Black history month is about bridging differences through similarities. It is a reminder that the human race has more similarities than differences between them. It is a reminder that Canada has come a long way in leading the development of a multicultural country, and it is a reminder that we still have a few mountains to climb.
My personal connection to Black History Month is a special historical connection as many coloured persons from our nations first all-black platoon, Construction Battalion No. 2 arrived in Canada from the West Indies. My parents immigrated from the West Indies and like them, my parents came to Canada to stand beside their fellow countrymen to continue building the dream of one nation. I am proud of my Caribbean heritage and proud to continue the call to secure our rights and freedoms for persons of all colours, background and creed.
My professional connection to Black History Month is growing. Being from the robust diverse community of Toronto I have always had a mindset for community and cooperation. I once felt belittled and picked on by a member in my living quarters. For 4 months the member wrote report after report to my CoC. No matter how I interacted with this person, they always presented a grumpy ‘I know best’ attitude, paired with an ‘I know your Chief’ threatening attitude. I could not understand what exactly the member wanted, but he seemed to single me out in the mod. As the member making complaints was a senior member, his word was taken over my own and my CoC had to discuss remedial measures.
But, my Toronto perseverance kicked in. I finally spoke up. I wrote an email to my Chief stating all the reasons I believed I was being harassed by this member in my living quarters. My Chief then forwarded the email to the appropriate persons. And like that – the Canadian system was present in my life again. All of our tools to help members feeling belittled and threatened came at me. I was moved from the living environment immediately, I was given a confidential person to talk to, I was offered coaching techniques to fully express myself to my CoC, and I was given courses to help Resolve Conflict Effectively.
Although I do not know the reason the member and I could not live in the same mod, I know the reason I want to continue my career in the Canadian Armed Forces. When help came through the system, my colour, age, or gender did not matter, they heard a person reaching out, and they came with their hand outstretched. I felt like I was a Canadian again. I felt supported to develop my career and continue growing in a positive way.
Although Black History Month is a time to remember the persons who fought for inclusion like Martin Luther King Jr., it is also a time to be thankful for the changes that have already occurred and to look forward into what needs to be changed for a more inclusive future.
Today, I have been given the chance to work alongside persons of all races, cultures and backgrounds.
Today, the Canadian Armed Forces provides me opportunities to continuously develop. My fellow members look past my outside shell and try to see the inner me, the colourless me, the enduring me, the striving me, the humble me, the fighter me and the perfection in me.
Today, I want to replicate what the past has taught me. I want to leave better opportunities for all persons of the next generation. Better opportunities for growth, inclusion and Canadian-style fun.
By: Cpl Melissa-Anne Lackan
