Ines joined the Global Gathering Place staff as a Client Care Facilitator in 2023, the very same year she moved to Canada with her husband and three children. She was born in The Democratic Republique of Congo before she moved to Rwanda at fourteen. Ines holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and previously worked in Finance Administration and as a Case Officer at a refugee settlement agency. Ines notes that “as a daughter of a refugee, working at GGP and helping refugees and immigrants is an honour and a privilege.” 

This February will mark Ines’ second celebration of Black History Month in Canada. As a Black woman, Ines sees this month as “a time to celebrate, reflect, and honour the immense contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history, with a particular focus on the resilience, strength, and impact of Black women.” Ines notes that Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize the often-overlooked role that Black women have played in shaping societies, “whether in civil rights movements, politics, science, the arts, sports, or community leadership.” 

“Black women have historically been at the forefront of change, breaking barriers despite facing both racial and gender-based discrimination,” Ines says. “From pioneers like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, who fought for freedom and justice, to modern leaders like Michelle Obama and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Black women continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.” 

Ines sees great importance for this month to serve as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that came before her as well as a celebration of the progress that has been made and the power of representation. “It is a time to uplift Black voices, share stories that empower, and create spaces where the contributions of Black women are acknowledged, valued, and amplified,” Ines states. 

Ines believes that Black history needs to be celebrated and honoured beyond just one month. The commemoration of Black history should be “woven into everyday life, education, workplaces, and communities.” This can be observed by incorporating Black history into everyday learning through books, films, and listening to the voices of Black historians and educators. All year-round, we can support Black-owned businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs as a show of support to uplift Black communities. In schools and workplaces, we can advocate for inclusive curriculum, organize discussions, and recognize Black contributions to ensure that Black history is acknowledged beyond February. Ines highlights the importance of engaging in cultural events, volunteering, fostering partnerships, amplifying Black voices and stories, and supporting policies that address racial inequities. “By making Black history a continuous conversation and taking actionable steps, we ensure that Black contributions remain at the forefront, fostering a more inclusive and informed society.” 

Canada’s theme for Black History Month 2025 is ‘Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations’. Ines notes the importance of this year’s theme and utilizes it to identify the many influential Black figures who have made significant contributions to history, culture, politics, science, and social justice. Here is a list of Black leaders that Ines recognizes as having a substantial impact on her: 

Historic Leaders & Activists  

• Nelson Mandela (South Africa) – Anti-apartheid revolutionary, first Black president of South Africa, and a global symbol of peace and reconciliation.  

• Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) – Led Ghana to independence and became its first president, advocating for Pan-Africanism.  

• Martin Luther King Jr. (USA) – Civil rights leader who fought for racial equality through nonviolent resistance.  

• Patrice Lumumba (Congo) – First Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, advocating for decolonization.  

• Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso) – Revolutionary leader who promoted self-sufficiency and women’s rights in Burkina Faso.  

Political & Human Rights Figures  

• Barack Obama (USA) – First Black president of the United States.  

• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – First female president of Liberia and Africa’s first elected female head of state.  

• Desmond Tutu (South Africa) – Archbishop and human rights activist who fought against apartheid.  

• Wangari Maathai (Kenya) – Environmentalist and first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.  

Scientists & Innovators  

• George Washington Carver (USA) – Agricultural scientist who developed new uses for peanuts and other crops.  

• Mae Jemison (USA) – First Black woman in space. 

• Philip Emeagwali (Nigeria) – Mathematician and computer scientist who contributed to the development of the internet.  

• Katherine Johnson (USA) – NASA mathematician whose calculations were crucial for space missions.  

Writers & Thinkers  

• Chinua Achebe (Nigeria) – Renowned novelist known for Things Fall Apart. 

• Wole Soyinka (Nigeria) – Playwright and first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. 

• James Baldwin (USA) – Writer and activist who explored race and identity in America.  

• Maya Angelou (USA) – Poet, author, and civil rights activist.  

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria) – Acclaimed novelist known for Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah.  

Artists & Cultural Icons  

• Fela Kuti (Nigeria) – Afrobeat pioneer and activist.  

• Bob Marley (Jamaica) – Reggae legend and advocate for peace and unity.  

• Beyoncé (USA) – Global music icon and advocate for Black empowerment.  

• Lupita Nyong’o (Kenya/Mexico) – Award-winning actress and advocate for diversity in Hollywood.  

Athletes & Sports Legends  

• Serena Williams (USA) – One of the greatest tennis players of all time.  

• Usain Bolt (Jamaica) – Fastest man in history, dominating Olympic sprinting.  

• Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – Footballer who helped end a civil war in his country.  

• Muhammad Ali (USA) – Boxing legend and activist for civil rights.