College, U of L honouring Black History Month
By Lethbridge Herald on January 31, 2024.
Both post-secondary education institutions in Lethbridge will be honouring Black History Month.Lethbridge College is set to kick-off a month full of activities and learning opportunities that will highlight the diversity of the Black community on campus and honour the history and achievements of Black Canadians.
Black History Month events begin at 10 a.m. Thursday in Centre Core with opening remarks from Lethbridge College President and CEO Dr. Brad Donaldson and second-year General Arts and Science student Theresa Ogaosun.
Lethbridge College is part of a diverse, supportive and inclusive community,” says Donaldson in a release.
“Our role as a post-secondary institution is to ensure we create a safe environment where everyone feels welcome. That’s why it’s so important that we recognize and celebrate Black History Month.”
The University of Lethbridge is continuing its journey and commitment to eliminating anti-Black racism and advancing Black inclusion in Canadian higher education and says it’s important for 2024 that, as the school looks back upon that journey, it continue to share stories celebrating the resilience, strength and joy of Black communities. “Part of this work is ensuring we have safe and accessible spaces for our campus community to do so,” says the U of L on its website.
On Thursday, the university will continue this work by celebrating Black History Month under the theme — Black Joy: The Telling of our Stories.
The opening ceremony of Black History Month on Thursday at the university will be staged at 9 a.m. in the Science Commons Atrium.
“This theme creates opportunity for the celebration of our heritage as well as the multiplicities of stories for all Black people from Canadian, Caribbean and African Diaspora who have enriched our societies culturally, socially, politically and economically,” says the U of L.
“Black History Month is a coming together of our community to recognize and celebrate the diverse stories and numerous contributions that have been made by Black students, staff and faculty at the University of Lethbridge,” says Dr. Digvir Jayas, President and Vice-Chancellor in a statement on the website.
Martha Mathurin-Moe, Vice-Provost of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, adds Black History is the celebration of our many stories, contributions and resilience as a community which sometime get overlooked or undervalued.
“It is crucially important on our journey to creating safe spaces for belonging that we continue to build our understanding of the many scholars, creators, innovators, cultural icons and activists who are pillars of Black Joy on our campus and in our community, Canada and throughout the world,” says Mathurin-Moe.
At the college, Thursday is the first of two Cultural Attire Days planned for February. Students and employees are encouraged to wear clothing or items that represent their culture.
Back by popular demand are Black History Month meal kits supplied by the Lethbridge College Students’ Association. Students can register for a free kit, which includes a recipe card and all of the ingredients needed (minus a protein) to make pilau, a traditional rice dish popular along the Swahili Coast. In the past two years, students have also enjoyed meal kits for Nigerian red stew and West African jollof rice.
In addition, the Lethbridge College Food Court will be offering Black History Month-inspired meals through February, with dishes including black bean soup, sausage gumbo, jollof rice, jerk chicken and peri peri chicken.
Other activities over the next four weeks involve a mix of annual favourites like Black History Month Jeopardy and information booths in Centre Core, as well as new events including a movie night collaboration with the Lethbridge Public Library and Chinook High School, as well as free Afro-fusion dance classes open to college students, employees and community members. Throughout February, as Canada honours the lives and contributions of Black Canadians, events will be held in celebration and recognition across the city. Thursday: University of Lethbridge • Black History Month Kickoff
Cultural performance from the ULeth Black Students’ Association
Presentation by cinematographer and creative director Stephen Onyango – Faculty of Fine Arts- New Media class of 2013. 9 – 10 a.m. • CCDI Webinar: Celebrating Black History Month through story
11 a.m. - noon Register online: https://www.ccdi.ca/event-calendar/ccdi-webinar-celebrating-black-history-month-through-story/ Lethbridge College • Opening Celebration
speeches and information about upcoming events 10 – 10:30 a.m. Location: Centre Core FRIDAY • Multicultural Centre Black History Month – Oral History Project Launch noon – 1 p.m. 421 6 Ave South FEBRUARY 6 • Lethbridge College
Afro-fusion dance class Afro — fusion dance class 11 a.m.- noon 
On Campus: fitness studio (pe2408) register: https://give.lethbridgecollege.ca/event/black-history-month-dance-registration/e554603 FEBRUARY 7
 • Lethbridge College Afro-fusion dance class
6:30- 7:30 p.m. On Campus: fitness studio (pe2408)
 FEBRUARY 9 • Lethbridge Public Library, Crossings Branch Movie Night
Lethbridge College is partnering with the Lethbridge Public Library and Chinook High School to bring three free movie nights to the community. 6 – 8 p.m. Lethbridge Public Library, Crossings Branch FEBRUARY 10 • Galt Museum Hands on History: Black History Month The Galt Museum & Archives in partnership with Abdulaziz Sani of BIPOC Foundation, presents an opportunity to learn about Black History Month and enjoy a morning of dance! Hands-On History is an interactive program designed for children of all ages, accompanied by their caregivers, taking place on the first Saturday of every month. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. FEBRUARY 16
• Lethbridge Public Library, Crossings Branch Movie Night Chinook High School movie choice 6 — 8 p.m.
 FEBRUARY 23 • Lethbridge Public Library, Crossings Branch Movie night Lethbridge Public Library movie choice 6 — 8 p.m. FEBRUARY 24 • Galt Museum and Archives Black History Month Showcase and BIPOC Foundation Pitch Competition Celebrate Black History Month! Learn about diverse cultural groups from around the world through a talent show and display tables featuring cultural artifacts and historical presentations. 3 – 7 p.m. FEBRUARY 28
• Lethbridge College Lunch and Learn 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The cave (ce1300) MARCH 1 • The Black Excellence Gala: Black Royalty Edition
A night filled with live performances, inspiring speeches and a showcase of Black culture. 4 – 8:30 p.m. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-black-excellence-gala-black-royalty-edition-tickets-793643869177?aff=oddtdtcreator 59
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