Family, faith and friendship
In Episode 3 of ‘Between Us,’ host Wes Hall and guests discuss the birth of BlackNorth Initiative
In the third episode of Wes Hall’s podcast, “Between Us,” which explores the journeys of key BIPOC visionaries in Canada, the entrepreneur and philanthropist sits down with two guests to discuss family, community and faith as well as friendship in the business world.
First up is Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, a social entrepreneur and the executive director of BlackNorth Initiative (BNI), the organization Hall founded with a mission to “end anti-Black systemic racism by utilizing a business-first mindset.”
Hall and Ahmed-Omer discuss BNI’s mandate and programs and how, by working together, they are changing the conversation for Black people in Canada.
“We're going to change the way that Black Canadians are perceived,” says Ahmed-Omer. “The way that they are given opportunities in this space of work, but also in society.”
The two also explore the collective ‘why’ of their organization’s work. It comes back to family. “We have a duty, because of the example set by those people who raised us to become the human beings that we are,” says Hall. “And thank God for them.”
Hall continues the conversation with Walied Soliman, a Muslim, father and a board member at BNI.
Soliman is the Canadian chair of law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, and widely regarded as one of Canada's leading lawyers. In 2019, he was chosen by the United Nations Association in Canada to be its Global Citizen Laureate for his professional merit and service to the community. He’s also involved in politics: He has served as manager of Conservative leader Erin O'Toole's leadership campaign and the Conservatives’ 2021 election campaign.
Hall’s conversation with Soliman digs deep into the topics of faith and friendship in the business world, and BNI’s efforts to change the landscape for Black Canadians. They delve into their respective families’ modest beginnings, the value of constructive criticism and the various pathways to success for Black people.
Both men agree there’s an urgent need for changemakers and decision-makers to be allies in dismantling anti-Black racism in the workplace.
We have a duty, because of the example set by those people who raised us to become the human beings that we are.
WES HALL