Name: Rachel Walters
Age: 31
Occupation: Teacher

Sway moment: When I first heard that the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) had hired Dr. Chris Spence, I was overjoyed.

For the TDSB, Canada’s largest school district, to hire a Black Canadian as its leader was such an important event. There are so many stereotypes surrounding our community: that we don’t value education or we don’t care about whether the kids in our community succeed.

Dr. Spence serves as a reminder that we place a high value on education and that our contributions are making education better for everyone.

Name: Lanette Baker
Age: 26
Occupation: Nurse

Sway moment: The day that Michaëlle Jean became the Governor General was one of the most important days of my life.

A lot of people don’t realize how restrictive Canada was for a very long time. They don’t realize that we couldn’t even work in some companies or live in some neighbourhoods. To see a beautiful, intelligent, Black Canadian woman take such a high position was phenomenal — and it changed my life.

Name: Martin Ajai
Age: 35
Occupation: Computer engineer

Sway moment: I came to Canada in 1996. I remember when Donovan Bailey won the gold medal during the Olympics in Atlanta, GA.

I think that is one of the most important moments in Canadian history. Every country in the world held its breath as a Canadian sprinted past the rest to become the fastest man in the world. I don’t think anyone expected it, and the surprise brought out so many emotions.

I felt so proud that although smaller in number than the U.S.A., Canada had produced an elite champion. I was so very happy and excited because I believed that if Bailey could be welcomed as such a hero in this country then I could make my home here and feel welcomed, too.

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