When Stories Build Bridges: Reflections from Black Voices on the Page

How storytelling, dialogue, and community leadership shaped a sold-out Black History Month gathering at the University of Manitoba.

On February 14, The StoryBridge Network hosted Black Voices on the Page, a Black History Month storytelling and reflection gathering at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business.

While our initial goal was to welcome 30 participants, the response was overwhelming. We reached capacity with twenty-four community members, plus our speakers and volunteers, filling the room with a vibrant energy of cross-generational and cross-cultural dialogue.

We gathered to celebrate books written by Winnipeg-based Black Canadian authors, but what unfolded was more than a literary event. It was a live demonstration of what happens when storytelling is treated as essential community infrastructure.

A Room That Reflected the City

The audience represented a true tapestry of Winnipeg—spanning different ethnicities, ages, professional sectors, and life stages. The atmosphere was collaborative, reflective, and deeply engaged from the moment guests arrived.

We opened with a name-story connection exercise inspired by Amna Burki of Stories Matter and concluded with intimate reflection circles. In these small groups, participants processed the complex themes emerging from the speakers’ work. Across the room, people were not just listening; they were witnessing. It was both comforting and joyful to hear the space fill with intentional dialogue about identity, race, history, and our collective future.

What Participants Carried Home

The post-event feedback painted a clear picture of the afternoon's impact. Participants reported that the stories shared resonated "very much" and "extensively" with their own lives.

Rather than a passive lecture, the most impactful elements were the group dialogues, the vulnerability of the speakers’ stories, and the guided reflection prompts that allowed for deep internal processing.

Through these conversations, participants shared profound insights. Many spoke of the importance of "living in the middle with intention" and the liberating realization that we can hold multiple identities at once. Others walked away with a renewed sense of self-agency, noting that "you are who you are; you own your values," and the powerful reminder that "what we feed is what grows." These reflections highlight the meaningful internal shifts that occur when we move beyond the surface.

Leadership in the Room

One of the most striking aspects of the day was the leadership energy among Black youth and emerging professionals under 30. Project Lead Jude Obidiagha and the volunteer team embodied coordination, care, and a high level of professionalism.

Alongside Jude, our dedicated volunteer team included:

• Abigail Kawadza, MN, RN – Event Welfare

• Collins-Longe Olamide – Guest Experience

• Ebunoluwa Oluwatunmise – Photographer

• Samuel Olawarju – Tech Support & Graphics

  
  

Their presence demonstrated that intergenerational collaboration is not just an aspiration—it is already happening. This event also served as a personal reminder of the power of "saying yes." When we remain open to inquiries from those outside our immediate inner circles, we break down gatekeeping barriers. Had we not been open to Jude’s outreach and his clear vision for value, this entire gathering would have been a missed opportunity for the community.

Thought Leaders Who Leaned In

Our speakers modelled a rare level of generosity and accessibility:

• Dr. Patlee Creary invited listeners to consider how race and difference are often "learned" because our choices are taken away. Her relatable example of "nude" tights resonated deeply with the audience.

• Devon Clunis joined virtually, grounding the conversation in hope and the "oneness of humanity." His description of seeing different "shades of beautiful" served as a vital reminder that we all share the same basic needs: health, happiness, and safety.

• 'Segun Olude reminded us of the urgency of preserving Indigenous African language and knowledge. Through colourful visual storytelling, he shared his mission to preserve Yoruba traditions within the diaspora and beyond.

  
  

The room remained a carefully held container for these stories, thanks to the facilitation by Dr. Patlee Creary and the Reyou Mindfulness Collective team, and the expert moderation of our board chair, Brian Creary. Even when faced with early technical hiccups, the warmth of the room quickly overtook any disruption. As one speaker noted afterward: "It was a wonderful event, and I do hope we continue these conversations."

Community Partners Who Made It Possible

This gathering was a testament to the power of partnership. We owe a debt of gratitude to the following supporters:

• University of Manitoba Asper School of Business (Venue Partner)

• Negash Coffee (Coffee Sponsor)

• Natalie Bell Consulting (Food Sponsor)

• Classy A Events (Event Coordination)

• Photography by Gift (@photographybygift)

• Black History Manitoba (Promotion & Attendance)

• Reyou Mindfulness Collective (Facilitation Support)

Why This Matters

StoryBridge is committed to depth over display. We don’t design spaces for optics; we design them to amplify underrepresented stories, strengthen community connections, and support mental well-being through dialogue.

The success of this event suggests that our model is working. The question now is one of sustainability and reach: How do we ensure these bridge-building dialogues become a permanent, accessible resource for the city? We aren't just looking for bigger rooms; we are looking for deeper roots.

You can see event photos and highlights from Black Voices on a Page here in our Event Gallery.

The Work Continues

We invite you to join us in this ongoing mission. Whether you are a funder interested in community resilience, an institution looking to host meaningful storytelling and dialogue sessions, or a volunteer wanting to lead with care, we would love to build with you.

• Partner with StoryBridge

• Volunteer with StoryBridge

When stories are held with intention, they do more than fill a room for an afternoon. They create the social infrastructure—the "bridges"—that turn a city of strangers into a community of neighbours.