CALGARY – Sunday Omony is a Calgary model, activist, public speaker and author who refuses to be defined by the fashion industry or the colour of her skin.
The African-Calgarian has gone from being a “straight-sized” model to a plus-sized one. She says she has learned to overcome some of the challenges she faces in an industry defined by ideas of beauty so different than her own.
“It’s not really what people say about you that matters. It’s what you say about yourself to yourself,” said Omony.
Also a TV host, her days are filled with speaking engagements and appontments. Still, in spite of her success, Omony says she struggles to find support outside of the black community.
“I used to think that discrimination was more prominent when I was working the oil and gas industry – you know, corporate Calgary,” she says. “But as I’ve seen my career develop and the projects that we do…if it’s too black or it’s too ethnic, it’s interesting the kind of investors that would come forward.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by friend and comedian Adora Nwofor. Nwofor says people often try to reject the idea that she could be born in raised in Calgary.
“People don’t feel like this should come from Calgary,” she says pointing to herself. “Sometimes I say I’m a redneck…because anybody can put antlers on a truck.”
Together, the two friends have learned to lean on each other. Their success is not defined by what they look like, but rather the common challenges they face as minorities.
“It’s never going to be easy for you to be where you are. You have to work three times as hard,” says Omony.
READ MORE: Black History Month in Calgary
Omony adds that for her, Black History Month is about honouring the legacy and doing your best to contribute to it, regardless of race.
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