Capping off the Celebrating our Roots series, you’ll read an interview between New Mexico United’s Juan Aguerrevere and newcomer Dayonn Harris. The Canadian national opens up about his vibrant cultural and family roots, stemming back from three Caribbean islands. We hope you enjoy, Familia.
Juan Aguerrevere: Alright, let’s get started! Can we start with name, number and position?
Dayonn Harris: My name is Dayonn Harris, I wear number five and I’m a wing-back.
JA: Where were you born?
DH:I was born in Canada, Ontario. Brampton to be specific. Born and raised. I later moved to Milton, also in Ontario.
JA: I’ve heard of Brampton. I met a group of friends through FIFA. You know, the video game. And they’re from that area. Can you tell me about growing up there?
DH: My neighborhood was middle class. My grandmother from day one instilled in me little things like making your bed, keeping your room clean, organizing the house. Just little things like that, I’ve taken them with me throughout my life and even here where we stand today. Things like this made me a better person growing up and made me who I am today. I like to think that. She instilled a set of morals in me and I carry that with me every day.
JA: What were some wins and losses growing up in Canada?
DH: You know, for me, I wasn’t always the tallest person. As a person of color as well, I was always included in sport especially in Canada. But obviously, you’ll get times where maybe not so much. Right. And it’s difficult at times. But Canadian upbringing mixed with my Afro-Caribbean roots taught me to be resilient. Anything I put my mind to, I can achieve it. My goal is to maintain that and continue growing in my career.
JA: I hear you bringing up your family a lot. I’m sure you have more to say about them. Where is grandma from? Where do your roots stem from?
DH: So, my immediate family. My parents were born in Canada. But, my grandparents are from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Antigua. So, we have Caribbean roots. On my mom’s side, my grandmother and grandfather are Jamaican. And my dad’s side is where the Trinidad and Antigua family comes from.
JA: Awesome! I can relate a bit. I was Born in Venezuela and lived in Puerto Rico. In Miami I’ve been around Jamaicans, Trinidadians, Cubans, you name it! Have you talked to grandparents about the culture in the Caribbean? Have you ever visited the islands where your family roots take you back to?
DH: I’ve been wanting to visit Trinidad and Antigua. But I’ve been to Jamaica. I love it in Jamaica. I’ve only been twice. Once when I was younger, and recently for one of my relative’s wedding. And I love it there. It’s the weather, the people, the culture, the food; everything is just amazing. So every time I get a chance to go there, it feels like going back home to get some authentic Caribbean food. Whether it’s oxtail, Ackee and Saltfish, dumplings. Like, I love it. So, whenever I get a chance to go back, it means a lot to me.
JA: I’ve heard Oxtails are great. I wonder if there’s a Jamaican place here in New Mexico. Going back to your grandparents and where they come from. How have your roots shaped you?
DH: You know, I felt my Jamaican side growing up the most. I learned how to be tough. The Jamaican people as a community are very resilient people. They always try to do whatever they can to get whatever they need in life. Very powerful people and nation. The Trinidadian side, it’s more of that loving and affectionate side. They like to dance. They like to sing. But I’ve definitely learned from my grandparents. They’ve instilled a number of things within me growing up.
JA: Sounds like a powerful and vibrant contrast to me. Now onto the last part of this chat. What does Black History mean to you?
DH: Black History means a lot to me. It’s about the strength and creativity of the Black community that’s been shining through despite challenges. Figures like Dr Martin Luther King Jr. have shown me the power of standing up for what’s right and pushing through tough times. These lessons have shaped who I am, making me really value different perspectives and the importance of coming together, no matter our backgrounds. It’s something I keep learning more about all the time, aiming to make things better and more inclusive for everyone. But it’s not just about how we can improve and persevere; it’s also a time to celebrate the achievements of those who have paved the way for us, highlighting the incredible contributions and milestones achieved by the Black community.
JA: Any other comments about Black History, your roots or your grandma?
DH: Yeah, I love you! Haha. She’s just been there. All my grandparents, they’ve been very influential in my life. I’ve just lived with my grandmother for a longer period of time. She’s my rock as well as my mom and my dad. She’s just she’s always been there. She calls me to this day, I call her, and we all just talk about life and the things that I need to get done on a daily basis. We just have that relationship. That bond. So, yeah, I just want to send love to my grandma and the rest of the family!
JA: Awesome! Thank you Dayonn.
This concludes our Celebrating our Roots series. Thank you for taking your time to read these. #SomosUnidos
