Black History Month 2021

Feb 9

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up”

- Nelson Mandela

What a wonderful quote from Nelson Mandela. February is Black History Month in North America. Although it is of course, not a history that’s limited to one continent or one particular month for that matter!

I wanted to feature an athlete for this month's newsletter, however, when I read the above quote by Mandela, it reminded me so much of what being an athlete (at any level of sport) has meant to me. We are all dreamers in some sense of the word... To be a dreamer, you need to have the ability to see a future that others may not be able to see. It’s about imagining what’s possible and then fighting to represent that every day. And, if that doesn't describe an athlete, I’m not sure what does? So that’s why I chose to talk about someone who I feel is an inspiration on a timeless scale for this article.

Nelson Mandela was a human rights activist. He spoke out against unjust racial segregation in South Africa at a time when doing so meant risking everything. The challenge before him wasn't just racist attitudes, it was an entire system that legitimized racist laws and institutions. In defiance of the apartheid system, in 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life in prison and served 27 years, before being released in 1990. I was 10 years old the day he was released and although there was excitement in our house about the news, I couldn't grasp what Mandela’s story really symbolized until later in life.

Mandala would upon his release go on the become leader of the African National Conference, the president of South Africa, and most notably the winner of the Nobel Pease Prize for his work in the removal of apartheid laws. His achievements in the defiance of tyranny are of course remarkable. But perhaps the most remarkable part of Mandela’s story is what he did over the years he spent in prison.

The 18 years Mandela spent on Robben Island were used for continued learning. During this time, he read extensively, and equipped himself with the knowledge and power to “imagine a free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” (Quoted HERE)

The history we all share in Canada, like the history of South Africa has a wounded past. Taking the time to write and talk about the past, including Black History Month is part of our process of creating the better future Mandela and so many other great leaders envisioned.

The sport of triathlon has a proud legacy of inclusion and equity. However, despite that legacy, our sport is still largely underrepresented by persons of color. Our hope is that as our incredible sport grows in the future - so will its diversity. Triathlon is proudly a sport for anyone and everyone!

Written by: R.L. Inglis (Program Coordinator, Triathlon Alberta)

Resources for further reading:

Library and Achieves Canada – Black History

Canadian Museum for Human Rights