'The rights we have today are not by mistake'

Long before Treasure Johnson arrived in Winnipeg, others had already paved the way for her to sit in a university classroom thousands of miles from home.

Now 20 years old and in her second year in the Faculty of Arts, studying Linguistics and Psychology, Treasure reflects on what it has meant to move on from Lagos, Nigeria to Winnipeg, and how that journey has profoundly shaped her sense of identity.

Nigerian first

In many Western societies, Black individuals are often compelled to primarily identify through the broad racial label of "Black," whereas in their home countries, identity is more commonly rooted in specific ethnic or cultural communities.

Treasure says, "I would say I'm Nigerian first, and then Black and African afterwards."

Like many other International students, her understanding of race had largely been shaped by media and education. Living and studying in Canada shifted that perspective.

"Meeting people in my classes, my church, and at work changed a lot for me," she says. "I've become more open to building friendships outside of my race or ethnicity."

Holding on to home

There are moments when home feels far away. Days where she misses her mom's cooking, the comfort of familiar places, and the feeling of being close to family and friends.

So she creates small reminders.

She cooks Nigerian meals for herself, participates in celebrations like Nigerian Independence Day and church-based celebrations, and wears traditional attire when she can. At church, seeing others dressed in similar cultural clothing brings a quiet sense of comfort.

"It makes me feel like I'm not alone and represented in the spaces I'm in," she says

Why feeling seen matters

Representation, especially in education, is deeply important to Treasure.

She doesn't see many faculty members who look like her. Maybe a few, but not many. During Black History Month, she appreciates the awareness campaigns and educational materials, but hopes institutions go further. 

"Posters are great. Write-ups are great. They educate people, but action is important too."

For her, action looks like creating real opportunities. It looks like inviting Black voices into spaces they haven't historically occupied. It looks like something as simple asking students about their culture and listening.

International Centre makes a difference

Treasure has noticed the growth in support for international students over the years. Through the International Centre, she's seen more events, stronger representation and visible gestures of care including support for students affected by global conflicts.

Student groups have made a difference too. The Black Student Union (BSU) has created space for connection across African countries, something she describes as powerful and unifying. 

Still, she believes belonging can start even smaller.

Standing on the shoulders of others

For Treasure, Black History Month is about gratitude and responsibility.

She thinks of figures like Viola Desmond, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr., who fought hard so she could have the opportunities she has today, particularly the right to education. She promises to pay it forward, to do even better, and to show a good example to Black people after her.