What Black History Month means to me: Rachel Mark
First National Financial LP
Mar 4, 2025
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This is Black History Month, a time dedicated to appreciating Black culture, arts and contributions to Canadian society. For First National, it’s also an occasion to celebrate community, heritage and the power of knowledge.
But Black History Month also has special meaning to many of us as individuals, like Rachel Mark, a Customer Relations Agent on our Montréal Customer Service team. Rachel’s thoughts, proudly presented below, add an all-important and informative personal perspective to our celebrations.
Rachel, what does Black History Month mean to you?
That it’s our time to shine. It’s our time to remind the world of our successes and resilience as a people and our never-ending influence on the world.
What would you like your colleagues to know about Black History Month?
That Black History Month is a time to reflect on another culture and all that has been accomplished despite challenging circumstances.
How will you celebrate?
I always attend at least an art exhibition and some form of entertainment like a comedy show. I also post a fact about Black History Month in my own social media presence. I love the fact that Montréal celebrates Black History and gives everyone a chance to dive into it and learn about our culture. Cultmtl.com is a great place to view Black History Month events to attend such as disco night at Le Balcon, the Afropolitain Nomade Show at McCord Stewart Museum and the Honouring Black Kings Gala.
As a Black professional, who served as your role model?
My dad. As a Trinidadian immigrant, he was able to overcome challenges and stigmas and start a successful construction company. His determination, intelligence and discipline both in work and spirituality are some of the attributes he passed down. He helped me to gain the confidence to do anything I want to and always taught me that life is what you make it. Perspective can change your everything. If you think it, you can achieve!
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