Celebrating Black History Month at U of T

The motion to officially recognize February as Black History Month was introduced in the House of Commons in 1995 by the first Black woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. New College joins the U of T community in celebrating and recognizing the change makers of African descent in Canadian history, who shaped the fabric of Canadian society and impacted innovation in all sectors including science, engineering, medicine, public health, education, politics, and the arts. Here are some of the many events celebrating Black History Month happening at U of T.

The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) is running a series of programs celebrating Black History Month including:

The Journey: Black Leadership Navigating Institutional Spaces

Join ARCDO and Hart House on February 6 for a free film screening of Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message and discussion centered on Black women in leadership navigating institutional spaces. Engage in this critically important dialogue with one of Canada’s most prominent and revered champions of equality and inclusion for the Black Community, Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine. This event will be hosted in-person and livestreamed. Registration is required to attend in-person.

For other upcoming events, check out ARCDO’s calendar for Black History Month.

A Musical Celebration of Black History:

Join the Faculty of Music and the Toronto School of Theology on February 10 as they take the audience on a musical journey with performances of African-American spirituals as well as traditional and contemporary gospel music pieces. Special guest appearances include JUNO-nominated Patricia Shirley and University of Toronto Chamber Choir.

OISE Black Faculty in Conversation 2024: Showing up for Black Women in Higher Education:

Join the OISE community and OISE Black faculty on February 15 for a special conversation that explores what it means to be Black and a woman in higher education – highlighting the distinct challenges and shifts required to foster a more equitable environment.

APHD Celebrates Black History Month – The Frantz Fanon Symposium:

Join APHD and OISE on March 1 for an exciting afternoon that brings together diverse perspectives and interpretations of Frantz Fanon’s writing and theory. The symposium will be followed by a reception and a reading of “A Wretched Mourning,” a play about the life of Josie and Frantz Fanon.

Black Futures:

A series of programs using the lens of Afrofuturism to explore and present arts, dialogue and well-being at Hart House. The full calendar of events can be found on the Hart House website.

Black History Month Luncheon:

The annual tradition has been going strong for over two decades! Celebrate Black excellence on February 28 with inspiring speakers, dynamic performances and celebrate community in a welcoming space. Special guest former Governor General, The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean will be presented with an achievement award for her contributions.

Black Histories Wikipedia & Wikidata Edit-a-thon:
Representation matters: not just on our screens, but in the information and data we share. Join an online panel discussion and beginner-friendly editing sessions to help improve coverage of Black histories. Organized by library and archives staff and students at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto Public Library, University of Toronto and York University.