memoirs of Lungile Tinarwo

What’s in a Name?

Lungile Tinarwo - the name spoken with the correct inflections of her Zimbabwean tongue, sings softly to the ear. However, for those with names that don't quite fit the limits of simplistic English conventions, adopting an anglicised sobriquet is a common practice. Lungile soon became Lulu - an accommodation for those who defaulted to, ‘I can’t pronounce your name.” Creating this comfort does come at a cost; an erosion of one’s truth and authenticity. “In a lot of ways, after 23 years as Lulu, I’m reclaiming my name and asking people to make the effort to say my name - there are many names from Eastern Europe that people say with no difficulty.” The expectation is not perfection but it is a matter of respect, “ My name does have a lot of meaning many African names are given with intent - my name is a central part of who I am.” Lungile - ‘Everything is going to be ok.’

Making the Connections

Mount Allison University, New Brunswick received Tinarwo in 2001 as an international student. She credits the institution for her formal education as well as an education in Black Canadian history. Located near Nova Scotia, the rich history of the first Black settlers who traversed the Underground Railroad was also woven into her student experience. This exposure brought a new perspective and understanding about the experiences of Black people in Canada. “I was able to engage with people who were part of Africville, Black leaders in the community at the time, and it set the tone for the rest of my time in Canada.” Having lived in New Brunswick, Ontarino, British Columbia, and now Alberta has broadened her scope as far as understanding the experiences of Black Canadians. The history and stories are different for each Province. “I want young people to look beyond their city or Province to have a better understanding of who they are,” says Tinarwo.

Tinarwo sees value in bridging our stories. From a historical standpoint she highlights the similarities between Zimbabwe and Canada, under British colonial rule.

“Coming to Canada I recognized things like Reserves; I recognized how Indigenous people lived because it’s quite similar to how things are in Zimbabwe. I am considered one of the Indigenous people in Zimbabwe.” And although she had dreams of being a lawyer from an early age, it is these shared experiences of inequity that further bolstered her calling. She also drew inspiration from women like her grandmother, who forewent the opportunity to study in Canada, and instead chose to take up arms in the civil fight for Zimbabwe’s independence. The practice of law presented the opportunity to speak up and advocate for others.

Being seen

The pressure of proving her value or proving that she is deserving of the space

I recognized things like Reserves; I recognized how Indigenous people lived because it’s quite similar to how things are in Zimbabwe. I am considered one of the Indigenous people in Zimbabwe...”

that she occupies has weighed heavily on Tinarwo, even as a student at Victoria Law School. She retells the story of walking the halls with a young Hijabi woman. As they crossed paths with other colleagues, a young white male goads under his breath, “affirmative action.” The ignorance of the comment implied that they could not have held these spaces based only on merit as one of merely three Black students registered in her year.

Counteracting these stereotypes requires greater conversations, connecting with people on a fundamental level and building representation in decision making bodies that create public policies.

Counteracting these stereotypes requires greater conversations, connecting with people on a fundamental level and building representation in decision making bodies that create public policies.

While jostling to be seen presents its own frustrations, Tinarwo recognizes that visibility within her own community carries even greater rewards. “I continue to put an emphasis on being involved in community engagements. I want to be available to youth and others who have never thought about themselves holding this position or role.”