💪🏾 Chapter 6: Resilience and Achievements

50 6.3: The Pros and Cons of Proving Yourself

Video 6.3: British Columbia-based farmer and founder of Kata AfroBeat Society and the Canadian Black Farmers Association Toyin Kayo-Ajayi, shares insights into the success of his farm and the inspiration he draws from his work. Initiatives like Kata AfroBeat Society support Black students pursuing careers in dietetics by providing scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping to bridge gaps in access and representation within the field.

Kara-Kata Afrobeat Society Logo Logo for the Canadian Black Farmer's Association

Stop and Reflect

There is often very little room for failure for people within equity-deserving groups. Toyin has invested $400,000 into his work along with years of advocacy, physical labour and facing racism before gaining the support he currently has. His resilience and commitment are admirable, but should he have had to take those risks by himself? Should he have had to prove himself to obtain adequate support and respect?

  1. Why do you think Black people and communities have to prove their knowledge of issues, their wisdom, their suffering and their needs to gain trust and support?
  2. How can you, your organizations, and the institutions you are a part of better help carry the load and the risk for Black leaders who are trying to make advancements in the health of Black Canadians?
  3. List some local issues to bring up in class or at your next team meeting.

Your writing saves automatically in this browser as you type.

Resource & Video Library:

Learn more about the work Black farmers are doing in your area. Below you will find a list of Black-led agricultural businesses and organizations working across the country. We have highlighted the YouTube videos of those who have permitted us to specifically feature the work they are doing, along with publicly available content.

Please note that this list does not include all farmers, as many owners do not have their own website or social media platform:

Hamidou Horticulture in Montreal, Quebec

 

Source: CBC News (2024)

 

Pamoja Farms: This video provides an overview of Pamoja Farms’ work in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, highlighting their dedication to food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, and community-led food security initiatives.

Pamoja Farms Logo

Video Credit: Pamoja Canada (2022)

Toronto Black Farmers and Food Growers Collective

Toronto Black Farmers and Food Growers Collective Logo

Source: Agricultural and Agri-Food Canada (2024)

Afri-Can Food Basket (Ontario)

Source: Open Food Network Canada (2024)

License

An Introduction to Anti-Black Racism in Canadian Nutrition, Food & Dietetics Copyright © 2026 by Mikahelia Wellington; Sherana Syed; and Emanuel Tessema. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book