U of M marked a historic moment during Black History Month with its first ever Pan-African flag-raising on Feb. 2, bringing together students, community members and government officials in a celebration of Black history, culture and unity.

Renée Cable, Manitoba’s minister of advanced education and MLA for Southdale was in attendance.

“It’s a pretty phenomenal event to happen here. It’s never happened before, and [the U of M is] the first university in Western Canada to do it,” Cable said.

Cable emphasized the importance of community presence, especially in a time of global uncertainty.

“I like to be involved in all community events […] but especially in this moment in time where there are a lot of tensions in the world, I think it’s even more important that we show up for community and that we really reinforce that being Canadian means being accepting and open […] Our diversity is truly our strength.”

She also encouraged students to engage with Black History Month programming.

“If you go to Black History Manitoba, there is a full calendar of events for the entire month, from film to cultural events [to] dance. I invite everybody to take advantage of as many events as possible,” she said.

Harisharn Bahra, a representative of the Punjabi Students Association, described the event as a show of solidarity.

“It was a communal get-together for us to all come and celebrate where we all come from, especially the Black students on campus,” Bahra expressed. “It was beautiful to see so many other cultural groups come and uplift and support people during Black History Month.”

Isabella Emike Olatunji, a U of M alumna with a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies, was among the community members present at the ceremony.

She expressed her gratitude for being invited. “I’m very pleased to be able to participate and to be a part of this,” she said. “I believe that when we’re able to lend our voice and our presence to things that matter, that’s when true change, positive change, really happens.”

“I think it’s important that we recognize that we’re more than our colour, and we’re more than [what] society labels us,” Olatunji said.

Godwin Tshibambuyi, Black Student Community vice-president of membership experience, spoke on the event. “It means a lot to me personally,” Tshibambuyi expressed. “Being born and raised here in Manitoba, you don’t see a lot of Black exposure, or things made for Black students or Black people in general.”

“It’s way bigger than [honouring Black History Month] — it’s a step towards a brighter future, and a step towards a bigger path.”

Tshibambuyi also advocated for better academic support systems for Black students.