Celebrating Black History Month - Staff Spotlight: Pierre Fagan

What does Black History Month mean to you?

When I think about Black History Month and what it means to me, it is hard to say or put into words.

I reflect on what it was like growing up when Black History Month came around and when I look back, I did not receive or learn the significance of the wide range of accomplishments my ancestors made before me to set me up for today. As an adult, I continue to learn that my ethnicity is so much more important than my people receiving spotlight for a month. As I’ve matured, I remind myself of the importance of remembering the path that was paved for me by my predecessors so that I may continue to make significant impact moving forward. So, I guess to me, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the greatness one can accomplish despite the obstacles and disadvantages that may be placed on me based on the colour of my skin. It is a time to be reminded that my people CAN accomplish great feats outside of a sports stadium or music studio.?

It is a reminder to never allow myself to feel like I don’t belong in a room of opportunity because if I leave that room, it may continue that hardship for someone that looks like me who may come after. It reminds me of the importance of staying and holding that door open. All in all, Black History Month is a reminder that no matter what dark days lay ahead of us, my people will always rise like the sun.

What are your thoughts on this year’s themes of, “Our Future, Our Youth, and Black Entrepreneurs”?

My thoughts on this year’s theme are that they hold significant importance on highlighting how pivotal our black youth are to carrying the torch for years to come and to allow them to know that anything can be accomplished if they apply themselves. Providing them with the knowledge of what is available to them to push their own dreams in the right direction and show them that they should continue breaking the cycle of stereotypes that we as a people have been trapped in for so long.

How do you think your identity enhances your role as a team member at YRCAS?

I think my ethnicity enhances my role as a team member at YRCAS because it allows me to be an advocate for potential clients who don’t understand fully what we do as well as to advocate for the agency in changing the narrative of “we take children away”. My identity enhances my role because I have the space on my team and within the agency to share my experiences as a black man and provide insight on what could be positive ways or culturally appropriate ways to either work with families or holding space for colleagues or team members that may have questions about anything they themselves are not familiar on or might be nervous to speak about.