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The experience of black people on the grassland is profound, rich and long. The history and current life of blacks in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba is an integral part of the prairie experience.
These are some of the information that appeared in the recent CBC Asks incident and are part of the ongoing conversation initiated by CBC Black on the prairie project. “Black on the Prairie” is a collection of news articles, personal articles, images and audio stories.
The theme of the CBC Asks event is: “Where are we going? Where are we going?”
It features Gerri Sylvia, who appeared in the 1961 CBC Manitoba documentary Eye to eye, Explored the racism and social acceptance of blacks at that time. Sylvia said that because of the color of her skin, she was denied four job offers in Winnipeg that year.
Sixty years later, Sylvia reflected on the situation.
The 89-year-old said: “The situation is very good now, but it is not always so good. I don’t want my daughter, granddaughter and the next generation of black people to encounter some of the problems that I have encountered.”
Watch: Gerri Sylvia has appeared in the CBC documentary “Eye-To-Eye” for 60 years
In 1961, the CBC Manitoba documentary “Eye to Eye” explored racism and discrimination in employment, housing, and overall social acceptance. One of the guests of the documentary was Gerri Sylvia. Ify Chiwetelu, co-founder and project leader of Black on the Prairies (Black on the Prairies), recently (60 years later) sat down with her and reviewed it. 5:07
The group members reviewed Sylvia’s experience and talked about their relationship with the prairie.
Kyla Pascal, a student of Métis Dominican community and regional planning, said: “I like the prairie. People create a place. I know there are many beautiful people on the prairie, which makes it such a beautiful place.” Pascal originally came from Ai. Province of Berta, currently living in Vancouver.
MLA Uzoma Asagwara in Manitoba added: “I am a prairie child. I like prairie. I like prairie sunset. I like prairie sunrise. It is a very beautiful experience. I have experienced violent racism in my life.”
Saskatoon resident Lindiwe Mpofu asked the group members about the relationship between blacks and indigenous people on the prairie.
Alberta writer and educator Bertrand Bickersteth mentioned that black and indigenous communities are historically and family connected.
He said: “Because of all these types of connections, we must believe that fighting against black racism will never be a final project unless we also fight against indigenous racism.”
To be able to talk about what it means to be black here.-Manitoba MLA Uzoma Chaoagwara
The group members also shared their thoughts on becoming blacks on the prairie in the future.
Bickersteth said: “On the prairie, we are scattered. We don’t feel as if there is a black community. But this situation is changing now.” “If you have a voice, you have to use it. That’s the reason for the change. It also makes me excited about the future of becoming a black man on the prairie.”
Watch: Group members share the hope they bring to the future
Pascal said that she is encouraged by the fact that blacks have been living on the prairie for a long time and will continue to do so.
“We are here. It’s about being able to stand in our darkness without having to absorb or change our identity, resonance, and change our aesthetics,” Pascal said.
“I want to see black people everywhere.”
The Blacks on the Prairie project is supported by the Canadian Blacks Organization.For more stories about the experience of black Canadians, check out Become a black Canadian here.
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