Celebrating Black History Month - Staff Spotlight: Alvea Hurlington

What does Black History Month mean to you?

As a child growing up, I was primarily surrounded by white teachers, white classmates, and white administrators. Black History Month then, meant an opportunity for me to feel supported by other Black people across North America. It gave me the courage to speak up about our history, our excellence, and our humanity. Now Black History Month means a moment to celebrate all that black people have been and inspire each generation to know all that they can be! Blackness is not one homogenous experience. Black people are so marvelously diverse, and Black History Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate in our differences and be empowered by our shared experiences.

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

Entrepreneurship has always been an avenue where people who do not feel like they fit into the box of traditional career pathways can carve their own way to success. Black people all over the world have found ways even in the most dire circumstances to make something of their own, to feed their families and build their communities. I am so excited that for our theme this year we’ve chosen Our Future, Our Youth, and Black Entrepreneurs. One thing I hear repeatedly in the success stories of entrepreneurs is that the right mentor or role model made all the difference. I think that connecting our Black youth to Black mentors is one of the many ways we can inspire their creativity and help them believe that they can come up with solutions to the challenges they may see people facing daily. Entrepreneurship is furthermore an avenue by which Black youth can be bolstered in their resilience. We have the opportunity to connect our Black youth to communities where they feel a sense of belonging and a call to a greater purpose. ?I look forward to the amazing entrepreneurs we will encounter throughout the month. ?

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

I don’t think that we can talk about Black History in Canada without giving a moment of reflection to the oppressive and harmful legacy of child welfare agencies in the lives of Black families and their communities. My identity as a Black bi-racial worker means that even though I will never have exactly the same experiences as a Black client, I am always aware of the history I carry with me in this role into a families’ home. As a team member, I bring a different lived experience to the table. Racism thrives on silence, and I make sure as a team member that I am not afraid to speak up and hold us all accountable to the biases we may unconsciously hold. I am honoured to be a part of an agency where Black workers are encouraged to meet and participate in wellness activities. I am honoured to be a part of an agency where my supervisor is a Black woman who supports me in advocating for my clients.