Tomorrow, January 15th, marks Black Excellence Day in Canada, and if you’re like me, you may not have heard about it until recently. Honestly, as someone who prides herself on staying informed about Black culture and history, I was a little embarrassed to realize I’d missed this. Naturally, I had to dig deeper to learn more.

Turns out, this day has been observed in Canada since 2022, evolving from its original form in 2021 as “Black Shirt Day.” The name change reflected a broader effort to focus on celebrating Black Canadians’ contributions to society and advocating for Black history to be fully integrated into school curriculums. Sound familiar? It’s similar in spirit to Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the U.S., which falls just a few days later, on January 20th.

Although Black Excellence Day isn’t a public holiday, it’s still a powerful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the joy, achievements, and impact of Black people in Canada and beyond.

What is Black Excellence Day All About?

At its core, Black Excellence Day is about:
• Honoring the contributions of Black Canadians to society.
• Amplifying the ongoing civil rights struggles within Canada.
• Advocating for Black history to become a permanent part of educational curriculums.

This day is a moment to reflect on the resilience, achievements, and power of Black individuals. While it’s important to acknowledge the icons and trailblazers who paved the way for us globally, it’s equally vital to recognize that their stories hold lessons and inspiration for us to pursue our own goals and dreams.

Representation Matters, but Comparison Can Be Tough

Representation matters, period. It’s empowering to see people who look like us breaking barriers, making history, and thriving in spaces we’ve been excluded from for so long.

But let’s be real: reading about others’ achievements can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy. It’s not jealousy, it’s the weight of comparison. Thoughts like, “They did all that at 25? I’m 35 and haven’t even started!” can creep in.

When it’s historical figures, we might feel a little detached because of differences in time or context. But when it’s someone current, someone navigating the same world we are? It can hit differently. That pressure to “do more” or “be more” can feel overwhelming.

The Excellence Within You

Here’s my challenge to you this Black Excellence Day: Take time to recognize the Black Excellence within YOU.

Sis, it’s already there. Regardless of your socioeconomic background, education, or marital status. Yes, I said marital status, because if you’re African, you already know how some aunties can act like marriage defines your worth. Don’t let anyone question your excellence.

Think about the ways you’ve already shown up in your life:
• Did you start that business or project you’ve been dreaming about?
• Did you survive and thrive despite challenges that would’ve broken others?
• Are you making an impact, big or small, in your community or family?

Write it down. Seriously, grab a pen or your phone and make a list. This isn’t about vanity, it’s about reclaiming your worth and countering the years of societal messages that have tried to tell us we’re less than.

Let’s Cancel “Small”

Here’s the thing: you’re not “just” anything.
• It’s not “just a small business.”
• It’s not “just a bachelor’s degree.”
• It’s not “just a YouTube channel.”

And while we’re at it, let’s cancel the word “small.” Small is relative, and it’s often a way to minimize ourselves and our accomplishments. The Bible says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10). Where you started is not where you’re going to end.

Black Excellence is in your DNA. It’s who you are. It’s how you show up, how you persevere, and how you inspire others - even when you don’t realize it.

Celebrate Your Excellence

So tomorrow, take time to celebrate YOU.
• Reflect on your journey and your wins, big or “small.”
• Share your story with someone who might need the encouragement.
• Support another Black woman in her journey.

The world needs your excellence, sis. Don’t hide it, minimize it, or doubt it. Let this Black Excellence Day be a reminder that your contributions matter, your voice matters, and you are more than enough.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What’s one way you plan to recognize your own Black Excellence this year? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your stories and celebrate with you!