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As a Canadian born daughter to Ghanaian parents who immigrated to Toronto, Ontario for their own careers in the early 1970s, my own family’s history has played a large role in how I view my professional success. I definitely owe my perspectives on success to their resilience, perseverance and dedication over the years. Black History Month is especially important for me in recognizing that. 

 

Growing up, I was naturally infatuated with the balance of reaching academic and career goals while upholding our rich Ghanaian culture—the food, the traditions, the people– at the same time. I also found my heritage a refuge whenever issues of racism or otherness would arise day to day. All my experiences have truly helped shape the determined and inclusive work ethic I have brought to my professional life despite any odds.

 

Working at Bell Media in the CTV newsrooms, I can say my background has definitely enhanced my ability to meet minds with colleagues and peers of diverse backgrounds; to make quick and important decisions in reaching common goals, across Canada and around the world. During Black History Month, I celebrate how incredibly valuable and empowering this is as a Black Canadian woman working in the news industry. 

 

I’ve also managed in my own down time to return to Ghana, West Africa, undertaking philanthropic work to help introduce skills training to young people interested in media and journalism there. To be in a position of “paying it forward” as a first generation African-Canadian is hugely significant to how I view my own excellence overall. That is why Black History Month now more than ever is of immeasurable value— to highlight the rewarding full circle experiences that enrich and reaffirm personal and professional identity for black people, while celebrating our successes and mark on our communities and the world.

 

Nina Aning
Production Manager, CTV News

 

  • Black History Month
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