Brock will mark Black History Month/African Heritage Month (BHM/AHM) with a robust lineup of programming that celebrates the experiences, culture and impact of Black, African and Caribbean communities at the University and beyond.

A campus-wide gathering on Monday, Feb. 2 will kick off the month. It will run from 10 a.m. to noon in the Rankin Family Pavilion and all are welcome to attend.

The launch event will feature an engaging and interactive conversation with Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Sport Management Janelle Joseph. As Brock’s new Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Racial Justice, Health and Sport and founder of the Indigeneity, Diaspora, Equity and Anti-racism in Sport (IDEAS) Research lab, Joseph studies how issues of racial justice relate to local and global experiences of health, fitness, leisure and sport.

The event will also include the formal announcement of Brock’s newly adopted African Canadian Ancestral Acknowledgment.

The day will conclude with a preview of the opportunities for shared learning and involvement taking place throughout February.

Among the month’s highlights is the return of the popular Afro-Caribbean Night on Friday, Feb. 27 in Market Hall. Hosted by the Black Student Success Centre, Student Justice Centre, Gender and Sexual Violence Team and five Black student clubs, it includes live performances, a Black Futures Showcase of student researchers and creators, and a selection of vendors and cuisine. It is sponsored in part by
the City of St. Catharines.

Fourth-year Business Communications student Ralphson Amiaka, who will perform and serve as MC at the event, said it is a unifying and vibrant showcase of Black excellence and creativity.

“From dancing to comedy and fashion, being up on the stage unlocks an inner side of you and makes you feel like you have achieved something beyond your academics,” said Amiaka, who is also President of the Nigerian Student Association. “It brings together students from across Brock and the community who have open minds and want to collaborate and learn from each other. There’s a real sense of belonging and positivity.”

Other events include a Community Bash on Thursday, Feb. 5; a screening and accompanying masterclass of the film FANON on Friday, Feb. 13; a lunch-and-learn session exploring intergenerational healing through Afro-Caribbean perspectives on Friday, Feb. 27; and workshops on the use of African American Vernacular English in North America on Thursday, Feb. 12, and the harmful impacts of sexual racism on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Students can also participate in experiential learning opportunities to engage with guest speakers during several course integrations planned during the month.

A growing list of programming aimed at dismantling anti-Black racism and promoting Black excellence and flourishing can be found on the BHM/AHM ExperienceBU page.