Black History Month provides an opportunity to focus attention and recommit to acting against systemic discrimination and anti-Black racism that marginalizes the experiences, efforts and rights of Black community members.
This month is also a time to learn more about the important contributions that Black members of the York community have made, such as:
- the work of Professor Natasha Henry-Dixon, as highlighted in the University’s Emancipation Day statement;
- the mentoring work being undertaken by Assistant Professor Alvine Belle;
- the project to help connect Black youth and their families in Canada with tools to help them cope with anxiety resulting from experiences with the justice system, led by Professor Godfred Boateng, director of the Global & Environmental Health Lab and a Canada Research Chair in Global Health and Humanitarianism; and
- the leadership and advocacy work of third-year student Karina Deepnarine.
We also see Black History Month as a time to renew and reassert York’s dedication to advancing the Action Plan on Black Inclusion and supporting the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, and advocating for and appreciating the successes of talented Black scholars, staff, students and alumni. As we approach the five-year anniversary of the release of the action plan, we are committed to begin a review of the Framework to Address Anti-Black Racism and action plan.
You are warmly encouraged to attend and participate in the many events this month organized by Black community members at York. The Black History Month website has an event feed where you can find more details. To highlight a few:
- Word Sound Power: Centering Our Stories & Communities, Feb. 10 – held at the Keele Campus at 5 p.m. in the Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan Theatre. Register here.
- Heritage on Canvas: Black Hair, Culture, and Creativity, Feb. 10 – held at the Glendon Campus at 2 p.m. in the Breezeway.
- Impacts and Issues of Mysogynoir, Feb. 19 – held at 10 a.m. (virtual). Register here.
- Film Screening, Feb. 23 – held at the Markham Campus at 1:15 p.m. in MK2050.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwetch.
Lisa Philipps
Interim President & Vice-Chancellor
Parissa Safai
Interim Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture