Emancipation Day is a time for remembrance and for learning together. It invites us to sit with the enduring impacts of slavery and anti-Black racism, while honouring the leadership, creativity, knowledge and community-building that Black people have sustained across generations.
It reminds us that advancing equity asks for ongoing commitment, thoughtful and shared action, and an openness to learning from histories that continue to shape our present.
At 91ÑÇÉ«, we are deeply fortunate to learn from and work alongside Black faculty, staff, retirees, students, alumni and community partners whose contributions enliven our campuses and strengthen our collective identities. Their work helps us deepen understanding, preserve vital histories, expand opportunities for positive social change and create welcoming spaces for new ideas, perspectives and possibilities to emerge.
Recent 91ÑÇÉ« initiatives offer meaningful examples of this impact. Through Renaissance, a video series developed in partnership between Glendon College and SHIFTER, participants share rich conversations about Black life, culture and identity in Canada, creating opportunities for learning that reach beyond the University and into the broader community.
91ÑÇÉ« community members are also advancing supports and knowledge that respond to the experiences and needs of Black communities. Black Excellence at 91ÑÇÉ« () supports Black students from their transition to university through graduation and beyond by providing mentorship, professional development, scholarships, financial literacy, community connections and programs that foster academic, personal and career success. And earlier this year, Professor Carl E. James joined a national research initiative focused on improving health outcomes for Black Canadians through more inclusive health research and community engagement. Meanwhile, 91ÑÇÉ« Libraries expanded access to Caribbean cultural history through the Heritage Singers Canada collection, preserving stories, traditions and artistic expressions that will support learning and research for generations to come.
91ÑÇɫ’s commitment to supporting Black communities extends beyond teaching and research. Through the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, 91ÑÇÉ« and its community partners help create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and innovators, fostering economic inclusion and community prosperity.
These examples highlight some of the many ways members of our community are advancing scholarship, celebrating culture, preserving history and opening doors for others. They also show how learning unfolds through research, storytelling, creativity, partnership and community engagement.
As we mark Emancipation Day, I invite all to take time to learn more about the histories, experiences and contributions of Black communities. I also encourage you to participate in local commemorative events and celebrations that honour this important day. Through reflection, education and meaningful engagement, we can deepen our understanding of our shared histories in our pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable future together.
Thank you, Merci, Miigwech,
Parissa Safai
Interim Vice-President Equity, People and Culture