Many of my close friends, if not all, know my love for Vic by now. And I not only talk about the beautiful Old Vic building (which I have so many photos of), but I often share what the community has to offer. Vic is more than just a learning institution. I have so much to say—from my encounter with the Dean’s and Registrar’s offices, to the library and the dining hall. So much. Starting my studies here as an international student, I never imagined I would feel so much at home at this college, but I have been constantly surrounded by amazing people. Writing this is making me indulge in reminiscence. I might shed a tear after this. If my friends were to describe me, they’d say I easily make connections. Maybe I’m a social butterfly. And for this reason, I bump into people I know quite often (if not all the time) when I’m around Vic, and whenever that happens, I receive good vibes and positive energy from them. Some compliment my outfits, others my hair, and others are just excited to see me and vice versa. “That’s kind of you,” “You look beautiful today,” “I appreciate you,” “Excited to have you on our team!”. Simple yet powerful words that I receive time and again, which make me feel beautiful, appreciated, heard, and cared for. Although people may say them as a ‘by-the-way,’ words go a long way, at least for me. And from that, I choose to do the same—to make others feel the same way I feel when someone says gratifying, positive and kind things to me. I hope it brightens their days as much as it does mine.
It’s the simple ways of showing appreciation to one another that got me thinking about how I can extend that to a wider circle. I think it’s time to extend appreciation to our communities. And as we approach Black History month, we choose to extend it to the Black community. Black culture encompasses so much — beyond the pain, beyond discomfort, beyond soreness. Today we choose to celebrate Black excellence: leadership, diversity, resilience, love. Today, we choose to celebrate Black culture: the beauty, creativity, diversity, all of it. I invite you to do the same.
It is my hope that the Celebration Issue helps you appreciate our cultures and our surroundings. In the News section, we present an interview with Kirk Johnson, a Professor, an environmentalist, and an entrepreneur whose work encompasses sustainable energy. As well, Nana Koomson presents her ethnographic research on diversity work Black students have been doing on campus, under the Unravelled sub-section. In Opinions, Ashvini Giridaran presents eight new releases by Black authors and why you need to read them. Joël Ndongmi writes of Black influences on popular music, citing the example of K-pop Afrobeats. Associate Opinions Editor Abi Akinlade breaks down some of the most iconic Black Twitter moments. In the Features section, aspects of Black Fashion are presented by Zindzi Malanca and myself. In Science, the work of the Black Scientists’ Task Force on Vaccine Equity and the work of UofT’s Black Research Network is presented. In Arts and Culture, Furqan Mohamed writes a memoir for bell hooks, Kalliopé Anvar McCall writes of Spike Lee’s work and the talented artists highlighted in his new show, and Lashae Watson writes the Piece of Vic column. As well, Makgofe Mathipa shares a list of exciting books by Black authors. In poetry, Imani King presents two poems dedicated to her mother. Lastly, beautiful art by Renee Jagdeo is showcased on the back cover.
