RISE Above Adversity

There is so much power in knowing ourselves and in owning our Identities. Through my self transformation, I’ve learned that Blackness is not monolithic and that there are many different shades of blackness.

Growing up in Toronto, I found it difficult being caught in between the intersections of African and Canadian. I was put in ESL for my accent, bullied for being African then labeled and judged for being Black.

It wasn’t until I began owning my hardships and deepening my understanding of self did I truly begin to R.I.S.E above the adversity and love me for me.

Randell Adjei, Poet Laureate of Ontario