Making history in Black History Month

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This article was published 08/02/2021 (1975 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When it comes to celebrating Black History Month, a local clothing design shop is supporting students in their quest to make their own mark on history.

Zueike’s co-owners Ogo Okwumabua and Bryan Salvador launched their B. History clothing line recently, with proceeds of the sales going to community scholarships.

“This year, our concept is ‘Become’, which is based on Michelle Obama’s book by the same name,” Salvador said. “It’s about creating your own history.”

Featured in the collection is the B. History limited edition t-shirt, which features students on the stairway to success, along with Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, South African president Nelson Mandela, American author Maya Angelou and Canadian inventor Elijah McCoy.

“These four historical figures played a critical part in our history and inspire us all to leave our mark on this world,” Okwumabua said. “I had never heard of Elijah McCoy, who was a Canadian inventor who came up with the oil drip can. That’s where the phrase, ‘the real McCoy’ comes from. It’s important for me to keep learning about Canadian Black culture, and how they contributed to Canadian society.”

Zueike (zu-we-kay) — which means “relax” — designs and manufactures premium athletic apparel in comfortable fabrics.

The duo is working with CanU, Black History Manitoba and IG Private Wealth Management Fust & Associates to set up the scholarships and distribute them to high school students.

They’ve also joined forces with Fort Richmond Collegiate students in the Know Your Roots Council.

Teacher Regan Moses and her daughter Olivia Moses, a Grade 12 student at Fort Richmond, say the council has been meeting virtually due to the pandemic. But that doesn’t stop them from speaking about current affairs.

“The students are looking at what’s happening in the USA and Nigeria. They’re very passionate about the Black Lives Matter campaign,” Regan said, adding the council has five core members this year — Belkis Elmoudi, Esther Aghidi, Anne Adewumi, Monique Mumba and Olivia Moses — who are organizing the school’s Black History Month events.

“One of my goals is to reach out to young people, and get them interested in this,” Olivia said, adding the council has been using social media, the school’s blog and a podcast to spread the word, along with connecting with other schools. “We want to challenge beliefs and misconceptions about Black people and celebrate our cultures.”

In honour of Black History Month, the Fort Richmond students are challenging other high school students to show how they would inspire change and equality, using formats such as spoken word, music, art and video.

“It’s hard not being able to do this in school this year,” Olivia said, with regards to pandemic precautions that mean only a third of the student population is in school any day. “Last year, everyone at school wanted to join in the celebration. We had singing and dancing and drumming going on. It was wonderful. We’re hoping the contest will spread the word, and that people will enjoy what they’re learning.”

Zuieke is highlighting Winnipeg leaders who contribute to the community during Black History Month on their Instagram page. This will feature Winnipeg business owners, athletes, education leaders and young professionals.

Zueike is also working with Pedro Reis, a Winnipeg artist and creator of Hunter Rei Studio, for one signature art piece inspired by the B. History campaign. This piece will be raffled through CanU and proceeds will support the B. History fund scholarships. The raffle will be announced on Instagram in mid-February.

Regarding the B. History collection, Zueike’s co-owners said they’ve been asked if non-Black people can buy the Become T-shirts. “Yes, everyone can. We know that everyone can create change,” Okwumabua said. “We’re hoping our shirts will allow everyone to speak up, to do positive things, and spread the word about Black History Month.”

For more information, see zueike.com/collections/b-history