A passion for empowerment

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This article was published 01/02/2021 (1888 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Titi Tijani hasn’t always volunteered.

“Before I came here, I didn’t know what the word ‘volunteerism’ was,” says Tijani, who emigrated from Nigeria in 1987. “But once I got here, I saw volunteerism. I saw the impact and how it helps people, and now it’s something I promote.”

The 56-year-old Southdale resident currently serves as president of African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI).

The organization supports African community groups in building and developing the capacity to support their membership, while also preserving and promoting African cultural heritage and understanding in Manitoba.

Tijani has been involved with the organization for more than 20 years.

Tijani also volunteers with the Nigerian Association of Manitoba Inc. and Nigerian Professionals in Manitoba. She previously volunteered on the Manitoba Lung Association’s board of directors and with the Central Youth Justice Committee.

“The reason I’ve joined different organizations is to learn how things work,” she says. “I’ve learned to fundraise, how to ask for help… how to talk to communities and how to appreciate your volunteers as well.”

Making Winnipeg’s newcomer population feel welcome and supported is perhaps Tijani’s biggest passion.

Born and raised in Lagos, Tijani was a home economics teacher before immigrating to Winnipeg to be with her husband.

The training and experience she acquired in Nigeria wasn’t recognized here, so she enrolled at the University of Manitoba and earned a bachelor’s degree in human ecology.

Since 1998, she has worked at Manitoba Housing. She is the manager of specialized tenant services, supporting vulnerable populations as they access housing.

“I had to redo my degree here, and I remember I said, ‘No one should have to do this,’” Tijani says.

As a result, much of Tijani’s volunteer work is focused on empowering and encouraging newcomers so that they can find work using the training they completed before arriving in Canada.

“I enjoy bringing communities together, seeing the community prosper and seeing people get into the career that they studied for,” she says.

Tijani became a spokeswoman for Winnipeg’s Black community last spring after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

ACOMI released a statement condemning bigotry, racial profiling and systemic racism in solidarity with the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba, Black History Month Winnipeg, Black Space Winnipeg, the Council of Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba and the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba.

Tijani gave interviews to numerous media outlets, including a moving appearance on the Ace Burpee Show on 103.1 Virgin Radio.

Tijani told Burpee and co-host Chrissy Troy about giving her three sons “the talk” when they were growing up — the conversation many Black parents have with their children about the dangers they face owing to unjust treatment from authority figures.

Burpee later named Tijani one of the 100-plus most fascinating Manitobans of 2020 in a feature published in the Free Press.

“She’s had an incredible impact on our province, both professionally and by using her time and voice for those who need a champion,” Burpee wrote. “Many lives have improved considerably because of Titi.”

Tijani says the recognition motivates her to continue what she is doing.

She also hopes it inspires others to volunteer.

“When you have some time, it doesn’t hurt to give back,” she says. “That’s how you build a better community.”

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.