Join U of G and the broader Guelph community this February in celebrating Black History Month. The theme for Black History Month 2020 is Groundbreaker. Pioneer. Trailblazer. Participate in events that honour the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities in Canada’s settlement, growth and development.

Students from the Guelph Black Students Association and Queer and Trans People of Colour student club expressed the importance of celebrating Black History Month at the University as a means of “embracing our histories and culture, increasing representation on campus, and making connections between the global and local narratives of Black and African diaspora communities”.

Black History Month events are taking place on campus and around the city. Highlights include:

 

Black History Month Opening Ceremony: Featuring Zaki Ibrahim

When: Mon., Feb. 3 from noon to 1 p.m.

Where: University Centre Courtyard

Cost: Free

 

Barrington Walker: The Role of the Church in Shaping ‘Modern’ Black Canada

When: Tues., Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

Where: McLaughlin Library, Room 246A

Cost: Free

 

Nooner: RISE Spoken Word Poetry

When: Wed., Feb. 5 from noon to 1 p.m.

Where: University Centre Courtyard

Cost: Free

 

Proclaiming the Roots and Realities of Indigenous-Black Peoples on Turtle Island

When: Mon., Feb. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: McLaughlin Library Room 246A

Cost: Free

 

Nooner: Lydia Persaud

When: Wed., Feb. 12 from noon to 1 p.m.

Where: University Centre Courtyard

Cost: Free

 

Artist Talk with Sandra Brewster

When: Wed., Feb. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Art Gallery of Guelph

Cost: Free

 

In Conversation with Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine

When: Tues., Feb. 25 from noon to 1 p.m.

Where: McLaughlin Library, Robert Whitelaw Room

Cost: Free

 

Black History Month Keynote: A Talk With Miss J. Alexander
When: Mon., Mar. 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre

Cost: $5 for students. $15 for faculty, staff and the broader community. Tickets available through Eventbrite.

Please check GryphLife for details about these and other events.

Black History Month 2020 at U of G is presented in collaboration with the Cultural Diversity Office within the Department of Student Experience, the Guelph Black Students’ Association, the Caribbean Cultural Club, Queer and Trans People of Colour, the Central Students Association, the Guelph Black Heritage Society, the Art Gallery of Guelph, Guelph Poetry Slam, The Making Box, the Guelph Civic Museum, and the College of Arts.