Join us in celebrating the Black community at U of G and beyond for Black History Month.  

This year’s theme of “Resist, Reclaim, Restore!” was set by the Black History Month Committee. The students and staff on the committee, led by Student Experience’s Cultural Diversity Services, chose this theme to honour the resilience and the strength of the Black community.  

“Resist” calls us to acknowledge the ongoing struggle against injustice and the defiance of generations of Black individuals. “Reclaim” urges us to celebrate and recover Black cultural identities and achievements often overlooked or suppressed. “Restore” focuses on healing, rebuilding, and empowering communities for a future of justice and equity.  

This theme complements the Government of Canada’s theme, “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” This theme reflects on and celebrates the contributions of Black Canadians while paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.  

Learn more from the Black History Month statement from Indira Naidoo-Harris, AVP of Diversity of Human Rights.

Through these events and beyond, the committee hopes to inspire each of us to take part in the ongoing journey to resist, reclaim, and restore. 

The events below are open to the public. View the full schedule that includes events open to U of G students, faculty and staff.

Black History Month Events

  • Screening and Q&A: We Were Here – The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe

    Prof. Dorothy Odartey-Wellington, School of Languages and Literatures, and Dr. Sandra Parmegiani, Associate Professor, European Studies and Italian Studies and associate director, School of Languages and Literatures, are planning a film screening followed by a Q&A with Fred Kuwornu, “a multi-hyphenate socially engaged artist, filmmaker, and scholar whose work is deeply influenced by his background as a person of African descent. Born and raised in Italy, Kuwornu is based in New York.” We Were Here – The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe, sheds light on the overlooked presence of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe, highlighting their depiction in masterpieces by some of the era’s most celebrated artists. All are welcome to attend. 

    • Wed., Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (MacKinnon 113) 
  • CSA Presents The Six Triple Eight (A BHM Movie Night)

    Join us for a special Black History Month Movie Night as we screen Netflix’s powerful new film, The Six Triple Eight. This compelling movie tells the inspiring true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit that overcame immense challenges during the Second World War. Immerse yourself in a tale of courage, resilience, and history that continues to impact our world today. After the screening, participate in a meaningful discussion to explore how their story resonates with today’s ongoing fight for justice and equity. Don’t miss this opportunity to honour Black history, connect with fellow students, and enjoy an evening of storytelling and community. All are welcome to attend. No registration required. 

    • Fri., Feb. 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Art Gallery of Guelph) 
  • Black-Owned Market

     Join us in the UC Courtyard to shop from small Black-owned businesses local to Guelph and surrounding areas. Vendors will be selling a variety of handmade and artisan goods including clothing, body care items, food, personal accessories, and much more. You don’t want to miss it, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up! This event is open to all. 

    • Wed., Feb. 12, noon to 5 p.m. (UC Courtyard)
  • Amy Sylla- “They Rise: A Journey to Resist Barriers, Reclaim Identity, and Restore Community”

    What steps can we take to rise above challenges and rewrite generational narratives, embracing our power to build a future rooted in authenticity and purpose? This workshop invites participants on a transformative journey of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Drawing from Amy Sylla’s acclaimed RISE framework, we’ll explore how to resist the barriers that hinder growth, reclaim our identities and achievements, and restore strength within our communities. All U of G students, staff, faculty, and community members are welcome. Registration required for anyone who is not a student, faculty or staff.  

    • Tues., Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Peter Clark Hall)

Ongoing Initiatives

  • The Heart of Healing: Black Love in Focus Book Collection

    Check out this collection of titles curated by the Guelph Black Students’ Association in collaboration with the McLaughlin Library! This year’s theme, The Heart of Healing: Black Love in Focus explores the powerful intersection of love, resilience, and healing within the Black community. They offer insight into how it serves as a revolutionary force, reclaiming joy and strength while fostering restorative healing in the face of adversity. 

  • Black History Month Menus at UC Chef’s Hall

    Looking for some good food as you celebrate Black History Month? Visit the Infusion restaurant in the University Centre chef’s hall for a well-balanced plate inspired by African and Caribbean cultures at a fixed price of $12.99! Tuesday dishes will be inspired by African cuisine while Wednesday dishes will be inspired by Carribean cuisine every week in February (excluding reading week)! 

  • Timeline of Black Resistance: An Exhibition

    This exhibition aims to acknowledge and bring awareness to black activism in the 21st century. It honours and celebrates the resilience and strength of black activists and everyone contributing positively to the ongoing fight against injustice. 

    • Tues., Feb. 25 to Sun., March 2 (Art Gallery of Guelph) 
  • Putting Name to Face: Celebrating Black Excellence in Teaching in Guelph-Wellington-Waterloo

    Did you know that Guelph was the first place in Ontario to have a Black principal? What about the work of a University of Guelph librarian, who used her love of books as a base for community work and scholarly engagement? Join the University of Guelph’s Office of Teaching and Learning in celebrating Black History Month with an exhibit dedicated to honouring past and contemporary Black education practitioners in the Guelph/Wellington/Waterloo region. This exhibition will move beyond the University to embrace the wider community thorough partnership with key stakeholders, including the Art Gallery of Guelph, Region of Waterloo Museums & Archives, and the Guelph Public Library. 

    • Mon., Feb. 3 to Fri. Feb. 7 (McLaughlin Library) 
    • Mon., Feb. 10 to Fri. Feb. 14 (Guelph Public Library, Downtown Branch) 
    • Mon., Feb. 17 to Fri. Feb. 21 (Guelph Public Library, Westminster Branch) 

Special thanks to the Black History Month planning committee: 

  • Amelia Kezaabu, Alicia Yon, Shelleanne Hardial (Cultural Diversity) 
  • Caleb Harwood and Kimia Mehrafshan (Sexual and Gender Diversity) 
  • Harerta Tesfaslassie (The African Students Association) 
  • Roshaun Marchall and Celina Griffiths (Carribean Cultural Club) 
  • Pravieena Gnanakumar (Athletics) 
  • Neeli Grewal (Student Wellness) 
  • Opeyemi Oloyede (Guelph Black Students Association) 
  • Abigail (Abii) Barrett (College of Social and Applied Human Sciences) 
  • Drew Blackmore (Black and Racialized Residence Network) 
  • Akierah Binns (Graduate Student Association) 
  • Angeli Mehrotra, Khadijah Peters, Amoy Marshall Green (Experiential Learning Hub) 
  • Naomi Amayaevbo (Central Student Association, The African Student Association) 
  • Omorowa Eguakun (OPIRG Guelph) 

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