both sacrifice the comfort of their home and the joy of spending time with their grandchildren here in Edmonton. This is the story of most Black immigrants, who sacrifice family time in search of better lives for the next generation, while racing against the pressure of achieving some financial security for their own retirement.” …
“I moved to Canada in 2014, and I have had the privilege of serving in various communities…sharing the experiences and challenges of youth in rural Alberta. For this I referenced perspectives of youth from my region, as well as my own experience as a Black immigrant.” …
“Having grown up with the philosophy of Ubuntu (an African philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness, compassion, and communal harmony, often summarized as “I am because we are.”), I was required to navigate the diametrically opposed idea of individuality within the predominantly White Canadian context. This has been extremely challenging. I have had to invent a third culture of some sort to find a sense of belonging. It has been my mission to create that safe space for young people who come after me, keeping the beauty of the culture of one’s birth while incorporating mainstream Canadian culture and traditions.” …
– Takudzwa Lavin Nyariri –
