Brock celebrates, reflects as Black History Month/African Heritage Month begins

The rich sounds of steel drums filled the Rankin Family Pavilion on Monday, Feb. 3 as the Brock University community gathered to mark the start of Black History Month/African Heritage Month.

The event featured an opening performance and speech from Niagara’s P.K. Hummingbird Steel Orchestra as well as a preview of the more than 40 initiatives that will take place throughout February.

Social Justice and Equity Studies master’s student Alli Rolle gave the event’s keynote speech, noting that the month ahead is one both for celebration and reflection. Rolle said that advancing anti-Black racism requires an intersectional approach and that embracing the struggles throughout that process can lead to strength in the path ahead.

Associate Vice-President, Students and Acting Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Brad Clarke also provided remarks on the University’s ongoing commitment to addressing anti-Black racism, promoting Black excellence and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

“Black History Month/African Heritage Month provides an opportunity to build community and collectively celebrate the achievements of the Black, African and Caribbean students, faculty, staff and alumni at Brock,” he said. “It is also a foundational platform serving to bring critical, ongoing conversations into focus and provides opportunities to reflect on how we best continue facilitating meaningful, concrete actions to ensure Black members of our community are supported to reach their full collective potential, on campus and beyond.”

The day also included a Black vendor market, including Pashie Cosmetics and Mimi Made — both run by Brock students — and O.H. Official and TrinitybyOB, run by Brock alumni.

A full list of events aimed to provide opportunities for shared learning and to celebrate the achievements of the Black, African and Caribbean communities at Brock can be found on the BHM/AHM ExperienceBU page and schedule at a glance.


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