My name is Zhavion Bailey and I’m glad to say that as young Black Canadian I have bypassed the bias and isms that come with being a minority in today’s society. Canada’s Black Canadian’s make up 2% of the population, and 7% of the legal system’s general population, this is a staggering statistic that makes me proud to say I beat the hood. I have lived in a co-operative housing community ever since my Mother left me with my Dad and my Grandfather when I was 8 months old. Since then, my father was a part of that 7% until I was in the 4th grade, and to this day my 84 year old Grandfather still works the night shift at Wal-Mart. I had to set goals, and I always had a plan that would put me in the position for success. I knew early in life nothing would be handed to me and it would be up to me to prove how much I want it, and ensure my ambition was stronger than everyone else. I stayed determined than May 31, 2012 I was hit with a life a changing moment, I had to get a scoliosis back surgery to correct an about 80 degree thoracic curve of my spinal column. Again I remembered something my now deceased cousin told me “I’ll get at you as soon as you make your first million.” I walked the next day surgery and shortened an expected week recovery to 3 nights and 4 days. That summer I realized life can change at any moment, and I decided to volunteer with my cousin at a youth drop in center. Our duties would lie in handing out gift cards, and helping construct resumes and interview skills. It was a great experience that allowed me to see I wasn’t the only Black Canadian youth with a full plate, but I was hurt to see