Brock University will be celebrating Black History and African Heritage Month throughout the entire month of February!
This year’s events and resources include a BIPOC social, a featured collection in the library of Black Canadian Scholars, varsity sports fundraisers for Brock’s Black/Indigenous Heritage Student-Athlete Bursary, showcases of Faculty projects in Applied Health Sciences and Humanities and much more.
“Nothing About Us Without Us”
About Black History Month
Black History/African History Month at Brock has been an opportunity to celebrate and embrace Black Canadians and encourage everyone to learn about the accomplishments, histories, stories, and strengths of the Black community here in Canada.
Over the years, a wide range of themes have been an opportunity to jump start conversations around Blackness on campus. Through conversations and information sharing, we are able to take a deeper understanding of what Canadian History and present day society looks like.
Black History Month in Canada
Some may wonder about the history of Black History Month in Canada, where it started, when it started, and who put these conversations into field. Canada’s connection to Black History Month is one that works from the development of Black History Month in the United States of America.
The development of Black History Month found its footing in 1926, when Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated African American historian, suggested that there be dedicated time in the year specifically for the recognition of African Americans and develop an awareness of Black history in the United States. This birthed Negro History Week in 1926. In the early 1970s, the title changed to Black History Week which then became Black History Month in 1976.
In December 1995, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine put forward a motion that the House of Commons officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. This motion was carried universally by the House of Commons.
In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008.
Source: Black History Month – Canada.ca
Join us in celebrating Black History across campus!
Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 at 10:00am, Brock University’s Black History Month / African Heritage Month celebrations will kick-off with a preview event in the Rankin Family Pavilion. The preview will feature opening remarks and program highlights from students, staff, and faculty members across the Brock community.
Check out more events and initiatives that will be taking place this month!
Events at Brock University
There are no events scheduled at this time.
HRE Workshops/Drop-Ins
BIPOC Support Drop-In
Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday!
Time: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Thistle 254
Looking for a space on campus where Black, Indigenous, and students of colour can hang out, confide, and meet like-minded people? Well, look no further! The Student Justice Centre is relaunching its BIPOC Support Drop In again this semester every Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday in Thistle 254!
