#BeingHuman Love this interview with Donovan Bailey O.C,O.Ont. and Ian Hanomansing. After Donovan left competitive sports I did not follow his career/business, except for the occasional newspaper article or tv interviews. He started showing up on my LinkedIn feed because we follow many of the same people. I'm glad that I happened upon this YouTube video because I am certainly impressed with the way he has evolved as a human beyond sports,and also as business person, and his commitment and dedication to the Jamaican diaspora and the uplifting of BIPOC in Canada🇨🇦. Having migrated to Canada at age 17, I definitely relate to everything he said about the difference for Black children of Jamaican parents, being born and completed some schooling in Jamaica 🇯🇲. Arriving in Canada at 17, I certainly did see myself in terms of race or ethnicity, I don't think anyone in my family or circles did. I knew who I was, and when I encountered people who had a different world view, I didn't think it was my problem, because it certainly wasn't. As they would say, there's a certain "bombast" about us. Many parents who had children before coming to Canada, and after, talk about the difference to me all the time. I believe it's because many of the early immigrants didn't discuss racism and race issues at home, and the children born here are exposed to racial differences discrimination early, even very subtlety. Children notice and feel things, even when they are not able to verbalize them, but sometimes negatively impact how they see themselves. Being self-aware doesn't immunize us from #racism, subtle or blatant. It also doesn't mean that #systemicracism and #InstitutionalRacism, unfair business and employment practices don't negatively impact us. By no means, but we handle it and continue to evolve and fight on to make the world a better place for all humans. Everyone owns the job of their own evolution, so it's up to you, and me. We can choose to move forward or get left behind! Way to go Donovan! Beverley https://lnkd.in/g6JtUEHd
CEO, Bailey Inc. | Founder, The Bailey Foundation | 5X Olympic & World Champion | Entrepreneur | Philanthropist | Media Commentator