February is Black History Month (BHM) in Canada — a time to raise awareness of the issues and challenges that Black people have faced and continue to face.

The month honours the achievements of Black people in Canada and around the world. During this time, the contributions of Black communities are recognized and there is a reflection on the challenges they have faced and still face today.

On Feb. 1, a Black health symposium took place at the Brodie Centre on the Bannatyne campus bringing together Black healthcare learners from the Rady faculty of health sciences. The event included Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care Uzoma Asagwara, physicians, residents, allied healthcare workers and volunteers. The symposium also offered networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with professionals in the healthcare field.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and the wider community are also invited to participate in various events organized on campus.

Black History Month Celebration occurred on Feb. 3 in the Helen Glass Centre, hosted by the Black and Racialized Student Support Group in collaboration with the college of nursing’s anti-racism committee. The event featured cultural dances, fashion shows and spoken words — including a keynote speech by Minister Asagwara.

The conversation continues with a panel on Black history and multiculturalism on Feb. 4 at 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Carolyn Sifton Lecture Theatre in the Agriculture Building. The event will feature a light lunch with foods such as plantains, drumsticks, moi moi (bean cakes) and puff puffs (fried dough).

Dr. Warren Clarke, professor of anthropology, and Dr. Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey, a guest speaker from McGill University, will lead the third annual anti-Black racism as a mental health concern forum on Feb. 7. The event will occur at the Round House Auditorium from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Red River College Polytechnic, as well as on Zoom.

A data-focused panel on Feb. 13 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in room 235 at the Education Building will examine the intersection of data and anti-racism.

The month will conclude on Feb. 28 with an event that will focus on empowering voices and amplifying Black narratives in leaderships, where Minister Asagwara will provide another keynote speech. The event will occur at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Red River College Polytechnic, in addition to on Zoom.

As reported by UM Today, some members of the U of M community were asked to share their thoughts on the significance of BHM.

Ghislaine Alleyne, a change and improvement specialist at the U of M, views BHM as a time to share, celebrate and understand Black histories and present realities. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing achievements and cultural contributions while also learning about the impact of the transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery.

Alleyne highlighted the relevance of BHM in the context of rising racism and anti-immigrant sentiments in Canada, the U.S. and other countries. She called for reflection on these issues and encourages efforts to oppose discrimination in all forms.

Afua Mante, an assistant professor in the department of soil science, believes that BHM provides Canadians with a chance to reflect on their involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, which included the enslavement of Black people from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mante mentioned that it is a time to create space for Black people to share their experiences and confront anti-Black racism. She added that this month also allows Canadians to recognize the significant contributions of Black people throughout the history of the country. Mante emphasized the importance of fulfilling Canada’s ethical and constitutional responsibility to treat everyone equally. She will be a panelist on Feb. 4 at the Black history and multiculturalism event.