Feb. 7, 2019

Each February, Black History Month recognizes historic and ongoing struggles toward racial equality and celebrates the experiences and accomplishments of black Canadians. Events taking place at Wilfrid Laurier University this month will raise awareness and promote equality and respect.

Beating the Odds Conference – Fortitude: Having Courage in the Face of Adversity

Friday, Feb. 8: The Beating the Odds conference, led by Laurier’s Association of Black Students, seeks to empower black high school students to pursue post-secondary education. This year marks the 14th anniversary of the conference, which has grown from 30 participants in 2005 to nearly 300 registrants this year. The full-day conference takes place on Laurier’s Waterloo campus and includes speakers, a workshop and arts activities. For more information, contact abs@wlu.ca.

Black History Month with Clem Marshall

Thursday, Feb. 14: In collaboration with the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work Equity Committee presents Black History Month with Clem Marshall, an educator and diversity trainer. The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. in the auditorium (Room 101) at the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work building in Kitchener and begins with lunch, drumming and mingling. Marshall will present his keynote address at 1 p.m., followed by activities and a question-and-answer period.

Freedom is a Constant Struggle: A Talk with Angela Davis

Tuesday, Feb. 26: In collaboration with Laurier’s Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the University of Guelph’s Office of Intercultural Affairs presents the cornerstone event of Black History Month, Freedom is a Constant Struggle: A Talk with Angela Davis. Through her activism and scholarship during recent decades, Davis has been deeply involved in the quest for social justice. Her work as an educator — both at the university level and in the larger public sphere — has emphasized the importance of building communities of struggle for economic, racial and gender justice. Davis will explore cultivating personal resilience and offer critical reflection about what it means to be a global community. The event takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre on the University of Guelph campus. Tickets cost $5 for Laurier students and $15 for community members. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.

Moonlight screening and discussion

Wednesday, Feb. 27: The Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Rainbow Centre and the Association of Black Students, will be screening the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight. The screening will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Laurier’s Waterloo campus (location to be determined), followed by a short discussion about the film. Dinner will be provided. 

Black History Month Gala 2019: This Is Us

Thursday, Feb. 28th: Laurier’s SOUL presents its annual Black History Month Gala, featuring performances, fashion and artwork. The show aims to encourage empowerment, progress and solidarity under the theme of civil rights. Doors open at 8 p.m. in Market Square on the Brantford campus. Tickets are available at the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Brantford.

Culture Show 2019: Cultivate

Friday, March 1: Laurier’s Association of Black Students presents its annual culture show featuring performances, fashion and artwork on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. The show aims to encourage empowerment, progress and solidarity. Doors open at 6 p.m. in the Turret.