Grade 9 student Princess Akenzua earned a standing ovation. At a recent event at the Manitoba Legislature recognizing Black History Month and with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew in attendance, the Nelson McIntyre Collegiate student delivered a powerful speech on black excellence, emphasizing the importance of recognition and inclusivity. Her speech resonated deeply with the audience, earning her a standing ovation.

Princess said Black excellence is part of the country's fabric.

"We're not asking for a seat at the table. We created the table," she said.

 She highlighted the need for her generation to take charge and continue the work of previous generations. "If we really want to make this work, it needs to start from us," she urged.

Don Henley Claudio, the teacher lead for the school's anti-racism group, praised Princess for her leadership and impact. He said Princess and schoolmates have taken initiative to make the school more culturally inclusive, including one time when they took over the cafeteria to make a Nigerian dish, jollof rice and chicken, for fellow students.

"I could tell right away that Princess was one of the students that will really start a movement on anti-racism," he said.

Claudio said Princess has since proven him right, including with her stand-out speech at the Manitoba Legislature.

"The empowerment that she brought in her speech, like she really did deserve the standing ovation that she got." He added, "To command hundreds of people to stand up while you're giving a speech is a big feat."

Princess expressed gratitude to her family, friends, and teachers for their support, acknowledging their role in shaping the person she is becoming.

"I wouldn't have been able to do what I did without their support," she said. "At the end of the day, it's not really how I said the speech. It was the people around me that made me feel loved."

Congratulations to Princess for her incredible work! Keep it up!