By Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Grade 9 student Alicia Becerra of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School has been recognized for her poignant and deeply personal essay, “Two Homes, Two Countries,” which earned her second place in the 2025 Local Lens writing contest. Hosted by the Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS) in collaboration with the True2Soul Network, the contest celebrates youth voices that explore themes of heritage, identity, and belonging.
Alicia’s essay, which reflects on her experience growing up between Canadian and Colombian cultures, was honoured at the Emancipation Gala held on August 1, 2025, at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. The gala brought together community leaders, educators, artists, and families to celebrate the power of storytelling and the importance of cultural awareness.
In her essay, Alicia explores the emotional complexity of living between two worlds. She writes candidly about the feeling of being “too Canadian for Colombia, and too Colombian for Canada,” a sentiment that resonates with many children of immigrants and multicultural families. Rather than viewing this duality as a limitation, Alicia embraces it as a source of strength.
“I recognized this in-betweenness isn’t always necessarily a bad thing,” Alicia shared in a reflection following the gala. “It has taught me resilience, empathy, and forced me to view the world in a unique way.”
Her words struck a chord with judges and attendees alike, highlighting the nuanced reality of cultural identity for many youth in Halton and beyond. Alicia’s essay does not portray identity as a binary or a conflict, but rather as a layered, evolving journey. She describes her sense of self as fluid and enriched by both her Colombian heritage and Canadian upbringing.
“Discovering my cultural identity has shown me that I am not alone on this journey,” she said. “There are countless others in my Halton community who feel the same in-betweenness that I feel. This caused me to feel more connected to my community, and prouder of where I come from.”
The Local Lens contest is part of HBHAS’s broader mission to promote multiculturalism, equity, and historical awareness throughout the region. Each year, the contest invites students to submit original written work that reflects their personal experiences and cultural perspectives. The initiative aims to empower youth to explore their identities and contribute to a more inclusive community narrative.
This year’s Emancipation Gala featured keynote speaker Dejehan “Luckystickz” Hamilton, an internationally acclaimed percussionist and motivational speaker known for his work in youth empowerment and cultural education. His address emphasized the importance of embracing one’s roots and using personal stories to foster understanding and unity.
The gala also served as a platform to recognize the contributions of educators, community partners, and sponsors who support HBHAS’s programming throughout the year. The event was a vibrant celebration of heritage, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling.
For Alicia, the recognition is more than just an award—it’s a call to action. She hopes to continue writing and sharing her experiences, encouraging others to embrace their own cultural journeys and speak their truths.
“This experience has led me to want to continue to share my story and use my voice to be part of something good,” Alicia said. “I am inspired to continue to spread the message that culture is not what we are born with but what we experience.”
Her essay and her message serve as a powerful reminder that identity is not confined to geography or tradition, but is shaped by the bridges we build between communities, cultures, and lived experiences. Alicia’s achievement is a testament to the strength found in self-reflection and the courage it takes to share one’s story.
As the Halton community continues to celebrate diversity and inclusion, Alicia Becerra’s voice stands out as one of hope, connection, and authenticity. Her journey—and her words—will undoubtedly inspire others to explore their own paths and find pride in the spaces between.
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