Sandy Esprit

Last Sunday night, I watched the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show, and I felt something I can’t quite put into words — a mix of pride, excitement, and inspiration. As a Black Canadian of Haitian descent, first-generation born, this performance hit differently. It wasn’t just music and choreography; it was a bold, unapologetic celebration of identity and culture on one of the world’s biggest stages.

Growing up, representation like this was scarce. Seeing someone like Bad Bunny command that platform and celebrate his roots reminded me that visibility matters — and that it’s our responsibility to show up authentically, wherever we are.

Representation Is Not Monolithic

I’ve realized I am not a monolith of the Black Canadian experience. My story is my own: shaped by the culture, struggles, and triumphs of my Haitian heritage, influenced by what it means to grow up in Canada as a first-generation immigrant, and informed by my daily experiences navigating spaces where my identity is often underrepresented.

Just as Bad Bunny reclaims his identity and culture on a global stage, we all have a responsibility to show up as our full selves online. Social media, blogging, content creation — these aren’t just tools for visibility; they are tools for telling stories that might not otherwise be seen. My experiences, my perspectives, my joys, my struggles — they matter, and they contribute to a broader understanding of what it means to be a Black Canadian of Haitian descent.

Authenticity Over Perfection

The halftime show reinforced something else: authenticity resonates. Bad Bunny’s performance wasn’t about fitting a mold or catering to what the world expects. It was about embracing his culture, celebrating his artistry, and commanding space as himself.

This is a reminder for me, and for anyone navigating creative spaces online: don’t dilute your story to fit someone else’s expectations. Whether you’re a creator, a professional, or a student sharing your journey, showing up as your authentic self builds connection, inspires others, and changes the narrative.

Why Sharing Our Stories Matters

Representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about influence, access, and opportunity. By sharing my experiences as a Black Canadian of Haitian descent, I hope to contribute to a broader, richer, and more nuanced understanding of what it means to be first-generation, immigrant-influenced, and culturally rooted in Canada.

Bad Bunny reminded me that boldness has power. And as creators, professionals, and community members, we have a choice: we can either blend in, or we can show up fully, unapologetically, and authentically.

Because the world needs more stories like ours. And it starts by claiming our space online.