Dear Humber Polytechnic and Unviersity of Guelph-Humber Community, 

As we reflect on this year’s Black Heritage Month, I am proud to share and celebrate the incredible impact of the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging and Black Student Support & Engagement (BSSE) team and the broader community that helped bring this year’s theme, “Black Brilliance: Stories That Shape Us,” to life. 

This year’s theme invited us to honour the histories, narratives, and lived experiences that continue to illuminate the strength, brilliance, and innovation of Black communities. Throughout the month, students, staff, faculty, and community members came together in powerful ways to celebrate Black joy, creativity, wellbeing, entrepreneurship, and connection. 

Across BSSE’s Black Heritage Month programming, we saw so many engaging workshops, learning opportunities and events reflecting the energy, care, and commitment our community continues to bring to this important work.

Highlights included: 

• Opening Ceremony – 150+ attendees joined an inspiring kickoff rooted in storytelling, culture, and collective celebration. 
• Melanin Market (North & Lakeshore) – 324+ community members connected with 14 Black-owned businesses, uplifting entrepreneurship, creativity, and economic empowerment. 
• Canada Unites Donation Events (North & Lakeshore) – 104+ students accessed free new clothing, shoes, accessories, and skincare products. 
• Community Collaboration Across Humber – Black Heritage Month was strengthened by more than 20+ events offered in collaboration with 10+ campus partners, faculties, students, and community members. Together, these efforts reflected the beauty of collective action and demonstrated what is possible when our community comes together to honour Black histories, uplift Black voices, and deepen belonging across Humber. 

I am also excited to celebrate the launch of episode one of BSSE’s new podcast series, At the Intersection, titled “Dear First-Year Me.” This new initiative creates space for meaningful dialogue on culture, identity, lived experiences, current events, and social media trends, while helping to foster understanding and more inclusive, connected learning environments across our community. 

As we celebrate the success of Black Heritage Month, I also want to encourage our Humber and Guelph-Humber community to stay connected to this work through Black Heritage 365. Across the year, the Black Student Support & Engagement (BSSE) team and the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) continue to create meaningful opportunities for connection, reflection, learning, and celebration through community events, programs, and learning opportunities.  

I also encourage community members to explore the Black Student Library Guide, which offers a curated collection of resources, books, and research materials celebrating Black history, culture, and excellence.  

Those who are able can also support Black student success through the BA-ERG Visionary Scholarship Program, which helps provide financial support to Black students pursuing their education at Humber. 

Thank you to the BSSE team, the Office of EDIB, our campus partners, and every student, staff, faculty, and community member who helped make this year’s Black Heritage Month so meaningful. Your care, leadership, and engagement continue to shape a Humber and Guelph-Humber community where Black stories, voices, and brilliance are seen, valued, and celebrated. 
 
With gratitude,  

Kimberly Daniels
Dean, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging