An event created by local Black youth will be held April 5 to help educate the community about Black culture to raise awareness about racism and celebrate one of the cultures that call Red Deer home.
Organizer Zachary Kunaka, a Grade 11 student at Ecole Secondaire Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, said a report he presented to his class about racism had such a powerful impact on his fellow students and teacher that they encouraged him to give his presentation to the school.
But with a grant from the BYLP (Black Youth Leadership Program) African Centre in Edmonton, he decided to create an event for the whole community so even more people can learn about Black culture.
“We want to make it more powerful and meaningful so we’re opening it up to everyone,” Kunaka said.
He said there is definitely a need for the knowledge he wants to share.
“I just believe that there is a problem with racism in this country and it’s not really being talked about enough. Canada seems like a nation that accepts everyone. In reality, I believe there’s a lot of discrimination,” Kunaka said.
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The BLY Initiative (Black Youth Leadership) event will be held at Festival Hall. Details will be available soon on a website and through social media posts. Posters around the city will also advertise the event that will feature African food, music, dancing, traditions and speakers.
Kunaka said students from Lindsay Thurber are organizing the event, and about 50 high school students have already signed up to be volunteers.
He said the goal is to help create a society where people support each other.
“We feel that right now Black people are not being embraced as they should. We just want to change that.”
He hopes BLY Initiative will become an annual event for Red Deer and Central Alberta.
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