One of my friends used to describe me as the event queen because I’m really good at finding things to do. Three years ago, I came across MacEwan’s first Black History Month and decided to check it out. It felt good to see people get involved in a celebration of my community that I'd never experienced before. So I just kept coming back.

I learned about the Black glass ceiling. I heard professors, business owners and community leaders talk about different intersections of the Black experience. And I started to realize that I wasn’t alone. 

I started questioning my Black identity after going to those events. I wondered why I was beginning to feel this new connection to being Black. When I talked to my mom about it, she explained it in a way that felt so amazing. She said that I had always had the connection but that now I was exploring it and understanding how my experiences have shaped who I am.

Not long after that conversation, I had the opportunity to become a co-founder of Black-Owned Market (BOM). We’re a grassroots collective that aims to uplift, build and support Black artisans and entrepreneurs. I’m passionate about creating equitable spaces, but it isn’t without its challenges. We started BOM YEG with zero money. Ninety-five percent of the work we do relies on volunteers. It can be a struggle. 

But support can come in a lot of different ways. Give a shout-out to a Black business or vendor whose products you love. Think about diversifying the businesses and supports you already use. Consider volunteering. And keep learning. Black History Month at MacEwan is a really great way to do that. 

–Rochelle Ignacio, Co-founder of Black-Owned Market Edmonton 

Join Ignacio on February 2 for Black Futures: Creating While Black. Details on MacEwan.ca/Events.