Breaking Barriers: Towela Mkanda’s Fight for Youth and Racial Justice in Winnipeg

Winnipeg is known for its rich cultural mosaic. In this city, diversity is not just a characteristic but a defining strength. However, navigating this multicultural landscape is not without its challenges. Towela Mkanda, a leader in community development and policy advocacy, has dedicated her career to amplifying marginalized voices, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that Winnipeg's diversity translates into equity and opportunity.

U-Multicultural – Local Journalism Initiative

As the Executive and Policy Development Coordinator for the Coalition of Manitoba Cultural Communities for Families, Towela understands firsthand the social and systemic barriers many immigrant communities face. She also leads Warm Heart of Africa, an initiative dedicated to accessible wellness and community engagement. Her story offers a profound look at the realities of growing up in Winnipeg as an immigrant and the ongoing challenges youth of colour face.

A Childhood in a Multicultural Winnipeg
Towela's journey in Canada began at five years old, stepping into a world vastly different from her birthplace. Her family's first home in University Village placed them in a diverse environment, where they were surrounded by African, Indian, Chinese, Filipino, and Indigenous neighbours. This early exposure to multiculturalism shaped her understanding of community.

"I think going straight to Uni Village from the airport was a really good representation of what Canada is now. It has never felt like a monocultural space to me. It has always been a wide variety of different experiences, cuisines, and music."

Despite the richness of cultural diversity, she recalls the early struggles of being a Black child in Canada. She faced racism, stereotypes, and exclusion. These experiences shaped her resilience and advocacy.

"Some families didn't allow their kids to spend time with me because I was African. Even as a child, you feel that weight. But I was lucky to have parents and a community that reinforced my value, reminding me that other people's prejudices did not define me."

The Duality of Diversity: Strengths and Struggles
While Winnipeg's multicultural landscape fosters unique cultural exchanges, it also presents challenges, especially for Black and racialized youth. Towela highlights how systemic racism and cultural misunderstandings persist, affecting young people's self-perception and opportunities.

She notes that Black youth, particularly young Black women, face harmful stereotypes. They are often perceived as aggressive or overly assertive, leading to the "angry Black woman" stereotype. This kind of bias influences how they are treated in schools, workplaces, and social settings.

"Young Black women tell me they struggle to express themselves without being labelled as aggressive. But I tell them—always advocate for yourself. If you're silent, these biases persist. If you speak up, you create space for others to be heard."

Social media further exacerbates these challenges, reinforcing hypersexualized images and unrealistic expectations that disproportionately impact Black youth. Towela urges young people to stay true to their values rather than conform to societal pressures.

Community as a Source of Strength
Despite the obstacles, community support remains a pillar of resilience. From an early age, Towela actively engaged in cultural events and community-building initiatives. She remembers her father's deep commitment to maintaining Malawian traditions while integrating into Canadian society.

"My dad made sure we had Malawian dance groups, participated in Folklorama, and stayed connected to our heritage. It wasn't just about holding onto our culture. It was about showing that we belong here and are part of the fabric of Winnipeg."
This sense of belonging is crucial for youth, and Towela emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Seeing Black leaders in politics, business, and community development gave her confidence in her potential.

"If I had never seen a Black woman running for office in Manitoba, I might not have felt comfortable stepping into political spaces myself. Representation matters, and it shapes what young people believe is possible for them."

Shaping a More Inclusive Winnipeg
Towela's advocacy is deeply rooted in policy and systemic change. She is actively working to influence policies that address racial discrimination, social inequities, and access to opportunities for marginalized communities. She stresses that change requires collective action.

"We need more than just cultural festivals and food fairs to celebrate diversity. We need policies that address racial biases in hiring, that ensure schools provide culturally responsive education, that support Black and Indigenous businesses. True inclusion means breaking down systemic barriers."

A Call to Action
As Winnipeg continues to evolve, the question remains: How can we build a city where all communities feel equally valued and empowered? Towela challenges Winnipeggers to not only acknowledge diversity but to actively support policies and initiatives that promote equity and justice.

Her message to young people facing adversity is clear: "Stay strong. Stay proud. Be loud. Your story matters. Your voice matters. Advocate for yourself and for others, because every time one person stands up, they make it easier for the next person to do the same."

Winnipeg's future is being shaped by leaders like Towela Mkanda, who are amplifying marginalized voices and fostering inclusive policies to support Manitoba's diverse families. She embodies transformative leadership in action with a proven track record of securing funding, leading community initiatives, and bridging cultural and institutional gaps.