Since 2008, following the leadership of visionary Black politicians including the Honourable Jean Augustine, Black History Month has been an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the histories, traditions and cultures of Black Canadians and to amplify the diverse voices of members of Black communities.
At 91ÑÇÉ«, Black History Month is a time to renew and reassert the University’s dedication to advancing the Framework and Action Plan on Black Inclusion and to taking action against the systemic discrimination that marginalizes the experiences, achievements and rights of Black Canadians. This includes focusing our attention on the multiple and diverse contributions made by Black faculty, staff, instructors and students through scholarship and service, in classrooms and across campuses at 91ÑÇÉ«.
There are many events this month organized by Black community members at 91ÑÇÉ«; we hope you will attend when you can and encourage others even if you cannot. Some of the many exciting events featured on the Black History Month website include:
- 91ÑÇÉ« Lions Basketball vs. Toronto Varsity Blues, Feb. 1 – Held at the Tait McKenzie Centre, this event features contests and more. The women’s tip-off will take place at 6 p.m., and the men’s tip-off will take place at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets .
- WORD, SOUND, POWER: An Annual Celebration of Black artistic Expression, Feb. 5 – This event will take place at the Keele Campus’s CIBC Lobby and the Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre. Get tickets .
- Overcoming Obstacles: The Journey of Black Athletes at 91ÑÇÉ«, Feb. 17 – This panel discussion is happening at the Markham Campus at 2:30 p.m. in Room 2050.
- A Celebration of Black History at 91ÑÇÉ«, Feb. 25 – This event takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Keele Campus’s CIBC Lobby and Tribute Communities Recital Hall. Register .
- Toufah: The woman who inspired an African #MeToo movement, Feb. 27 – Participants can join this event at 1 p.m. either or in person at the Glendon Campus, YHA002.
During the month of February and throughout the entire year, we all have a responsibility to combat racism in all its forms, and just as importantly, to celebrate, elevate and empower each other as we work to realize a more just and equitable world.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.
Rhonda L. Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor
Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture