??????Mindmap Mondays: Theme ~ History

??What I’m listening to: Bringing Overlooked Canadian Black History to the Forefront ~ The Agenda with Steve Paikin. A great discussion on the gaps of black heritage in Canadian history.

“we are not talking about the 1960s moment...we are really going back to the 19th century...black people are literally living through every part of the province through the 19th century...but whats really important to note...we know that black people were in Canada from the 17th century...its a deep history and it’s a long history”

??What I’m reading: Driven To Success by Steve Anderson

A very relatable book as a Jamaican growing up in Canada. I love how Steve shares his struggles, his accomplishments and learnings through out his journey. His candid style of writing made it for a realistic and enjoyable read and there were several instances where I found myself laughing out loud on his humorous self reflections. There are too many quotes to mention so I’ve listed a few in order as they occurred in Steve’s journey.

"The temptation to give up was a recurring voice in my head that refused to go away. Never known to be a quitter, I hung in there, searching and praying for a glimmer of hope...If I was going to boldly declare that I was a leader, I needed to act like one...As I randomly scrolled through the pages, I landed on Philippians 4: 6- 7, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything...More than ever before, I was convinced that no matter what obstacle came my way, I was going to overcome it...With the feeling of excitement welling up inside me, all I wanted to do was shout. However, I kept my composure...Scrolling quickly past the introductory remarks, my eyes locked on the words that would change everything: “After careful consideration, it gives me great pleasure to extend an offer of acceptance to attend the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law Program.” I read the email several more times to make sure that it was real...“You just made history. You are the first Black lawyer to be hired by the TTC Legal and Claims Department since they officially opened on March 30, 1954.”

??What I’m watching: Durham Black History Month Celebration 2022

It’s a family affair, as my wife and kids volunteer and spend many countless hours supporting DBHM committee to produce and celebrate black content. This video shares African/Caribbean/Canadian dancing, singing, story telling and content celebrating our great and historical accomplishments.

https://youtu.be/Dql8pSqCEj4 ?Day 1

?https://youtu.be/0OwWNia6a6k ?Day 2

??What has influenced me: How does History go missing ~ Karina Vernon

Actually, the full title of this article states “I grew up Black girl in Alberta without hearing of Amber Valley.” And true to the article’s title, I was not aware of this amazing source of history until it was share to me from a friend.

“never heard or read about any of the self-sustaining all-Black communities founded by the 1,600 or so African-Americans who moved on to the Canadian Prairies at the turn of the twentieth century...Intentional absence, I realize now that these holes — and this lack of sense of belonging — were an intentional part of my education...many from this generation will not learn that the rich Black history on the Canadian Prairies goes back three centuries.”

??What has innovated me: “More than Robots”

Why because, When I’m not working, I volunteer with other great mentors Yusuf Odebiyi, Tony M. Njorge and others to support Umoja, an all black girls and boys coding and robot competition team that participate in First Robotics. This video teasers shares the history, efforts and accomplishments of 4 unique teams competing in the First robotics 2020 Infinite Recharge challenge during covid. A challenge our Umoja team knows only too well. I’m hoping to share Umoja’s 2022 coding and robotic experiences soon as well.

“You don’t know what your passion is until you try new things...when we started this, we had 20 odd some teams, now we have thousands and thousands all around the world.

??By the way

If you would like to review more content of BIPOC guests sharing their transformational journey feel free to review some of those videos on the AsIs ToBe Podcast .?

Putting Myself Out There...and see what happens A Frances Odera Matthews interview.?

We are more than Lipstick An interview with Dorothy Rhau.?

Do I keep Going or Pivot? An interview with Marshall Fox.?

Something Greater for Me Out There An interview with Chris Wilson.

Doing Something Different Now for your Tomorrow An interview with Dion D. Lewis.

Heights of great "companies" reached and kept...through Innovation. A Kwesi Redwood interview.

A non-linear path to career success. An interview with Patricia S. Gatlin.

"If you can help why not" a guiding principle for any entrepreneur journey. A Karim Blair interview.

Kyle Robinson, Lessons Learned as a Transformational Leader

Mukhtar Kadiri on Successfully navigating through career Transitions

Jonathan Rhau on How to become Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable