Beyond Black History Month: Meet 5 teens working hard all year round | CBC Kids News

From an award-winning musician to a beauty entrepreneur

Black Canadian kids are doing extraordinary things all year round.

CBC Kids News spoke with five about their accomplishments and to get their thoughts and advice this Black History Month.

From an award-winning reggae artist to a wave-crashing surfer, meet these amazing young people.

Juniper Balch: Nationally ranked surfer

Juniper Balch surfs year-round in the Atlantic Ocean near her home in Nova Scotia. (Image credit: Toby Balch, Karl Funk)

Juniper Balch
Age: 15
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Claim to fame

Juniper is remarkable not just because she is often the only Black surfer in her category at competitions but also because she is really good.

She placed fourth at a national competition in Tofino, B.C., last year. She is fundraising so she can return to the competition again this year.

An East Coast surfer placing fourth among surfers from the West Coast and Canadians who live and train in warmer places abroad is a big deal.

The conditions in Nova Scotia aren’t as favourable as other parts of the world, which can make it harder to train. So she’s not just representing Black girl surfers but East Coasters as well.

On being Black in a predominately white sport

Juniper said that being in the minority means she feels a weight on her shoulders to represent Black surfers.

Despite her other accomplishments, she said she is “very aware that the majority of the attention that I get is because I’m Black.”

Advice during Black History Month

“It’s cool and all, but really I feel like it needs to be more than just a month,” Juniper said.

She also said that Canadian kids should “take what you learn about Black history and learn how the history still affects Black people today.”

Kail Dutt: Led community recreation campaign

Kail Dutt poses on the pump track in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, which inspired his campaign. (Image credit: Jeorge Sadi/CBC)

Kail Dutt
Age: 11
Sydney, Nova Scotia

Claim to Fame

Kail started campaigning to get a pump track made for his community when he was nine years old. A pump track is a recreational course for scooters, bicycles and skateboards.

His work has led to federal and local governments pledging help to fund and build the pump track. 

Kail said that getting these pledges “felt really good.”

“I felt like this was a big thing in my life that I would accomplish,” he said.

What he’s learned

Kail said that working with governments had taught him to be persistent.

“Keep trying if it doesn’t work out the first time.”

He also had some advice for other kids who might want to make a change in their community.

“You can’t do everything alone, you’ll need help.”

Advice during Black History Month

During Black History Month, Kail said he wants Black kids to know “everything you try is important.”

Millie Davis: Celebrated television and film actor

Millie Davis is a voice actor and a live-action actor. Her latest project is Galapagos X, left, set to premiere in March. (Image credit: Galapagos X/Big Bad Boo Studios, Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Millie Davis
Age: 16
Toronto, Ontario

Claim to Fame

Millie Davis is only 16 but she is an old pro when it comes to acting.

You might know her from her Canadian Screen Awards nominated role in Odd Squad or as the voice of Esme in the animated series Esme and Roy.

She juggles going to school, having friends and a demanding career.

“It’s definitely been like a trial and error process,” she said about trying to keep up with all her obligations.

Despite the challenges, she said it has made her a better student.

“I’ve become much more independent.”

Advice for aspiring actors

Millie’s advice for other kids who want to be actors is to take it seriously.

“It’s less of a hobby than it is a job. Make sure you’re really putting in the work.”

Advice during Black History Month

“For really anyone and especially Black Canadian kids during this time, don’t let other people bring you down. I think it’s really important to know where you’re from and to sort of be in touch with your culture and don’t be afraid to do that because other people might see it as a bad thing.”

Kairo McLean: Award-winning reggae artist

Kairo McLean won a Juno award for reggae recording of the year in 2022. (Image credit: Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press)

Kairo McLean
Age: 14
Toronto, Ontario

Claim to fame

Kairo Mclean is a young musician who loves old-school reggae.

Last year, he won the Juno award for reggae recording of the year. At 13, he was the youngest to ever do it.

He’s nominated for the same award again this year, not once but twice: One for a solo recording and another for a recording he is featured on.

His music’s message

Kairo said that the message in his music “is peace and love.”

“I believe that everyone should be given a fair shot in life, no matter where they come from,” he said.

Being Black in reggae

“There’s just been a lot of fight and a lot of struggle against people of colour and reggae is a type of music that speaks to people’s struggle. So being Black just gives me a little bit more fuel,” said Kairo.

Eleora Ogundare: Beauty business owner

Eleora Ogundare started a beauty company with her mom.  (Image submitted by Eugenia Ogundare)

Eleora Ogundare
Age: 15
Calgary, Alberta

Claim to Fame

Eleora Ogundare has been through a lot in her relatively short life.

When she was eight, she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a painful blood disorder.

In 2015, she received a bone marrow transplant that cured her. But that treatment included chemotherapy that led to hair loss.

Inspired by her own struggles and insecurities with her hair, Eleora and her mom started their own company, Eleora Beauty.

On inspiring other Black girls

“My greatest accomplishment would probably be inspiring other Black women and other young Black girls to be confident in their hair and to see their hair as something positive and not something negative that everyone picks on,” Eleora said about her beauty business.

Advice during Black History Month

Eleora said that she thinks Black History Month should “focus on the positive part of Black history.”

She said the month should be used to learn about the “positive contributions” of Black people and not just the “negative stuff” that has happened to Black people like slavery and segregation.

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