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.<\/p>\n
The event featured an opening performance and speech from Niagara\u2019s P.K. Hummingbird Steel Orchestra as well as a preview of the more than 40 initiatives that will take place throughout February.<\/p>\n
Social Justice and Equity Studies master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Associate Vice-President, Students and\u00a0Acting\u00a0Associate Vice-President, Equity,\u00a0Diversity and Inclusion Brad\u00a0Clarke also provided remarks on the University\u2019s ongoing commitment to\u00a0addressing anti-Black racism, promoting Black excellence and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlack\u00a0History Month\/African Heritage Month\u00a0provides an opportunity to build community and collectively celebrate the achievements of the Black, African and Caribbean students, faculty, staff and alumni at Brock,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is also\u00a0a foundational platform\u00a0serving to bring critical, ongoing conversations into focus and provides opportunities to reflect on how we best continue facilitating meaningful, concrete actions\u00a0to ensure\u00a0Black members of our community\u00a0are\u00a0supported\u00a0to reach their full\u00a0collective\u00a0potential,\u00a0on campus and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
The day also included a Black vendor market, including Pashie Cosmetics and Mimi Made \u2014 both run by Brock students \u2014 and O.H. Official and TrinitybyOB, run by Brock alumni.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0ExperienceBU page<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0schedule at a glance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t