A Call for Unity in a Divided World

Honouring the Ancestors

Canada has long been celebrated as a melting pot—a place where people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and cultures come together to build something greater. But in recent years, there has been a shift in the conversation surrounding immigration and diversity. Fear of change is creeping into the national dialogue, leading to rising xenophobia and calls for mass deportations. Some feel that Canada is becoming less like the country they grew up in, that it’s straying from its European roots, and that its values are eroding. But if we take a step back and look at history, we’ll see that this land was never static—it has always been shaped by those who came before us and those who continue to arrive.

Honoring Our Ancestors Means Recognizing Our Shared History

Every single one of us is the result of thousands of ancestors who fought, migrated, survived, and built lives that led to us. Most of our families were not originally from this continent—whether they came generations ago or recently, they sought better opportunities, safety, or a place to call home. To reject immigration now is to deny the very process that made so many of us who we are today.

The idea that diversity weakens a nation is a myth. In reality, cultural diversity is one of the greatest strengths a country can have. When people of different backgrounds come together, we gain new perspectives, ideas, and solutions. We don’t lose our values—we enrich them by learning from one another. Instead of fearing change, we should embrace the opportunity to create a society that values cooperation, respect, and shared prosperity.

The Power of a Melting Pot: Learning From One Another

The world is currently in turmoil, with wars, climate crises, and economic instability pushing people to seek refuge and better lives. Canada, with its vast resources and robust educational system, has the potential to bring people together and become a model for unity. Instead of turning inward, we should be asking: How can we make this work? How can we build bridges instead of walls?

Imagine if, rather than fearing newcomers, we saw them as contributors, teachers, and innovators. Imagine if we truly honored our ancestors—not just by remembering their sacrifices, but by ensuring that future generations inherit a world where unity prevails over division.

The key lies in having genuine conversations—listening to people’s struggles and understanding what they hope to contribute. It’s about seeing individuals for who they truly are, without preconceived biases or judgments. I believe that nations like Canada and America, when guided by strong and compassionate leadership, have the potential to serve as models for global peace. With people from all over the world coming together to build society, we have a unique opportunity to foster unity. If we embrace each other as equals, listen to one another’s stories, and leverage our collective knowledge, we can develop sustainable solutions not only for our own communities but for the world at large.

Maybe we can have a collective dance? That would be the dream!

Taking Action: Building Bridges, Not Walls

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the state of the world. I, too, have found myself retreating into the background, uncertain of how to make a difference. But change begins with small, intentional steps. One idea I’ve been toying with is launching a YouTube series where I interview people from different backgrounds, highlighting their stories, cultures, and perspectives. Maybe by simply listening to one another, we can begin to rebuild the sense of community that seems to be slipping away.

While working in different industries, I have had the privilege of meeting countless individuals who immigrated here in search of a better life for their families. Each person I’ve encountered carries a deep sense of optimism, gratitude, and an eagerness to contribute to their new home. Their unwavering work ethic and dedication have been truly inspiring. I believe this is the side of newcomers that needs to be highlighted, as social media often distorts reality, fostering fear and division instead of understanding and unity.

A Tribute to Nina Simone

Today I am reminded of the great Nina Simone as we celebrate her birthday. Nina Simone was a fearless advocate for civil rights, equality, and justice. Her music and activism align perfectly with the themes of today's post —honoring our ancestors, embracing diversity, and uniting to create a better future.

If she were alive today, she would likely call for unity, for people to wake up to injustice, and to use their voices fearlessly. She’d probably also remind us that music, culture, and the arts are not just entertainment but necessary tools for social change.

She may say something like:

Freedom is still the goal. Justice is still the fight. Art is still the weapon. And love—love is the revolution. Speak your truth, stand in your power, and never stop demanding a world where every soul is seen, heard, and valued.

How Nina Simone’s Legacy Connects to today's topic:

1. Fighting for Racial Equality: Nina Simone was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Songs like Mississippi Goddam were direct responses to racial injustice, calling out oppression and demanding change. Like today's post, she believed in the power of unity and real conversations to break down barriers.

   
   

2. Embracing Cultural Diversity: Simone’s music blended genres—jazz, blues, folk, gospel, and classical—mirroring the richness of a multicultural world. She saw the beauty in different cultures and understood that diversity strengthens society, much like the vision for Canada and America as a true melting pot.

   
   

3. Honoring Ancestry & Heritage: She was proud of her African heritage and used her platform to uplift Black identity, reminding people of their roots and history. Her message resonates with the point about honoring our ancestors and carrying their strength forward.

   
   

4. Using Her Voice to Inspire Change: Just as I would like to advocate for open dialogue and storytelling to bridge divides, Simone used her art to educate, inspire, and provoke thought. She didn’t sit idly by—she took action, even when it risked her career.

   
   

"It is an artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live." – Nina Simone

"Feeling Good" is one of my most favourite songs of all time - may this be a reminder that a new day and a new beginning is just around the corner.

A Call to Rise

We are living in a defining moment in history. Future generations will look back at this time and ask: What did we do? Did we let fear divide us, or did we rise to the occasion and create a world where all people can thrive?

Each of us has the power to shape this moment. Let’s use it wisely. Let’s get to know our neighbours. Let’s open our hearts and our minds.

This is not the time to sit idly by—this is the time to come together, to honour our ancestors, and to build a future that they would be proud of.

Have a great weekend, Tribe! Whatever you end up doing, spread that love wherever you go!

One Love Always!!