During Black History Month, Canadians celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today.
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons.
In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008.
York University will be celebrating Black History Month 2017 with the theme: Blackness: The Spirit of Resilience.
Here is the event schedule:
Black History Month Kick-off!
Film Screening – Ninth Floor
Feb. 9, 2017, 9:30am to 12:30pm, 280N York Lanes
View trailer for the Ninth Floor here.
About the film: Director Mina Shum takes a penetrating look at the Sir George Williams University riot of February 1969, when a protest against institutional racism snowballed into a 14-day student occupation at the Montreal university.
The film viewing will be followed by discussion and Q&A and the launch of Race, Inclusion and Supportive Environments (RISE) Committee.
Antiracism Talkshop
Topic: Teachable Moments: Teaching with Racial Diversity in Mind
Facilitator: Dr. Maria Wallis
Feb. 16, 2017, 1 to 2:30pm, 901 Kaneff Tower
Antiracism Talkshop
Topic: Do’s and Dont’s: Race & Inclusion in Work Environments
Facilitator: Jodie Glean
Feb. 23, 2017, 1 to 2:30pm, 305 York Lanes
Topic: Black Representation in the Current Political Climate
Interview with Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of Toronto International Film Festival
Feb. 28, 2017, 10:30 to 11:30am, 280N York Lanes
For event descriptions and to register, visit http://rights.info.yorku.ca/black_history_month_2017/.