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Black History Month @ York

Black Voices, Black Stories 

During Black History we recognize and celebrate the legacy, history and contributions of Black the Black community. We celebrate Black excellence – the many achievements and successes of Black community members – and recognize that the contributions of this community have benefited the university and our wider society.    

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Black Voices, Black Stories.” We encourage York community members to listen to and amplify the diverse voices and stories of Black community members at York.    

We also invite community members to experience the rich heritage, traditions and culture of the Black community by attending the various Black History Month events being held across our campuses.  

This website and the @yorkuniversity social media channels will share accomplishments, resources, profiles, and various events that will be taking place at York throughout the Black History month, including the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora  event -- Word, Sound, Power. Follow along and join the conversation with the hashtag #BHMatYU or #BlackHistoryMonth

York University is a leading Canadian post-secondary institution that values equity, diversity and inclusivity. With a history of academic research, student engagement, inclusive initiatives, and the goal of creating positive change, the University is proud to celebrate and highlight the many contributions of the Black community at York University. 

Events:

Celebrating Black History Month text in white on top of a black graphic with a red background

Celebrating Black History Month at York

A joint statement on Black History Month by Rhonda Lenton, President & Vice-Chancellor, and Laina Y. Bay-Cheng, Interim Vice President, Equity, People & Culture, at York University.

Framework to Address Anti-Black Racism

Building on the York commitment to social justice, and the years of work done by individual faculty, instructors, staff and students, Addressing Anti-Black Racism: A Framework on Black Inclusion lays the foundation and blueprint for addressing systemic racism, specifically anti-Black racism, and making change. 

Prof recognized for pioneering Black studies in Canada

Andrea A. Davis is a Professor in the Department of Humanities and was the Academic Convenor of Congress 2023. At its Fall 2023 Convocation ceremonies, British Columbia’s Royal Roads University awarded York University Professor, Andrea Davis, an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in recognition of her pioneering work bringing Black studies programming to Canadian academia.

A Black female is dancing with Afro-centric regalia with the text Word Sound Power on the top right

Event: Word Sound Power

Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate celebration of Black artistry, where words, sounds, and power collide in a night to remember!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 5:30 PM (EST) at the Tributes Communities Recital Hall

Announcement of term extension and appointment of new vice-provost academic

Dr. Marcia Annisette has steppes into the role of vice-provost academic. Dr. Annisette is a York professor and was a founding director of the Master of Accounting program in the Schulich School of Business.

A Black man smiles while sitting on a desk and looking into a computer screen

Anucha family creates new award to support Black entrepreneurs

A new award created and funded by the Anucha family is the first of its kind to support Black entrepreneurs at YSpace, York University’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub.

Harriet Tubman Institute

The Harriet Tubman Institute is operated as a collective of York faculty and students, as well as an international Advisory Board of specialists committed to document preservation, accessibility of primary materials, graduate teaching, training and research. 

Learn more about their Black History Month events here.

A Black female student wearing a red York hoodie sits with her laptop and York tumbler among fall leaves.

York announces new funds to promote Black scholarship

York University has launched three new funding initiatives in support of Black researchers and their scholarly pursuits. 

A Black person is reading a book and the photo is zoomed into the book pages.

Book examining portrait of Black life longlisted for prestigious award

Christina Sharpe, a professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Black Studies at York University, was recently recognized by the National Book Foundation for her new book, Ordinary Notes.

Two Black female students walk and talk while smiling at the York University campus.

York community supports Black inclusion through action

York University’s second Annual Report on Black Inclusion is now available to the community. The annual report provides highlights and updates to the community on work and progress relating to York’s Framework on Black Inclusion and Action Plan on Black Inclusion.

Three diverse students standing outside at York University

New online workshop supports Black graduate student success

The Centre for Human Rights, Equity York University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) hosted its inaugural Fostering Black Scholars Scholarship Success Workshop for incoming and current graduate students.

A Black female student is standing and singing in front of the mic while other students watch her. They are in a workshop.

Justice Fund announces gift to York for Black, Indigenous students’ arts education

Black and Indigenous students received financial support to attend York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), following a $100,000 donation announced at the Justice Fund Summit: Lover of Humanity.

Positive Change: Mark-Anthony Kaye

Mark-Anthony Kaye speaks about his time at York University as a former York U Lion and representing Canada at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Khamica Bingham holding the Canadian flag extended behind her back wearing track clothing

Positive Change: Khamica Bingham

Khamika Bingham is a York Univerisity alumna and a Track & Field Varsity athlete during her time at York. She now competes for Team Canada.

Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA)

The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA), co-designed by YSpace, TD Community Engagement Centre, and Schulich Executive Education, empowers Black entrepreneurs in building successful companies through programs and community support..

Black History Month

Building Pathways to Education: A Q-and-A with Professor Carl James

Distinguished Research Professor Carl James, who has held the position of Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora since 2016, met with YFile to discuss the Chair, his role within it and what the recent $1.5 million in federal funding means for its future.

Black Excellence at Word Sound Power 2023

Black artistic talent took centre stage during a showcase of performances at Word, Sound, Power: An annual celebration of Black Artistic Expression.

two students sitting on chairs

York University Black Alumni Network

YUBAN (York University Black Alumni Network) seeks to celebrate the legacy, contributions, and accomplishments of York’s Black alumni and students, while also engaging the community-at-large through relevant programming.    

YU Black Staff Association

Formed in 2022, the York University Black Staff Network (YUBSN) is a volunteer network governed by an elected executive committee that serves as a place of engagement, support and community for Black-identifying staff at the University.

2024 Black History Month text over a yellow background with a York Lions logo on the top right hand corner

Athletics & Recreation Events

In celebration of Black culture, in recognition of Black achievements, and in support of the significant contributions that Black Canadians have made to build Canada, A&R will roll-out and support activities throughout Black History Month.

Knowledge Now: Biftu Yousuf

Biftu Yousuf’s dissertation explores the invisibilized role of racialized diasporas in Canada’s refugee protection and resettlement project.

Group of diverse students sitting in dark theatre room with lighting over them while reviewing a book together

Intersectional Anti-Racism Work and Black Inclusion

Achieve a REDDI Mini Series certificate on the topic of Intersectional Anti-Racism Work and Black Inclusion through the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion.

Black woman seen dancing alongside African drummers

Award-winning Research: Diasporic Dance Styles

A York University graduate program assistant and doctoral student was named among six recipients of the 2022 Women Who Rock Awards and one of six changemakers for racial equity as the recipient of the 2022 Award for Racial Justice in Creative Arts presented by Urban Alliance

Two students walking on the York University Keele Campus, with the one in front wearing a red York U hoodie

Black Excellence at York University (BE YU)

Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) provides Black students with the supports they need to transition to university and maximize their student experience on the path to graduation.

The York University Magazine

Piece by Piece

The work of artist Ekow Nimako addresses form, life and Afrofuturism.

Can You Dig It?

Hip hop celebrates 50 years of resilience.

Renewed Optimism

Colleen Russell-Rawlins on reshaping education at Canada’s largest school board.

#BHMatYU Social Feed