University of Lethbridge faculty and students gather during the opening event for Black History Month on February 1, 2023, in the Science Commons Atrium. (Photo: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Post-Secondary institutions in Lethbridge celebrating Black History Month

Feb 1, 2023 | 2:42 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – February is Black History Month and the Lethbridge College and University of Lethbridge (U of L) are celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians through a variety of events.

By highlighting the diversity of Lethbridge’s campuses, the schools hope to create dialogue between students, staff and community members to work towards a more inclusive city.

People across the country are encouraged to take some additional time during February to learn about the people of colour who have played significant roles in shaping Canada’s identity, and those who continue to address social injustices.

At the U of L, Vice Provost of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Martha Mathurin-Moe spoke to a crowd in the Science Commons Atrium on February 1, 2023, and described this year’s theme as creating an authentic sense of belonging.

“I think for us, Black History Month this year is really underneath the theme of creating an authentic culture of Black inclusion and we really want to make sure that our students, no matter their experiences or stories they have, that they feel represented on our campus,” said Mathurin-Moe. “So, for us, it’s not only about talking about their stories, but actually creating a safe space for celebration of the diverse identities. That’s why it’s important for us to do this on campus.”

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University of Lethbridge Vice Provost of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Martha Mathurin-Moe speaking to the crowd at the opening event for Black History Month on February 1, 2023, in the Science Commons Atrium. (Photo: LNN)

Mathurin-Moe went on to explain that 2023 has brought in the highest number of international students ever seen at the U of L and described it as a very diverse and vibrant mosaic.

In November 2018, the U of L joined 40 universities from across Canada to endorse the Scarborough Charter, a commitment to eliminating anti-Black racism and advancing Black inclusion in Canadian education.

Throughout the month, the U of L will be hosting virtual fireside chats, speakers, presentations, café conversations and selling Black History Month t-shirts in the bookstore, with funds going towards the University of Lethbridge Black Students Association, which is a new group that was ratified on campus this year.

Mathurin-Moe continued, “For this year’s celebration of 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 Black Joy in Canada and throughout the world.”

Learn more about the Black History Month events taking place on the University of Lethbridge website.

At the Lethbridge College, employees, students and the Lethbridge College Students’ Association (LCSA) kicked off Black History Month by announcing several different campus events.

Over the next four weeks, students can participate in Black History Month Jeopardy, a cultural attire day, library displays, information booths, and presentations from special guests including alumni Moji Taiwo, an author, retired civil servant, and creator and host of The Immigrant Experience Show.

The Lethbridge College culinary students and instructors will also be offering specialty items in the food court over February including black bean and sausage gumbo soup, jollof rice pilaf, peri-peri chicken and jerk chicken.

On top of traditional treats, the LCSA will be taking the time to prep and distribute dozens of Nigerian beef stew meal kits that include recommendations for films and books related to Black history.

Ibrahim Turay, School of Justice Studies instructor and PhD candidate in Cultural, Social and Political Thought, in the Wider Horizons Spring 2021 issue. (Photo: Lethbridge College)

Ibrahim Turay, a Lethbridge College instructor, said in a release, “Black History Month celebrates peoples of African descent, their accomplishments and contributions, but also their continued struggles to survive in settler colonial societies like Canada.”

“While often subtle, hate based on race, colour and religion continues to be a problem in our communities. As a post-secondary institution, we have a role to play in fostering education and understanding, and these difficult discussions should also be central to Black History Month celebrations,” added Turay.

Learn more about the Black History Month events taking place on campus at the Lethbridge College website.

Those interested in learning more about notable Black Canadians, significant events in Canada’s history, or to find additional educational resources can do so on the Canadian Government website.

Read more: LethbridgeNewsNow.com