Think about if somebody walked as much as you and requested to write down the story of your life.
That is what occurred to Winnifred Ohwoka, a Nigerian girl dwelling in St. John’s. Ohwoka was at her desk at St. John’s Farmers’ Market, the place she sells clothes and crafts produced from the signature bright-coloured material that Nigerian style is legendary for. In the future, one other Black girl walked as much as her desk, drawn in by the gorgeous gadgets and by Ohwoka’s radiant vitality and thousand-watt smile.
“She purchased quite a lot of issues, and he or she requested for my card,” stated Ohwoka. “I did not know one thing nice was about to begin with that!”
Ohwoka informed the girl about discovering simple friendships and on a regular basis acceptance in a spot she known as her “newfound residence.” She did not understand the girl she was talking with was an writer, or that the story she was telling would quickly be shared with the world.
Now Winnie and the Magic Masks is a part of a brand new assortment of kids’s tales, celebrating black girls throughout Canada. The gathering, known as Robust Ladies, Robust Communities, is obtainable to obtain without cost. Hardcover and audiobook variations are additionally within the works. Creator Rachelle Gooden says the tales are particularly vital to share throughout Black Historical past Month.
“Some folks will suppose Black Historical past Month is about all of the issues that occurred prior to now,” stated Gooden. “However it’s actually about Black current, Black futures, and about how we have to be seen.”
As for Ohwoka, she says you’ll be able to’t separate her story from the place that allowed it to flourish — her “newfound residence.”
“Newfoundland made it actual, made the story come to move,” stated Ohwoka. “After I acquired to Newfoundland, folks right here accepted me. When my neighbour stated, ‘hi there,’ I puzzled, ‘Is he speaking to me?’ He stated, ‘Sure I am speaking to you!’ So if the folks right here do not welcome you, it would not be a narrative proper now.”
Click on the video above to satisfy Winifred Ohwoka and listen to the story of Winnie and the Magic Masks.
For extra tales in regards to the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success tales inside the Black group — take a look at Being Black in Canada, a CBC challenge Black Canadians could be pleased with. You possibly can learn extra tales right here.
