Dear members of the Â鶹AV community,
Welcome to the start of Black History Month 2023! As in recent years past, February at Â鶹AV will be marked by a series of events that seek to deepen knowledge and to honour Black histories, presence, and excellence within and beyond our campus community. We salute the work and energy of the organizing committee within our Office, as well as various Faculties, units, and student groups such as the Black Students Network and the Â鶹AV African Students’ Society who are hosting events to commemorate the celebration.
Black History Month is officially recognized in Quebec since 2006 and at Â鶹AV since 2017. This year, Â鶹AV’s commemorations begin with an Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 1 February from 5-8 pm at Tanna Schulich Hall. We are proud to partner with the Faculty of Education for this Opening Ceremony in planning this event. We are pleased to welcome to our downtown campus Professor Rinaldo Walcott, Chair of the Department of Africana and American Studies and the Carl V. Granger Chair in Africana and American Studies at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), who will deliver the Opening Ceremony’s keynote address entitled Why Black Studies Now. If you would like to register to attend the event, please do so .
Black History Month offers us all a chance to continue to reflect on the work Â鶹AV is doing to implement its Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism, which was adopted in 2020. While we have made important strides, much work remains. The urgency and importance of this work is critical as we continue to witness ongoing acts of anti-Black discrimination and violence in our world. Our resolve remains unwavering, and we are committed to persevering in our efforts to address all forms of anti-Black racism with determination and humility.
Please join us in marking this important month.
Sincerely,
Angela Campbell and Fabrice Labeau
Co-Acting Provosts and Vice-Principals (Academic)