February in Canada is a bit of a wild card. In one corner of the country, it might be a crisp ten degrees, while in another, an epic snowfall is burying the sidewalk. But amidst the wind and the whiteouts, there is a distinct warmth that begins to stir – a combination of the romance of Valentine’s Day and the powerful, reflective spirit of Black History Month.
This year, I wanted to unite these two seasons by exploring a concept that is often overlooked yet incredibly transformative: Love in Action.
Love is a powerful force that changes the world, but it isn’t just a sentiment we feel; it’s the series of actions we take to show up for ourselves and our neighbours. As the great Zora Neale Hurston once said,
Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
Throughout this month, I am on a mission to honour Black Excellence in Canada by looking at how leaders across our country lead with this active kind of love. When we lead by example, we plant seeds of inspiration that spark the imagination of what is truly possible.
Over the next four weeks, we are going on a journey through four distinct layers of love:
- Self: Reclaiming our wellness and worth
- Connection: Building partnerships that empower.
- Family: Honouring the roots and legacies that raise us.
- Community: Creating a mosaic of support that unites us all.
I won’t be travelling this road alone. Each week, I’ll be introducing you to incredible Black Canadians – from filmmakers to community builders – who embody these themes every single day.
Canadians are a diverse, beautiful community that makes this country strong and united. We are a mosaic of stories, and I can’t wait to share these ones with you.
Join me in the comments: Who is a person in your life that put “Love in Action?” Let’s start the celebration early.
Image for graphic by: Kreative Kwame on Unsplash