Alfred Burgesson Photography contributed When Alfred Burgesson was seven years old, he and his family moved from Ghana to Nova Scotia. “We had an understanding as a family that we would not take this opportunity to live in Canada for granted and this continues to fuel my dedication to the work I do.” It was Burgesson’s parents who sparked his interest in community work, something he is known for today. “Growing up, treating people with respect was their (his parents) version of success. My siblings and I were taught that in order to earn respect, you must give it.”
Winnipeg, Toronto, Saint John’s, just to name a few. I know that the connections and relationships I make will last a lifetime.” Voices like Burgesson’s are extremely important when it comes to policies that affect youth and entire communities. When government centers the lived experiences of youth and gives their voices a platform, young people’s issues are reflected in policy making regardless of their ability or socio-economic status. “I am a strong believer that youth need to be leaders today. We must give everyone the opportunities to be leaders right now. This goes for many underrepresented demographics. Youth should not be waiting until they have a degree or years of experience to be given authority or access to decision-makers or influence.”
Living in Halifax, Burgesson is now a community organizer, coach and mentor for young people. This work started with his project, the HFX Collective. Burgesson found himself surrounded by like-minded peers who were driven to create and showcase their skills in digital media production. “We wanted to build a brand and entity that would allow us to engage with our city.” This further inspired Burgesson to create an organization that offers services in youth program development, research and engagement.
Burgesson has continued this work with other government initiatives including the African Nova Scotian Youth Employment Lab, Nova Scotia Aging Well GovLab, and developing youthful engagement strategies with Develop Nova Scotia. Burgesson currently works at the Centre for Employment Innovation out of Saint Frances Xavier University launching the NOW Nova Scotia Young Leaders Initiative. The program will give fifteen diverse youth across Nova Scotia an opportunity to engage with peers in their communities and learn together in a fellowship over a two-year period.
Connections through the HFX Collective introduced Burgesson to attending and supporting other collectives and events in the city including the Halifax Social Network. This helped him build the confidence, trust and credibility needed to apply to the Prime Minister’s Youth Advisory Council.
Outside of work, Burgesson is connected to the community. He supports the youth employment efforts in Halifax through organizations such as ONE North End and ACCE HFX, a collective of young black professionals who self-fund projects locally that support pillars of (A) rts (C)ommunity (C)ulture and (E)conomics. He is also engaged in his local church, All Nations Full Gospel Church. “Our pastor, Ebenezer likes to remind me that it takes a village to raise a child. Halifax has certainly become my village and it is raising me well.” And certainly, Burgesson is helping raise others like him.
Burgesson didn’t get on the council easily. The first time, his application was rejected. By the next round of applications, he had greater experience and knowledge about how he’d be able to make an impact. Council members are from regions across Canada, and reflect a range of educational, employment and life experiences. He was accepted. “As individuals on the council, we provide non-partisan advice to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and the Government of Canada on issues of importance to youth and to all Canadians,” he says. “It’s been an amazing experience to engage with youth from Iqaluit, Vancouver, BLACK to BUSINESS
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Summer 2020 2019
