by: Maria Tshilolo Kabika
Reconciliation is defined as “the act of making one view or belief compatible with another”. Reconciliation in this context is about our dark past and our aspiration to heal and bridge the gaps between an inclusive and accepting environment. Now the question is, what does reconciliation mean to me?
As a Congolese-Canadian Immigrant that was raised in North America, I feel like the biggest thing I’ve had to reconcile with was the imposter syndrome that lived in my head and the reality of who I could be.
Like many, I’ve definitely been a victim of racial discrimination. At the age of 3 years old in preschool, I remember my self-esteem being shot as the whole entire class laughed at me because of my complexion and the style of my hair. I developed really bad social anxiety, battled with body dysmorphia, and at one point, had selective mutism. I know what it physically and emotionally feels like to feel so alienated from a “progressive society” that you wanted to run away from your own skin.
Maria Tshilolo Kabika and Stephanie Garrick, founder of Sheridan’s Black Students Association (SBSA) worked together to build a stronger presence and sense of community for Black students at the college.
In 2019, I told myself that enough was enough. I knew there was more to life than what was being presented to me and I knew that any change I wanted to make, had to start within. The pandemic was definitely the catalyst for a lot of social change, but it was also the catalyst for self-love and healing my inner child that had been broken for so long. I learned to accept my flaws and get to know myself at a core level. I realized that as much as I felt like I was hurting, so many other people were hurting too. I realized how much change has been made throughout the last 4 decades and that we are actively paving new roads for people of colour.
Reconciliation for me came from an understanding that the best way we can come together as a society is by letting go and healing the child inside all of us: understanding who you are and who you want to become and then actively working towards being a representation of our future.
This year, we invite you to share your reflections and show us what Reconciliation. Solidarity. Now’ means to you.
Sheridan students are welcome to submit a creative reflection - through visual art, multimedia, or creative writing for a chance to win a $500 and have their work showcased on campus. Learn more about contest, upcoming celebrations and opportunities at thessu.ca/blackhistorymonth.