Experts: Black history and diaspora
York U experts available to comment on Black history and diaspora topics
TORONTO, February 6, 2017 – February is Black History Month in Canada. Should the focus on the contributions of Black Canadians be confined to one month of the year? Is there still a need for Black History Month?
While the debate continues, York University experts are available to comment on these and other topics including the struggles and successes of Black Canadians:
Professor Andrea Davis, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, is available for comment on Black Canadians’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canadian society, particularly in the context of the 150th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. Her topics of expertise also include, Black Canadian literature and theatre, social history of the African diaspora, and Jamaican immigrants in Canada.
Professor Lorne Foster, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, is available for media interviews on African Canadians in the country’s human rights movement, and other contributions to the development of Canada’s human rights framework. Foster, whose recent report on police carding of Black drivers received much media attention, is available to comment on racial profiling of Black Canadians.
Professor Carl James, Faculty of Education, is available for media interviews on the lives of Black youth in Canada; masculinity and young Black males; education and schooling of Black students; identity issues pertaining to race, ethnicity, gender and immigration status; and multiculturalism and race relations. Author of “The Alchemy of Sport and the Role of Media in the Education of Black Youth”, James is also available to discuss the role of media in shaping Black youth’s interest in athletics and education.
York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni.York U’s fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario’s Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.
Media contact:
Gloria Suhasini, Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094
