File photo of Ibrahim Turay, School of Justice Studies instructor and Black History Month organizing committee member (Photo provided by Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Black History Month to be celebrated online by Lethbridge College

Feb 1, 2021 | 10:32 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – February is Black History Month, and Lethbridge College is recognizing the contributions of its Black community.

Throughout the month, the college will use its website and social media platforms to share a variety of stories and resources that highlight the cultures and backgrounds of those who make up its community.

On a more normal year, events would be held in-person, but the college has had to change things up due to the pandemic. Those past celebrations were organized by a group of instructors, employees and students of African and Caribbean descent, with support from the Lethbridge College Students’ Association (LCSA).

Past events included speakers, dancers, sports activities and food.

This year’s celebrations will focus on sharing stories of the Black community and highlight issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.

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“Histories mark our lives, and the people often interested in learning about these pasts are those most negatively impacted,” said Ibrahim Turay, School of Justice Studies instructor and Black History Month organizing committee member, in a Lethbridge College release.

“So, as we celebrate this year’s BHM, I invite everyone to think about some of the cultural or criminal stereotypes you have heard in your community about Black peoples, Black youths, particularly.”

Turay added that the question that must then be asked is to what extent have those perceptions, consciously or otherwise, influenced behaviour when interacting with members of the Black communities.

“‘Racial’ stereotypes were once used to justify chattel slavery in the Americas,” he said.

“‘Racial’ stereotypes – like thugs, gang members or criminality – continue to be used today to defend the disproportionate representation of Blacks in prisons in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., as well as their deadly encounters with law enforcement. Racism still exists, and more so alive in our criminal justice system and other institutions, including educational and health institutions.”

Lethbridge College is continuously working to create an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. A team at the college is evaluating what the institution is already doing to promote equity, diversity and inclusion on campus as well as identifying areas that need improvement, as part of the two-year Dimensions pilot program.

“As a post-secondary institution, we have an obligation to support our community by listening, learning and adding to the important conversations that are taking place,” said Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College’s President and CEO.

“This past year has clearly shown us how racism, both institutional and overt, still affects nearly every aspect of everyday life. We need to elevate the voices and stories of our Black communities and ensure everyone knows they have a place in our college.”

Black History Month has been officially recognized in Canada since 1995. More details on how Lethbridge College is celebrating can be found through the post-secondary institution’s website.