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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.