What is it like to be a Black Kid?

by Jan Kasperski

And… What does Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility have to do with Resilience?

Over the course of my long career, I had multiple opportunities to meet the Honourable Lincoln Alexander who was a leading figure in the fight for racial equality in Canada. Each time, I prepared and prepared and prepared because I was so in awe of him. As soon as I was with him, he imparted so much of value to me and his warmth was such that I felt like I was with my beloved Grandfather. In his memory, Resilient Kids Canada’s website hosts an important video created by Aaron Parry, a McMaster University
student. (https://resilientkidscan.org >Inspiration Zone >Kids PepTalks)

Aaron grew up in a neighbourhood in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada where he had never seen anyone
who looked just like him. In attending school with predominately white students, he experienced
the impact of being different. His difference led to social isolation and bullying. At the same time,
his parents separated and he could not understand why. He is an example of how tough it can be
for young people when it seems as if there is no one just like you and family life is unstable. Today, too many young people across Canada suffer in the same way as Aaron. He is a superhero,
however, who turn things around and is a model for kids just like him.

The sun shone brightly when Aaron arrived at McMaster University. He found a host of students
just like him and he helped to found McMaster’s Black Students Association. Aaron had been
interested in Black history from a young age, and he started studying the history of the Black
community in Hamilton, in earnest. Recently, Aaron graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in
Anthropology and Indigenous Studies with a minor in African and African Diaspora Studies – and,
his Master’s Degree, Cultural Studies and Critical Theory. He is now the Graduation Coach for
Black Students with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.

While many stories about Black Individuals related to versions of stories from an American
perspective, Aaron’s review revealed that the roots of Hamilton’s Black Community are anchored
in former Slaves who arrived in Hamilton via the Underground Railroad.  He created an activity
book for kids who are just like Aaron at their age. The activity book teaches kids about the
history and vibrancy of the Black Community in Hamilton.

More recently, he was approached about a research opportunity to look at the impact and legacy
of Black History in Hamilton. The research has evolved and has become known as the “Hamilton
Black History Database” – a searchable catalogue of personal testimonies, music, photographs,
videos, newspaper articles and website links. It was launched on February 21, 2022. Aaron said that
he put as many resources into the program as he would have wanted to see when he was 8 or 9
years old. And, it demonstrates Black Canadians have just as much of a rich history as their
American counterparts across the border.

Arron reminds us of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander who drove change through his gentle ways
and his eloquence and his unique manner of presenting the issues and the solutions. Resilient Kids
Canada hopes that all young children find individuals just like both of them to look up to, as
much as Jan looks up to the Honourable Lincoln Alexander and our superhero, Aaron Parry.

Please take the time to view Aaron’s Pep-Talk video in our Inspiration Zone with your kids and all
the great videos and other great insights, tools and resources on the Resilient Kids Canada
website. (https://resileintkidscan.org).