From Disengagement to Empowerment: How Winnipeg’s African Community Is Reclaiming Its Political Voice

A Quiet Shift: African Newcomers and the Future of Civic Engagement in Winnipeg

In the heart of Winnipeg’s south end, where African newcomers plant roots and raise families, a quiet political shift is taking place. Historically shaped by experiences in countries where corruption eroded trust in leadership, many African immigrants are beginning to reimagine their place in Canada’s democratic landscape.

But the journey is layered—and complex.

A Legacy of Distrust

Florence Okwudili, a respected community advocate, speaks candidly about the deep political skepticism many African Canadians bring with them.

“Back home, politicians are not seen as public servants,” she says. “They’re the ones who ruined the country, stole the money, lied to the people. We never told our kids to grow up and become politicians. We told them to become doctors, lawyers—anything but that.”

That sentiment, while not unique to the African diaspora, casts a long shadow. Despite growing numbers in south-end Winnipeg neighborhoods, civic engagement remains uneven. Many residents are unaware they can simply walk into their MP’s or MLA’s office, write an email, or volunteer on advisory boards.

This disconnect is more than cultural—it’s a civic loss for Winnipeg.

The Social “Plus-Value” of Representation

In a democracy, participation is power. When marginalized voices remain silent, public policy risks drifting away from lived realities. For Winnipeg’s African communities—many navigating immigration hurdles, housing crises, systemic racism, and educational gaps—that silence comes at a cost.

“We need representation,” Florence insists. “Not just people who look like us, but people who understand us—who will fight for immigration reform, culturally relevant education, and equity in public health.”

Representation goes far beyond symbolic visibility. Politicians who consistently engage with their communities—attending weddings, cultural events, and showing up outside of campaign season—build the trust needed to shift long-standing narratives. Florence points to MLA Terry Duguid as one such leader who has earned respect through presence and consistency.

And that presence matters.

Breaking the Generational Cycle

Florence believes real change starts with the next generation. She advocates for programs that immerse African youth in political spaces, like Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly PAGE program. But, she adds, those opportunities can be hard to access for newcomer families.

“Our kids need to be in those rooms. They need to see the process—how policies are made, how power works.”

This kind of exposure isn’t just about education—it’s about ownership. When youth from underrepresented communities see themselves reflected in decision-making, they’re more likely to step into those roles themselves: as candidates, organizers, advocates, and leaders.

But the mindset shift, Florence notes, must also begin at home.

“Our parenting has to change,” she says. “We need to start telling our children: ‘You can be a leader. You can be a decision-maker.’ Politics needs to be seen as a path of honour, not suspicion.”

Looking Ahead

As Winnipeg prepares for upcoming federal and municipal elections, Florence’s vision for the city is clear: a civic culture where decision-making reflects the city’s diversity and where emerging communities feel empowered, not ignored.

She wants elected officials to invest in trust, not just during election season, but year-round.

She wants immigrant parents to see political participation not as corruption, but as a contribution.

And she wants young people to understand that civic engagement isn’t just a duty—it’s a right they must claim.

The African community in Winnipeg is not apathetic—it is cautious. But behind that caution lies deep hope. “We are in a new country,” Florence says. “And here, one pen stroke can change your life. If we don’t show up, we don’t get a say in that.”

In a city as diverse as Winnipeg, the real “plus-value” of inclusive politics lies in the simple but powerful idea that democracy only works when everyone has a seat at the table—and a voice in shaping what comes next.