Kerbens | 28 Moments of Black Canadian History | Slavery in Canada

Summary

Kerbens Boisette, a Haitian-born Canadian, shares his personal experience with racism after moving to Canada at eight. He highlights how his early encounters, such as being called 'Blackie Chan,' were not immediately recognized as racist. Kerbens also speaks about his passion for supporting at-risk youth, especially Black artists, through initiatives like the Aftermath Exhibition. Reflecting on the importance of Black History Month, he stresses the need for greater representation of Black people in media and a shift in harmful stereotypes. He also educates on the overlooked history of slavery in Canada, pointing out its role in shaping systemic racism that still persists today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kerbens Boisette is a 20-year-old Haitian-born Canadian who moved to Canada at age eight.
• 😀 In Haiti, Kerbens did not experience race or racism, but his first encounter with racism in Canada was in grade four.
• 😀 Kerbens faced racial mockery, such as being called 'Blackie Chan,' due to his love for Jackie Chan and karate.
• 😀 Over time, Kerbens realized that the 'Blackie Chan' joke was racist, but initially, he did not fully understand it.
• 😀 Kerbens is passionate about creating a platform for at-risk youth and communities to ensure a better future for all.
• 😀 He and his team in Ottawa hosted the 'Aftermath Exhibition' to help young Black artists grow, showcase their art, and connect with others.
• 😀 The exhibition aims to shift the narrative around Black people and create a more positive representation in the community.
• 😀 When asked about the importance of Black History Month, Kerbens highlights raising voices, addressing current issues, and understanding both the past and the future.
• 😀 Kerbens emphasizes the need for more representation of Black people in the media and a shift in the damaging narratives about Black culture.
• 😀 Kerbens points out that slavery was a very real part of Canada's history, particularly in Nova Scotia, and its legacy continues to influence systemic racism today.

Q & A

What is Kerbens Boisette's background?

Kerbens Boisette is a 20-year-old Haitian-born Canadian who moved to Canada at the age of 8.

How did Kerbens' experience with race change when he moved to Canada?

In Haiti, where everyone around him was Black, Kerbens never experienced race or racism. However, after moving to Canada, he encountered racism for the first time.

What was Kerbens' first experience with racism in Canada?

Kerbens' first encounter with racism occurred in grade 4 when his classmates called him 'Blackie Chan' because of his admiration for Jackie Chan and karate.

How did Kerbens initially respond to being called 'Blackie Chan'?

At first, Kerbens didn't understand the racial implications of the nickname. He laughed along with his classmates and played along with the joke.

When did Kerbens realize that being called 'Blackie Chan' was racist?

Kerbens realized that the nickname was racist during his later high school and university years, after reflecting on the experience.

What is Kerbens' passion and how does it relate to his work in the community?

Kerbens is passionate about helping at-risk youth and communities. He is focused on creating platforms to support Black artists and youth, ensuring a better, sustainable future for everyone.

What is the 'Aftermath Exhibition' and what is its purpose?

The 'Aftermath Exhibition' is an event organized by Kerbens and his team to support young Black artists in Ottawa. It helps them grow their artistry, showcase their work, and connect with other artists in the community.

Why does Kerbens think Black History Month is important?

Kerbens believes Black History Month is crucial to raise awareness about the struggles Black people currently face, highlight their history, and address systemic issues related to race.

What does Kerbens believe needs to change in media representation of Black people?

Kerbens advocates for more diverse and accurate representation of Black people in media, specifically challenging stereotypes like Black men being portrayed as violent and Black women being hypersexualized.

What is Kerbens' perspective on slavery in Canada?

Kerbens emphasizes that slavery was a significant part of Canada's history, including the enslavement of both Indigenous and Black people. Although Canada didn't rely on plantation economies, slavery existed and contributed to the institutionalization of racism, which still affects society today.