3 minute read
Kanaar Bell – Soul Talk Entertainment
KANAAR BELL SOUL TALK ENTERTAINMENT Aiming High
By Wanda Taylor Photography by Ezabriell Fraser
“I want to use all the disconnection and suffering we see in the world as an opportunity to create a loving connection among people.” That is a noteworthy goal for a young man with a platform. As a mental health advocate, Kanaar Bell draws on past experiences to fuel his passion for helping others find and claim their calling. For about a year, Bell had been performing and competing in open mic shows when he realized he no longer wanted to compete, but rather use his messages to inspire healing. Perhaps that desire was sparked way back when Bell was growing up in Calgary. As a second-generation Canadian born to a single mother from Jamaica, Bell had lived through many challenges. At an early age, he had to take on the role of “man of the house.” He had also witnessed his sister’s struggles as she battled mental illness. At the same time, Kanaar observed the power and value of community, and how that support carried with it both strength and healing. A Saint Mary’s Football scholarship brought Bell to Nova Scotia in 2014, where he soon recognized a deeper calling to help people. He began a career as a Youth and Community Development Worker while honing his talents for spoken word and public speaking. Together these skills helped launch Soul Talk Entertainment in 2017. “My platform opens the space for people to explore the pivotal moments through critical thinking; and share worldly insights and utilize challenging, innovative visions to become active builders of community and culture.” Soul Talk’s work is grounded in the Social and Emotional Learning Principles of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Through Soul Talk, Bell holds live performances and creative writing workshops throughout HRM, hosts keynote talks, and facilitates professional development training for youth engagement professionals. “I understand the way that darkness can hold us captive. I climbed my way out by digging into beliefs that needed to be shifted.” Having been there, Bell has found a way to use his creative passions and past experiences to develop a business that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. He inspires youth to honor their journey, love themselves, and let their SOUL TALK. His message is translating into success, both as a creative and as a businessman. “My business works because there are developmental and economic challenges that persistently affect the social and emotional development of young people. For my young audience, the creative writing workshops provide an outlet to express, understand and decompress. For my adult audience, the professional development training creates a space to re-examine the services they provide and how to bring about success.” Living and working in the province is a source of energy for Bell. The dominant historical story of the Black people’s journey in Nova Scotia, their resiliency, and their strong sense of community have made him feel like he has finally found “home.” “Nova Scotia has such a strong presence within their Black communities…Black leaders here, young and old, are active in advocating for the development and preservation of their communities. They value family and each other. They actively show forgiveness for past tribulations. The power I felt was almost unexplainable. I always dreamed of being part of communities such as these.”
It was the boy who spoke, With no idea, How powerful his voice could be. He would either blaze a path into the sky, Or, Burough a ditch into the ground. His potential was never in question. Only his choices. – Kanaar Bell
Kanaar Bell, Soul Talk Entertainment
