Written by Carmen Law, Director, Belonging, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Recognition, justice, and development: These are this year’s theme and message for Black History Month in various communities, including Kingston. Recognition of Black trailblazers, innovators, and change makers who have created, disrupted, and challenged norms to promote equality. While progress has been made, justice against inequities, discrimination, and violence continues to be a daily fight. Striving for justice and equality is emotionally and mentally taxing, so it needs to be a collective effort. The future is hopeful with opportunities to build, foster, and celebrate Black leaders and community members every day.
Black History Month is officially recognized in February, but the fight for equality and combatting anti-Black racism is every day of the year. We all have a role to play, who’s with me?
February 9, 1pm EST - CCDI Webinar: Unlearning anti-Black Racism
The conversation around anti-Black racism has mostly focused on strategies for eliminating racism within organizations and communal settings. In this webinar, we will explore how we can unlearn internalized anti-Black racism. Registration link - Please select “Employer Partner”.
February 10, 6pm EST - Kingston Grand Theatre, Black Histories and Futures Month Reception
SLC Black-identifying community members are invited to join community members from Queen’s University, Limestone District School Board, and the City of Kingston for a pre-show reception with food, drinks and conversations. Food will be provided by local restaurants, Sally’s Roti and Ellas Cuisine. Please register here.
February 10, 7pm EST - Kingston Grand Theatre, Freedom: The Spirit and Legacy of Black Music
Freedom! premiered at the Stratford Festival. In Beau Dixon's meticulously curated cabaret of 23 songs and reading, the spirit and legacy of Black music are clear and bold. The cabaret is divided into categories: Negro Spirituals, Silent Voices, Message Lost in the Voices, Encore, and Reading (Emancipation Poem by Haui (Howard J. Davis). 40 FREE tickets (some front row!) are available for SLC students and employees. SLC community members are also invited to join a “Talk Back” post show with the producer, Beau Dixon. Limited tickets still available, please visit URSLC. Members of the general public can purchase here.
February 14, 5:30-6:30pm EST - Black History Month: Celebrating Culture and History with the African and Caribbean International Association of Eastern Ontario
We are excited to welcome the African and Caribbean International Association of Eastern Ontario (ACIAEO) to connect with our SLC community! They are enthusiastic to share more about African and Caribbean history and culture through food, conversations and stories. This is an event for everyone to participate in! This event will be held in the Cornwall Campus Library on Tuesday, February 14, from 5:30-6:30pm. Register on URSLC.
All month long -- Check out SLC Library’s virtual display with many resources to enhance your learning and knowledge of the contributions made by Black Canadians throughout history and today. Resources include audio books, books, movies and documentaries.