Lethbridge’s post-secondaries celebrate Black History Month

The U of L’s president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon said, “by celebrating Black History Month, we live our commitment to recognize the contributions that have been made by our Black students, staff and faculty at the University of Lethbridge.”

“Thank you to everyone who has participated in putting this month’s events together.”

Martha Mathurin-Moe, Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion said Black History Month is a starting point “in recognizing the numerous contributions Black people continue to make to our communities, countries, and the world.”

“For this Black History month, I encourage everyone, even after the month is over, to continue learning about the many scholars, innovators, cultural icons and activists who are pillars of Black Excellence and Flourishing in Canada and throughout the world.”

Featured events as part of Black History Month at the U of L include an opening ceremony on February 1, a fireside chat to discuss anti-Black racism in the workplace on February 3 and a look at the history of race and racism in Canada on February 17.

Full details on all events at the University of Lethbridge are available here.

LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE

Many of the events for Black History Month at Lethbridge College were held virtually in 2021, but for 2022, several safe in-person events are planned.

Ibrahim Turay, instructor in the School of Justice Studies and event organizer said, “as we mark our fifth official celebration of Black History Month at Lethbridge College, we join people worldwide in celebrating Black excellence and the resiliency of members of the various Black communities wherever they find themselves.”

“[Black History Month] also calls us to lift the voices and stories of Black peoples and other marginalized communities who tend to be suppressed or ignored because we live in a colour-blind society where race and skin colour shouldn’t matter, yet it does in determining the life outcomes of those whom society identifies as Black or Brown.”

Ibrahim Turay speaks during Black History Month celebrations in 2020. (Photos supplied by Lethbridge College)

After opening remarks from Turay on February 1, other activities for the month include a screening of John Ware Reclaimed at 2 p.m. on February 8 in the E.C. Fredericks Theatre. The film follows Cheryl Foggo as she looks at the mythology around John Ware, a Black cowboy who settled in Alberta before the turn of the 20^th century. A panel discussion will follow the screening.

From February 14 to 18, the Lethbridge College Students’ Association will hand out Black History Month meal kits for Jollof Rice – an iconic West African dish.

Additionally, a Human Library is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on February 17 at Niitsitapi’ksimpstaan (the Aquarium). Students can “check out” a person, just as they would a book and learn through engagement, stories and cultural knowledge.

Michelle ní Dochartaigh-Derbich, EDI strategist and lead researcher at Lethbridge College said, “diversity is a fact,” and that, “the opportunity to come together and learn about Black History allows us to understand each other’s stories, to build connection and relationships.”

“But we must remember that inclusion is an act. And it’s through mindful acts, and our commitment to improve equity and address systemic barriers black people navigate, that we go beyond a celebratory month and toward action that strengthens our communities overall.”

Lethbridge College has held official Black History Month celebrations since 2017. Meanwhile, Canada first officially recognized Black History Month in 1995.

by Justin Goulet

Lethbridge’s post-secondaries celebrate Black History Month

What's Happening