Episode 26: More Than A Month

02/25/25 • 40 min

Black History Month. If we are honest, this month only exists because Black history has been all but untold in Canada. In this compelling episode of Canadian Salad, Andrea and Hostion are joined by two remarkable women, Cleia and Asiyah, to dive deep into their personal experiences as Black women in Canada. Cleia, with Jamaican roots, shares her journey from Montreal to Victoria and gives insight into the embodiment of Black identity and belonging. Asiyah, an Afro-Caribbean Muslim woman from the Bahamas, brings a unique perspective on the multitude of intersectionalities she navigates as an immigrant here.

Both guests reflect on the superficiality of Black History Month and how it often serves as more of a reminder to others rather than a true celebration of Black culture and contributions meant for each and every day. They discuss the challenges of finding a sense of community, navigating internalized racism, and the importance of embracing one's identity. The episode also emphasizes the need for genuine investment in Black communities beyond just symbolic gestures and underscores the significance of space for Black voices. We wouldn't need Black history month if we but celebrated Black culture and amplified African and Caribbean descendant leaders, their impact and legacy each and every day. If our history books told the truth, if our leaders stopped silencing Black voices, and if our own racism and bias would be checked, then this month would be the year round celebration that it deserves.

One thing remains clear: Black History Month is a starting point, not an end. It should catalyze ongoing conversations, inspire change, and enable a deeper understanding of the vast, joyful, and sometimes challenging tapestry of Afro-Caribbean and Black histories and identities.

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Previous Episode

Dishes Out: Projecting My Reality

True: Colonial ideologies have distorted perceptions of truth and of what is right. False: Colonial ideologies are the only reality.

It's Friday and we will dish out and clap back against a comment which criticized Andrea's talk with her son about the real history of Indigenous land in Canada. We unpack the accusation of 'feeding children a false reality,' emphasizing the importance of recognizing the true history of Indigenous land rights. We passionately argue for the acknowledgment of historical facts and advocate for continued dialogue about Indigenous sovereignty. These conversations need to continue, and not just with the anti-truth deniers, but with our children and most importantly with ourselves. In a time where the megaphones of hate continue, all the more we need to self-examine, take an honest look at what we believe and why, and acknowledge that we may only have one part of the whole story.

Whether you’re looking for a good cry or a mental workout, ‘Dishes Out’ serves up a blend of humor, knowledge, and heartfelt conversations that challenge and inspire.

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Next Episode

Dishes Out: Boxed Wine Anyone?

In this zesty episode of 'Dishes Out,' we serve up a hearty clapback to a listener's monocultural tantrum claiming that diversity is like 'watering down wine.' With lots of eye rolls and face palms, we'll unravel the irony of the metaphor, spotlighting how diversity, much like a range of fine wines, enhances and enriches our lives. It's comments like these that water down wine. Everyone wants things to be the same but even nature refuses to be. So buckle up for some witty repartee, enlightening perspectives, and a thorough handclap against our monocultural winos.

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