Rooted in resilience: Yar Biar’s definition of Black excellence

For Yar Biar (General Arts and Science, Lethbridge), Black excellence begins at home.

The first-year student-athlete and member of the Kodiaks women’s basketball team is part of a South Sudanese family whose journey to Canada is defined by resilience, sacrifice and opportunity. Her father, Daniel Biar, grew up in South Sudan and arrived in Canada as a refugee during the civil war. Through sponsorship at a young age, he was able to build a new life, one that would shape the values of the next generation.

“His journey laid the foundation for my family’s values: hard work, gratitude and perseverance,” says Biar. “My family has been shaped by an appreciation for opportunity and the importance of giving back to the community.”

Community shaping identity

Growing up, Biar was surrounded by conversations about resilience, adaptation and rebuilding. The experiences shared by her family and community became part of how she understands both her culture and her responsibility within it.

“Hearing about their experiences and how they adapted to change has helped shape my connection to my culture and history,” she says. “They remind me that my history is about strength, unity and growth, and they continue to influence how I see myself and where I come from.”

Over time, those stories became more than family history; they became a perspective.

“My family has influenced me by encouraging me to work hard and stay grounded with what I believe,” says Biar. “Their support has shaped how I approach both basketball and everyday life.” 

Staying local and close to her family while attending post-secondary also allows for connections to be shared through simple moments. 

“Just being around them, talking, laughing and sharing everyday life reminds me who I am,” she says. “My mom’s [Amor Gar] cooking is a big one. Food is such a big part of our culture, and it just feels like home.”

For Biar, Black excellence is not defined by attention or recognition. It is defined by effort and integrity.

“Black excellence, to me, means striving to be the best version of yourself despite the obstacles placed,” she says. “It’s about resilience and the ability to represent who you are.”

Her understanding of that definition is rooted most clearly in her father’s experience.

“My father is the biggest example of Black excellence in my life,” she says. “His journey from being a Lost Boy [of Sudan] to building a life in Canada shows strength, discipline and determination.”

He also taught her that success isn’t just measured by achievements, but by character, perseverance and how one treats others.

Sport as a voice

One of Biar’s experiences, that reinforced those beliefs, came while watching South Sudan compete at the Summer Olympics for the first time (in 2016).

“Seeing my country represented on that level, knowing everything our country has been through, was powerful,” she says.

She says that moment reshaped her understanding of resilience. It also highlighted how representation can carry a message much larger than itself. 

“It felt like proof that no matter how small or how many challenges we face, we can still rise and compete with the world,” she says. “That moment showed me that Black excellence is resilience, unity and turning struggle into strength. It showed me how I can rise to challenges, too.”

Basketball has also shown Biar how influence can extend beyond personal success. Through sport, she has seen how leadership and opportunity can change communities.

She recalls attending a basketball camp in South Sudan connected to former NBA player Luol Deng, an experience that left a lasting impression.

“Seeing how he brought kids from poorer communities together and helped build and support success for the future through the national team really stuck with me,” she says.

What stood out most to Biar was how platform became purpose. Deng uses his platform not just for personal success, but to give back and create opportunities for others.

“It showed me that sports aren’t just about winning, they’re about leadership, representation and opening doors for people who might not have had those chances otherwise.”

It’s also a big reason why Deng remains someone she respects for reasons beyond basketball.

“I admire him not just for how good he is at basketball, but for the kind of person he is – humble, hardworking and respectful on and off the court,” she says. “Being a great athlete isn’t just about talent, it’s about character, leadership and inspiring others.”

Representing with purpose

When she steps onto the court, Biar carries more than her jersey number. She carries her family’s values and a desire to reflect them in how she plays and leads.

“I try to represent my culture and community through my sport by playing with purpose and respect,” she says. “I want to show the values my family and background taught me while also being proud of who I am.”

Looking ahead, the advice she would give her younger self reflects the same mindset that guides her now.

“Trust the journey and focus on growth, not just winning,” she says. “Embrace who you are, work hard, lift others up and stay true to you. That’s what shapes both your game and who you are.”

For Biar, Black excellence is not a single achievement or moment. It is a steady commitment to growth, to character and to honouring the resilience that made her journey possible.