"Black Heritage Month” reflects emerging terminology that aims to recognize the history of the Black community, along with its present achievements and future.
In 1995, Canada officially recognized Black History Month following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. For many Canadians, recognizing Black History Month provided a doorway into the culture and experience of Black/African people. Many Black Canadians have also shared that Black History Month has a disproportionate focus on the past and narratives of slavery and colonialism. There have been calls for a shift that recognizes the past, but also celebrates the present and imagines a radical, bold and bright future for Black Canadians.
In partnership with BASE and equity seeking groups across Humber College, the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity is advocating a shift, from “Black History Month” towards “Black Heritage 365 Days of the Year”. Black Heritage 365 Days of the Year recognizes the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. At the same time, the Centre aims to provide programming throughout the year to build resiliency, practices and communities of care, and skill development for Black/African staff and students. Additionally, our all year programming of Black Heritage aims to build EDI capacity, anti-Black racism and awareness.
Coming Up...
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) – Developing Resiliency Through Adversity with Jodie Glean
- Identify and discuss the current challenges in professional environments experienced by Black professionals and the barriers that exists to addressing them
- Increase understanding of the concept of resiliency and its relevance for Black professionals in the work and learning environment
- Share tools and techniques that support the activation of resilience for Black community within the work and learning environment
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) – Challenging Anti-Black Racism – Part II with Sacha Ally and Adam Benn
- Explore the impact of anti-Black racial microaggressions in the Virtual Environment
- Discuss using “microinterventions” as a strategy for addressing anti-Black racism
Friday, February 26, 2021 (9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.) – Understanding the Determinants of Health for a Healthy and Inclusive Community with Dr. Roberta Timothy
- To examine your positionality within equity work
- To understand the determinants of health and its importance to anti-oppression (EDI) practice
- To examine how equity can be centered in building healthy and inclusive communities (Access and Equity: Students & Employees, Curriculum and Programs, Campus Culture, and College-Wide Communication and Engagement)
To register, email zareena.khan@humber.ca.
February’s Playlist
Borrowing a page from President Barack Obama, the Centre is pleased to offer a playlist of some of our favourite artists:
