A Black History Month Celebration: Black Resistance

“Existence is resistance.” – Cecelia Rose LaPointe

Resistance can look like marching alongside thousands of like-minded allies, boldly confronting oppression, or standing face-to-face with your adversaries in unapologetic self-expression. Resistance also manifests in how we foster community, show love for one another, and prioritize our well-being and happiness. This Black History Month, we honor and celebrate the truth that simply living authentically is a radical act.

Our very existence can be—and is—an act of resistance.

The most impactful way to contribute to the world is by courageously practicing your authentic existence. People must learn to contend with your presence—even as a minority. More importantly, you must learn to stand firm in the face of this challenge. While others may not fully accept you, their resistance to change must not become your burden.

In the context of this event, Black resistance speaks to the acts of activism, freedom, love, and hope that challenge race-based societal constraints. This Black History Month celebration will highlight the voices of women who embody resistance—women who have advanced racial, gender, and social equity, paved the way for deeper conversations, and inspired a quest for unity and empowerment. By sharing their stories, we create a space to honor their legacies and foster understanding across communities.

Join us as we come together with friends and family to celebrate the contributions of Black leaders and activists who champion social justice.

In true WTAL fashion, the event will feature raffles, gifts, performances, dancing, red carpet moments, a buffet, and opportunities to connect with incredible people.

Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration!

PARKING IS FREE!!!

MEET THE SPEAKERS/PANELISTS AND PERFORMERS:

Malinda S. Smith, PhD

Dr. Malinda S. Smith is the Vice Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) at the UCalgary. A political scientist, she is the coauthor, editor, or coeditor of numerous articles, chapters, and books, including The Equity Myth: Racialization and Indigeneity at Canadian Universities (2017); Nuances of Blackness in the Canadian Academy (2022); and Critical Concepts: An Introduction to Politics (2023). Dr. Smith serves on several national committees, including Statistics Canada’s Immigration and Ethnocultural Statistics Advisory Committee; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s External EDI Advisory Board; and as Vice Chair of the Scarborough Charter Steering Committee. Dr. Smith has been recognized with numerous awards and honours including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Calgary Black Chambers (2023), a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from Simon Fraser University (2021), the Susan S. Northcutt Award (2020) from the ISA’s Women’s Caucus, P.E. Trudeau Foundation Fellowship (2018), ISA-Canada Distinguished Scholar Award (2018-19), and the ‘Equity Award’ from the Canadian Association of University Teachers (2015).

Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa Ph.D., RSW (AB, BC, NL, ON, NS)

Linda is a highly accomplished Registered Social Worker with a wealth of academic and professional experience. She holds a PhD and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Calgary, demonstrating her dedication to advancing her knowledge and expertise in the field. Alongside her professional achievements, Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother with a large extended family that includes five siblings, over 30 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, further emphasizing her role as a matriarch within her family.

Linda also plays an instrumental role as a co-founder and vice president of the YEEPI Education Foundation of Calgary Inc., an organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare, education, and general support for low-income individuals in Canada and Suriname. Her work through the foundation reflects her deep commitment to social justice and community development, aiming to bridge gaps and provide crucial resources to underserved populations.

Her diverse background and leadership in social work and community service make Linda a powerful advocate for those in need, both locally and internationally.

Tracy Folorunsho- Barry

Tracy F. Barry, a career & equitable employment strategist. As the Founder and CEO of GROW Women Leaders™️, Tracy is dedicated to promoting Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) in workplaces. Her focus is helping women, especially immigrants and minorities secure meaningful employment and advance their careers. And companies tap into new talent pool

At GROW Women Leaders, women are connected with job opportunities through its Digital Talent Platform, fostering personal and professional growth. While the GROW Space is designed to be a flourishing and nurturing environment, offering "Nurture Services" – a continuous career support encompassing training, workspaces, event venues, and childminding, all meticulously designed to improve retention. The proceeds from Nurture go directly to support the women at GROW Foundation.

Tracy has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to building a more equitable and inclusive society.

Nneka Bowen, MBA

Nneka is a seasoned banking leader and advocate for inclusion, with a passion for volunteerism. Born in Winnipeg, of Nigerian descent, Nneka’s career journey has been shaped by diverse leadership roles across banking, post-secondary institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Currently, as Assistant Vice President at Canadian Western Bank, she leads a team focused on driving strategic credit risk compliance. Nneka's professional journey has been deeply influenced by the mentorship and support of incredible coaches, sponsors, and allies who have empowered her to reach new heights. With a strong passion for championing the potential of underrepresented individuals, particularly women, Nneka is dedicated to fostering environments where all voices are heard, valued, and given opportunities to thrive. As a mother of two sons, Nneka’s personal life is a source of great inspiration. She believes in the power of mentorship, both in the workplace and at home, and remains committed to paving the way for the next generation of leaders. While she focuses on empowering women, Nneka encourages everyone to lean in, embrace their potential, and pay it forward.

Nneka is the first African/Canadian woman to hold the title of Vice President Commercial Financial Services at Royal Bank of Canada in Durham Region, Ontario. In 2016, Nneka was recognized as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women for her commitment to the community and volunteerism with local organizations. In 2019, she was the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award from Global Community Alliance Ottawa for her leadership and community service activities. Her list of involvements are remarkable.

Ziyana Kotadia

Ziyana Kotadia is a Calgarian feminist advocate, writer, and scholar passionate about building a more just and equitable world. Her professional experience is at the intersection of research, policy, and advocacy, where she has mobilized national and regional projects on gender-based violence prevention, menstrual equity, and addressing sexism in Canadian electoral politics. Ziyana was the inaugural Chair of the grassroots anti-violence not-for-profit Safe Campus Coalition and is currently an advisor to Canadian Senator Marilou McPhedran. One of Alberta's 2024 Top 30 Under 30 and a 2023 Rising Star National Finalist with the Women Empowerment Awards, Ziyana is armed with a master’s in Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge and recently represented Canadian youth as an official delegate at the 2024 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City. Ziyana has given interviews about her work in gender justice to various national Canadian media outlets including the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and Global News, and has engaged with Canadian thought leaders such as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau to advance gender equity work.

Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker

Kamika Bianca Guerra- Walker of Jamaican and Chilean heritage is a Calgarian, multidisciplinary visionary artist, excelling as a film director, producer and writer. She has been named as Calgary’s 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year by RBC, City of Calgary and Calgary Arts Development.

Her films have garnered global recognition from prominent organizations such as Netflix, Arts Commons, Telefilm, Doc Institute, The Black Screen Office, BIPOC TV & Film, Rogers and the Canadian Academy of Cinema & Television. Kamika has been a delegate for festivals such as EFM, Berlinale, CIFF, VIFF, and Content Canada. She has directed short films, documentaries, docu-series, commercials ads and music videos. She holds additional experience as a production manager, locations manager and assistant director. She has worked in the ACTRA and DGC until on Hallmark productions and notable projects like HBO’s “The Last of Us”.

With a devotion to her community, Kamika founded mental health organization, The Walker Foundation in 2018 - she simultaneously sits on the board of the Calgarian Black Arts and Culture Council (BACC) and Latin artist collective, Como Se Dice. She utilizes film, writing and visual art to express her messages and calls to action associated with mental health and human rights. Kamika aspires to blend mediums to ignite societal change, inspiring individuals to lead with compassion over judgment.

Perpetual Atife

Nigerian-Canadian musician, Perpie blends classical and African contemporary art music with a touch of jazz, soul and storytelling. Nominee in three categories for the 2023 YYC Music awards and winner of the YYC Music Award for Jazz Recording of the Year, recipient of Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee Medal (2023), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Award (2022) and New Canadian Artist Award (2021).

Born and raised in Nigeria, her early exposure to Afrobeat music by Fela Kuti and country music by ‘Don Williams’ and 'Dolly Parton’, and West African folk and traditional musical practices, sowed the see for her sound today.

Host or Publisher WTAL Canada