SASKATOON — This February, join the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community in learning, reflecting and celebrating the Black community in Saskatchewan and beyond during Black History Month.
The USask community will come together for a myriad of learning opportunities led by senior leadership, staff, faculty and students throughout the university to explore the diverse backgrounds and contributions of the Black community from across Canada. From movie screenings to panel discussions to social events, this year’s celebrations will include a variety of events organized by different colleges, schools, and units, providing numerous opportunities for engagement and education.
Each year, the planning committee selects a theme as an area of focus. This year’s theme was a collaboration with the USask Pan-African Students’ Association (PASA): “Radiant Roots: Honouring our Heritage.”
“As we step into February, I am reminded of the many contributions of all Black students, staff and faculty to the University of Saskatchewan and to our broader community,” said Edith Conacher, who is a student affairs co-ordinator in the College of Medicine, serves as co-chair of the USask Black History Month planning committee, and is acting secretary of the USask Black Faculty and Staff Caucus. “I am also reminded of the vibrant culture, creativity, and honour the radiant roots and rich heritage that shapes who we are as a people. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us come together to celebrate the beauty of our heritage and our history, learn from each other and to uplift one another as members of this great institution.”
A group of current USask undergraduate students and members of PASA worked together to create a series of short video clips showcasing what Black History Month means to them.
Watch the full Black History Month launch video here.
In a month of celebration, it is crucial to recognize and reflect on the past and present struggles of the Black community in Saskatchewan and Canada. USask is dedicated to addressing anti-Black racism and promoting Black inclusion in higher education through commitments made in the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education, which USask signed in 2021 alongside dozens of other Canadian institutions.
The Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic leads the work of the Provost’s Advisory Committee on the Scarborough Charter (PAC-SC), a dedicated group that provides recommendations on institutional strategies to enact the values of the charter to promote Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality, and accountability.
“Black History Month is an opportunity for our university community to recognize the diverse lived experiences, achievements and struggles of the Black community, both past and present, and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive future,” said Dr. Vincent Bruni-Bossio (PhD), acting provost and vice-president academic at USask. “This year’s theme, ‘Radiant Roots: Honouring Our Heritage,’ allows us to reflect on our core university values and our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can learn, innovate and grow.”
“We are so grateful to have guidance from Black students, staff and faculty from around our campuses as we dedicate energy to expanding opportunities and creating a culture at USask that is more equitable, diverse, and inclusive,” said Deputy Provost Dr. Patti McDougall (PhD).
As co-chair of the Black History Month planning committee, McDougall believes, “when we come together to deepen learning and to create shared understanding at our university, meaningful impact can be seen.”
One of the highlights of Black History Month is the upcoming Black Faculty and Staff Caucus Black History Month Gala, which features performances, speeches, and awards to recognize the achievements of Black faculty, staff, and students. Huskie Athletics is inviting all to attend women’s and men’s basketball games for “History Happens Now,” an event that will celebrate Black history and culture through sport, art and music. The program will feature live music, spoken word performances, fashion, visual art and historical facts about Black History in Saskatchewan. Additionally, Marquis Culinary Centre will host two culinary events that showcase the soulful flavours of Black history and culture. There are numerous other events being held by colleges, schools, units and student groups throughout February.
A full list of USask Black History Month events, initiatives, learning resources and supports are available at spotlight.usask.ca throughout February and the rest of the year.
— Submitted by USask Media Relations
