The University of Guelph will celebrate Black History Month with a series of virtual presentations, workshops, art shows and other events through February that focus on Black heritage.
The Cultural Diversity Office within the University’s Department of Student Experience will host the events in support of the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) and the Guelph Black Students’ Association (GBSA).
Monday, Feb. 1
Aftershock Art Display
“Aftershock” is an art show showcasing the creations of aspiring young artists that will feature digital art including photography, short films, animation, digital painting and any other artistic media created on a computer. Selected artists will have their contributions displayed in an online gallery throughout February. This event is open to everyone.
Thursday, Feb. 4
Black Leadership in Anti-Black Spaces with Laura Mae Lindo
Laura Mae Lindo (NDP – MPP Kitchener Centre) will lead a presentation on Black leadership in anti-Black spaces. The event is open to everyone and will be followed by a Q&A.
Wednesday, Feb. 10
The Anti-Black Racism Workshop with Selam Debs
Community leader Selam Debs will lead a unique anti-racism course that calls on individuals to dismantle unconscious bias, address white privilege, uncover systemic racism and learn how to centre the experience of BIPOC individuals. This event is open to everyone.
Thursday, Feb. 11
Workshop: Overcoming Creative Doubt with The Making Box
This interactive online workshop is for any BIPOC-identifying student who has a desire to be more creative (personally or professionally) and doesn’t know where to start.
Wednesday, Feb. 17
Black + Mental Health + Matters Workshop with Art with Impact
Black + Mental Health + Matters is a 1.5-hour virtual workshop designed to be a place of refuge for Black students, who often face unique and specific barriers to mental wellness. Equipping participants with tools to help them heal and thrive, Black + Mental Health + Matters will use creative practices to centre and uplift and is open to Black-identifying individuals only.
Saturday, Feb. 20
Caribbean Dance Class
The Guelph Black Students’ Association will host artist and community leader Kween for a free dance class featuring a creative blend of Caribbean and African movements set to dancehall, afro and Soca music. This class is open to everyone.
Thursday, Feb. 25
Stirrin’ the Pot: Afro-Caribbean Cooking Class with Access Gourmet Ltd.
Chef Romaine Newell will use this cooking class to feature several Caribbean dishes, which are a blend of African, Indian, European, Creole, Amerindian, Chinese, Cajun and Middle East flavours. Those who are BIPOC-identifying students can sign up to receive a gift card to use toward the purchase of items for the cooking class.
Friday, Feb. 26
Fourth Friday ft. Aisha Barrow with the Guelph Civic Museum
Singer/songwriter Aisha Barrow will perform at the Guelph Civic Museum as part of the Fourth Friday concert series, presented in partnership with the Guelph Black Heritage Society. Barrow’s new musical project is called Lifeandthetribe, which can be best described as an amalgamation of Jazz, R&B and pop. Lifeandthetribe is currently recording their first full-length album, slated for release in 2021. This event is open to everyone.
All month
U of G Library Featured Online Collection: Celebrating Black Narratives
The McLaughlin Library website features a new online collection called “Celebrating Black Narratives,” which is a collaboration with the Cultural Diversity Office and the Guelph Black Students’ Association. Titles in the collection were selected by members of the GBSA and feature several Black perspectives through a variety of narratives.