February marks Black History Month, and MacEwan is honouring the event with informative and entertaining programming throughout the month.

“MacEwan is committed to being a welcoming and diverse environment. For the past number of years, MacEwan has situated itself as a space for Black History Month events to occur to encourage learning opportunities, community collaborations and student involvement,” says Irfan Chaudhry, director of the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Diversity (OHRDE). 

This year, MacEwan has partnered with the National Black Coalition of Canada Society – Edmonton Chapter and NorQuest College in order to expand on the programming and events being offered.

“Creating strong partnerships is an integral part of the success of Black History Month and the opportunity to work collaboratively with various organizations including NorQuest has been great,” says Rondah Worrell-Maik, EDI education and engagement officer of OHRDE. 

“A highlight has been working with the National Black Coalition of Canada and NorQuest on the Black History Month Opening Ceremonies that were held at City Hall. We hope to continue with collaborative partnerships for future Black History Month events.”

The opening ceremony occurred on February 1 and featured an African drumming workshop, musical entertainment from The Melisizwe Brothers, a Black-led community presentation and guest speakers. There were also numerous dignitaries speaking at the event, including Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions Kaycee Madu, and MacEwan President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee.

“When it comes to creating meaningful change, we know that our educational institutions have work to do to acknowledge the distinct, complex historical legacy of Black people in Canada, and to move toward inclusive excellence,” Dr. Trimbee said during her speech at the event. “Whether I am walking the halls of our campus or taking part in events in our community, the diversity of people and experiences is striking. It’s a strength. One we can and must draw upon to shape the future we want.”

The month’s events were carefully planned with input from a wide variety of sources, including students and staff from across the university. 

“The planning of every aspect of Black History Month was truly a team effort and OHRDE had the privilege of working with many areas throughout the planning process,” says Worrell-Maik.

There was also a dedicated planning team for Black History Month that included staff and faculty members from across the university, and Worrell-Maik notes that the Black Students Alliance, the Students’ Association of MacEwan University and the Library staff all contributed time and ideas to planning events. 

While Black History Month is a time to celebrate Black excellence, it is also a time to recognize and learn from the historical suffering of Black people. MacEwan is hosting educational events throughout the month, including a screening and panel discussion for the documentary Black Lives in Alberta: Over a Century of Racial Injustice Continues on February 6. The documentary follows five generations of Black Albertans and the discrimination that they have endured.

There are a number of other events to check out throughout the month, including a community pop-up shop on February 13 in Building 6. On February 14, Omari Newton hosts Unpacking the N-Word, a unique virtual session combining education, slam poetry and comedy that digs into some of the history and evolution of the word. There will also be a Black Professionals and Students Networking Event on February 16 in the SAMU Building.

“Feedback from Black students has let us know how important events like these make them feel a part of the campus community,” says Chaudhry. “While there is still a lot of work to do, Black History Month provides all of us an opportunity to elevate and celebrate Black excellence at MacEwan and in the wider community.”

For more information and a full list of Black History Month events, head to MacEwan.ca/BlackHistoryMonth.

Click on an image below to see the gallery of images from the Black History Month opening ceremony on February 1.