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February is Black History Month and this year’s national theme is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build. This month provides us an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and history of the Black community. 

“Black History Month is about honouring our heritage but also taking time to celebrate the vibrant communities we’ve built as Black people,” says Lucy Ofori, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Student Advisor. “This year we’re choosing to amplify Black joy with events on campus showcasing the diverse food, art, style and history of our people.” 

Celebrations will kick off with the raising of the Pan-African Flag next to the Owens Art Gallery on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 12 p.m. 

“This month is our opportunity to really reflect on the role that our community plays in writing the Black story and supporting Black initiatives,” says Danai Bélanger, Director of Student Experience. “As an immigrant Black woman, and as a member of this community, I am hopeful that we can encourage those around us to take some time this month to reflect and engage on the experiences of Black people and to actively reject racism and other forms of systemic oppression at ��ñ����." 

Ongoing work is needed to support racial equity, diversity, and inclusion within our community to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. University leadership met with leaders of Black student groups on campus last term to discuss how we can create change together and the University is currently advancing the following initiatives: 

• Hiring a Black Counsellor for mental health support specifically for the Black community 
• Forming a Black Advisory Group to improve policies related to anti-racism and provide proactive and by request advice to President’s Cabinet 
• Identifying mandatory Anti-Black racism training for faculty, staff, and students 

Creating an inclusive community through education and awareness is the responsibility of all its members and this month is an opportunity to come together as a community to learn about the history, lived experience, and Black excellence within our community and Canada’s history. 

There are events and initiatives happening throughout February to celebrate Black History Month, organized by Student Life. 

‘Black History Matters’ t-shirts are available at the University Bookstore. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Kavana Memorial Endowment Fund, which will provide support to Black students in perpetuity. 

Full month-long schedule: Diversity and Inclusion News and Events