During Black History Month, we recognize and celebrate the legacy, history and contributions of 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.
We 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.
Events:
Featured Video
Alumnus Christine shares her story from York student to social entrepreneur
Christine details her journey and shares wisdom to inspire others: “… as long as you know your purpose, and as long as you know that no one can take your place in this world, you can go anywhere you want.”
Celebrating the Black community at York
From vibrant traditional performances (Nigerian Students Association at York U) to thought-provoking panel discussions and meaningful connections, the community-led "Celebration of the Black Community at York" initiative — organized by the Umoja Black Legacy Alliance — showcased the strength and brilliance of the Black community at York in 2025.
York U a family tradition for Congolese siblings
Congolese politician-turned-businessman Eugene Serufuli had a vision that all of his children would attend university abroad, living together and looking out for each other as they earned a degree that would set them up for life.
Featured YFile Articles
York seed grants empower Black scholars to lead transformative research
York University is supporting a dynamic range of research led by Black faculty members whose projects aim to reshape scholarship across disciplines.
Partnership creates pathways for Black teens to envision a future in law
The legal profession in Canada has long struggled to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
Jane-Finch roots inspire York alumni to bridge community and campus
For decades, the Jane-Finch neighbourhood has been in media headlines that focus on crime and poverty. But York University alumni are helping rewrite that narrative through education, mentorship and community investment.
York U student recognized for advancing equity, student success
Ramla Elmi, a bachelor of business administration student at York University’s Schulich School of Business who is graduating at Spring Convocation, has received a national award for her contributions to equity in education and her support of fellow students.
York's BEA receives $2.4M investment to empower Black founders
The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA), a co-designed collaboration between York University’s YSpace and the Black Creek Community Health Centre, received $2.4 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to expand the Alliance’s programming.
Doctoral student earns recognition for social justice research, advocacy
Prilly Bicknell-Hersco, a York University PhD student in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, is one of this year’s Rising Graduate Scholars selected by The EDU Ledger, a leading higher education magazine, for making a meaningful impact in academia and beyond.
The York University Magazine
York University Professor Christina Sharpe wins prestigious Killam Prize
Osgoode’s Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic provides legal services to survivors of domestic violence
York’s Jean Augustine Chair boosts Black student achievement