Black history Month

As part of our Black History Month series, we asked MHI employees and tenants what it means to be black in Canada? What are your personal experiences and what does Black History Month mean to you? Stay tuned for the responses posted during the month of February.

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Impact in Spite of Adversity by Dr. Sahada Alolo

I arrived in Canada about 25 years ago carrying with me the spirit of the well known words by John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Leaving Ghana meant leaving behind familiar surroundings, family, and the work I was passionate about, but I came with hope, determination, and a desire to contribute. Those early years in Canada were a period of adjustment, culture shock, navigating unfamiliar systems, raising children, and finding my place in a society that did not always recognize my worth. My early passion in my home country, Ghana had been advocating for girls’ education, but once I settled here, I realized that this was not the area of greatest need. Instead, I redirected my energy toward broader social justice work that shaped the lives of marginalized communities in Ottawa.

As a Black, Muslim, hijab wearing woman, the journey was far from easy. Anti Black racism, Islamophobia, and systemic barriers stood in the way of my career advancement, yet I remained committed to contributing meaningfully to the Canadian social fabric. Despite these adversities, giving up was never an option; each challenge only strengthened my resolve to make a positive impact. Over the years, I have been fortunate to serve in various capacities across different sectors in Ottawa, each role allowing me to give back to the community that has become my home.

​My commitment to this work has also been deeply personal. As a mother of three sons growing up in Ottawa, it has always been important for me to help build a society where my boys and all Black children can access equitable opportunities and thrive without limitations placed on them by prejudice, bias, racism, and discrimination. This is why Black History Month holds such significance. It offers a moment for all Canadians to pause, understand, relearn, and reflect on the contributions, resilience, and lived experiences of Black people in this country. It reminds us that our stories are woven into Canada’s foundation and that honouring them is essential to building a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for generations to come.