Meet Daphne Dike-Hart

We were lucky to catch up with Daphne Dike-Hart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Daphne, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me, an immigrant and Black lesbian human has been both challenging and clarifying. At first, it felt isolating. You notice the stares, the assumptions, the unspoken question of whether you belong. But over time, I realized that my presence itself is powerful. I learned that effectiveness isn’t about blending in; it’s about showing up fully, owning your voice, and letting your perspective shift the room.

I focus on intentionality and authenticity. I speak when it matters, listen when it matters, and bring my full self to every conversation. I’ve also learned to build alliances, even if no one else shares my exact experience, there are always people who want to listen, learn, and support. And I make space for others behind me, so that no one has to feel alone the way I once did.

Ultimately, being the only one in the room taught me that leadership isn’t about fitting in. It’s about standing firmly in who you are, showing the value of your perspective, and creating spaces where others like you can thrive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Daphne Dike-Hart, Founder of Black Pride YYC and Black Pride Canada. As an immigrant and a Black lesbian human, I know what it feels like to exist in spaces where you’re constantly asked to shrink, to choose between being Black or being queer, but never allowed to be both. Creating Black Pride was my way of saying we exist fully. We deserve spaces that hold all of who we are.

When I started Black Pride YYC, there was nothing like it in Calgary, no place where our community could breathe, dance, cry, or heal together. Building something that never existed before here, and now expanding it across Canada, has been one of the most profound experiences of my life.

Through our programs, from art therapy and wellness to job readiness and advocacy, we’re creating experiences; we’re rebuilding trust, visibility, and safety. Every moment of joy at a Black Pride event feels like a quiet rebellion against isolation, and a reminder that we belong here, loudly and unapologetically.

Black Pride Canada is the next chapter. It’s not just about growing; it’s about ensuring that no Black queer person, anywhere in this country, feels unseen again. We are building something that will outlast us.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three things that shaped my journey the most have been courage, empathy, and community.

Courage was the first. Starting Black Pride YYC meant walking into spaces where no one like me had stood before. There was no roadmap, no guide, just a feeling that something had to exist for people like us. It took courage to say, we deserve joy, we deserve space, we deserve to be seen. My advice for anyone starting out is: let courage lead, even when fear is loud. You don’t have to know the whole path, just take the first step and trust that you’ll figure it out along the way.

Empathy came next. It taught me to see beyond myself, to listen to people’s stories, to hold space for their pain, and to celebrate their joy. Every person who came to Black Pride brought a piece of our collective healing. My advice: slow down and really listen. When you listen with empathy, you build something that people don’t just attend, they feel it, they belong to it.

And finally, community. None of this could have happened alone. Black Pride was never just about me, it was about us. Every volunteer, every artist, every person who showed up became part of something bigger. We built a family where there had been none. My advice: pour into your community the way you wish someone had poured into you. Share what you know, lift others as you rise, and remember that joy is also a form of resistance.

Those three things- courage, empathy, and community are what turned a dream into a movement. And they remind me every day that when we create spaces for each other to exist fully, we’re not just surviving, we’re rewriting what freedom looks like.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! We are always looking to partner and collaborate with individuals, organizations, and businesses who share our vision of creating safe, affirming, and joyful spaces for Black 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada.

At Black Pride YYC and Black Pride Canada, our work spans community events, wellness programs, art initiatives, advocacy, and job readiness. We’re looking to collaborate with artists, wellness practitioners, educators, community organizations, and advocates who are passionate about supporting Black 2SLGBTQ+ lives and helping us amplify visibility, healing, and celebration.

We believe that collaboration is a two-way street: it’s about building meaningful relationships, lifting each other up, and creating spaces where everyone can belong fully. If you’re interested in working with us, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach out directly via email at [email protected]

Let’s explore how we can create impact together, celebrate joy, and continue building a community where no Black 2SLGBTQ+ person feels unseen!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackprideyyc.org
• Instagram: blackprideyyc
• Facebook: blackprideyyc
• Linkedin: Black Pride YYC
• Twitter: blackprideyyc

Image Credits

Blueberries