Black History Month

The University of Lethbridge continues its journey and commitment to eliminating anti-Black racism and advancing Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. As part of this journey, for 2025 the theme for Black History Month is Reclaiming the Narrative: Celebrating Black History and Black Presence.

This year’s theme is so important as it speaks to elevating the full story of the experience of the Black communities not only in Canada, but also the history of the Black community here in Alberta. It reminds us that our humanity and our stories create an opportunity for celebration, connection and community that recognizes the cultural richness of our students and employees, which makes us stronger as an institution.

“Celebrating Black History Month is an opportunity for our community to come together in recognizing and honouring the unique stories and significant contributions made by our Black students, staff and faculty at the University of Lethbridge,” says Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

“Black History Month is a constant reminder of the ongoing need to remain vigilant, ensuring that we are open to learning about the many stories, achievements and resilience of Black communities, and that we do not fall prey to the danger of single stories,” adds Martha Mathurin-Moe, Vice-Provost of Accessibility, Belonging and Community. “Stories bring us together and stories remind us of our own humanity.”

For 2025, as we continue to work together as a university campus for all, it is important that  we remain courageous and curious in learning about the many scholars, creatives, innovators, cultural icons and activists who are pillars of Black presence on our campuses, and in our communities, within Canada and around the world. Black History goes beyond the month of February, but this month let us take the time to remember that the Black community is part of our story.

Join us for the opening ceremony of Black History Month on February 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. online and in-person for Coffee with the Artist Erika DeFreitas at 3 p.m. in the Hess Gallery (W600).

The presence, history and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities have not always been acknowledged or celebrated in all parts of Canada. Therefore, it is crucial to dedicate specific efforts to not only recognize but to learn about the contributions Black Canadians made in establishing the country and society we all know today.

There are several background events to the Black History Month celebration. However, it was not until February 2008 when Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Canadian Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month that it became a nation-wide celebration. Although Black History Month is celebrated in February, it is important to honour the contributions of Black Canadians and Black communities throughout the year.

Celebrating Black History Month is another step forward towards advancing equity, diversity and Black inclusion at the University of Lethbridge. On November 18, 2021, ULethbridge joined more than 40 universities and colleges from across Canada in signing the Scarborough Charter, a commitment to eliminating anti-Black racism and advancing Black inclusion in Canadian higher education.

“The Scarborough Charter represents one of the ongoing commitments and a call to action from Canadian higher education institutions to do the hard work ahead to repair and reconcile their role in historically excluding marginalized groups,” said Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “By signing the Charter, the University is committed to doing our ethical part in addressing these social injustices and to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.”

Black History Month is about taking the time to not only honour and celebrate but to acknowledge, to remember, to listen and to create brave spaces for the voices of Black students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members to be heard. The events of 2020 were an important catalyst propelling anti-blackness into the social discourse. We cannot stop the conversations – they must continue.

It is important that we ensure that a full story of the Black community experience is shared. The Black community has been present in Alberta for generations and is a key contributor to the cultural landscape of the province.

Becoming an ally is a lifelong process, primarily a learning process! The first step we can take is to be curious and inform ourselves about the realities faced by Black Canadians and their communities, as well as their contributions to Canada. An ally does not remain silent when witnessing racism, discrimination, or oppression. As allies, we can also act in solidarity with individuals, groups and organizations actively engaged in anti-racism and anti-discrimination work, through volunteer work, donations or simply attending their events or helping propagate their message.