Black History Month is an important time in Canada and North America when we come together to honour the legacy of Black culture and history.
Niagara College recognizes the importance of celebrating and honouring Canada’s Black history and the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, as well as acknowledging the many hardships, challenges and injustices still encountered today.
Black History Month serves as a reminder to our community that we must do better, not only during the month of February, but always.
The events of 2020 in particular have reinforced the importance of educating ourselves, examining our social systems, and affirming our commitment to creating a more inclusive, diverse and culturally engaged college community.
“Black History Month is about recognizing and honouring the many contributions Black Canadians and their communities have made to the history of our region and our country,” said Sean Kennedy, president, Niagara College. “This month is about celebrating resilience, determination and change as we continue our work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse college community.”
From February 16-19, NCSAC will spotlight Black history from the Niagara Region on its social channels. Focusing on people, places and achievements, this spotlight series aims to educate the college community on our local Black history.
“There are many Black community champions, past and present, who have made tremendously significant impacts in our own local community. As an organization that advocates for social inclusion and diversity, it is important for NCSAC to bring an awareness and education to students on not only these champions but the importance of Black History Month,” said Tom Price, NCSAC president.
On Tuesday, February 23 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., the ncLibraries + Learning Commons, in partnership with Indigenous Education, is hosting a virtual living library event with guest speaker Sherri Darlene, a Niagara-based anti-racism activist and founder of Justice4BlackLives, who organized a peaceful demonstration in Niagara Falls in June 2020 to challenge racial injustice.
NC will mark Black History Month throughout February. Stay tuned for more information, which will be shared via InsideNC and on NC’s and NCSAC’s social media channels.
