Welcome to Black History Month at U of T Scarborough
Black History Month was officially recognized in Canada in 1995 and since February of 1996, we take our time to celebrate the amazing accomplishments and legacies of Black individuals throughout Canada and internationally. Black History Month means different things to different people depending on who you are, how you represent, your lived experiences and the different places that we call home. For that reason, at UTSC we recognize that there is not one way to celebrate Black History Month, and we invite you to celebrations, speakers, panels, reading groups, and family functions in the different modes of expression as we celebrate this incredible month. This is a time of connection, this is a time of joy AND it is important to note that this time Black History Month must go above and beyond February because the theme, the joy, the connections and all that we celebrate must continue to be important every day, every month every moment.
We are excited to engage in Black History Month with you and we are also excited to go above and beyond February to make sure that Black brilliance is something at the forefront of our minds and thoughts each day. Thank you, everyone and I look forward to taking part with you.
Cherilyn Scobie Edwards
Director of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office
February 2022 Black History Month Themes
The Government of Canada has named the Black History Month 2022 theme as ‘February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day,’. which places a spotlight in recognizing how Black individuals and communities have shaped Canadian history and culture. This theme invites us to go beyond past and present and look to the ways that we can celebrate, learn more, and critically reflect beyond February.
The Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH), founded by Carter G. Woodson, has endorsed ‘Black Health and Wellness’ as this year’s theme in the United States. This theme emphasizes the importance of Black scholars, medical practitioners, as well as the rituals and practices that Black communities and cultures have done in support of their health and wellness.
In the spirit of wellness, connection, and support please note there are virtual and on-campus mental health services and resources available to our U of T community.
As you prioritize your wellbeing, please take a moment to explore and register for Black History programming this February and throughout the year at the University.
U of T Scarborough Black History Month Events
For a complete list of U of T Scarbrough student-only Black History months events, please visit the U of T Career Learning Network. Discover more virtual events held across all three U of T campuses.
Workshop: Robert Small (Making Money As An Artist & Entrepreneur) - Feb. 5, 10 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Learn how to make money as an artist & entrepreneur with Robert Small. Robert Small is a revolutionary artist, with an annual poster called “LEGACY,” which celebrates Black History Month in Canada through art and educates millions about the history, contributions, and accomplishments of African-Canadians.
Learn more and register today!
Black History Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon Launch – Feb. 7, 1 – 2:30 P.M.
U of T is co-hosting a month-long series of events on the basics of editing Wikipedia and Wikidata entries to improve the quality of Black history pages. The kick-off event will feature moderator Mark Campbell, assistant professor of music and culture at U of T Scarborough, Cheryl Thompson, assistant professor of creative industries at X University, and Collette Murray, a PhD candidate and African-Caribbean arts-based educator at York University.
Learn more and register today!
Black History Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon Group Sessions - Feb. 4, 1 – 4 P.M.; Feb. 11, 10 – 11 A.M.; Feb. 18, 1 – 4 P.M.; Feb. 25, 10 A.M. – 1 P.M.
Facilitated editing sessions. Come for community, and learn to edit if you're new!
Training for Wikipedia will be provided at the beginning of each session (10am-11:30am or 1pm-2:30pm). A separate training for Wikidata will be provided at the mid-point of each session (11:30am-1pm or 2:30pm-4pm).
Learn more and register today!
Speakers Corner: Shawn Small (Marketing & Business Development) - Feb. 9, 4:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
You’re invited to a talk on marketing with sports marketing specialist/business development leader, Shawn Small. Shawn Small is a dynamic leader and highly positive strategic partnership and marketing specialist with 25+ years of expertise in sports business management, sponsorship sales/activation, and key account management.
Learn more and register today!
Inspire: Fennella Bruce (Innovative Artists: Michael Chambers & Robert Young) - Feb. 15, 6-7:30 P.M.
Join UTSC the Hub as Fennella Bruce interviews innovative artists, Michael Chambers and Robert Young
Learn more and register today!
Our Stories: Black International Students - Feb. 16, 3-4:30 p.m.
Join us to hear directly from three U of T students as they share their unique stories of being Black international students in Canada.
Participants will be entered to win a raffle prize.
Hosted by: International Education Centre, International Student Centre & Centre for International Experience
Fireside: Chef Robert Rainford – Feb. 19 – 10 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Successful host of the “Licence To Grill” television show seen around the world, Recipe to Riches on CBC, former Chef instructor at famed George Brown College his alma mater, Cookbook author of Born To Grill and motivational speaker, Chef Robert L Rainford feels he is just beginning to hit his stride and is very thankful for the opportunity to share in his experiences with the mystery that is food.
Learn more and register today!
'Inspire: Fennella Bruce (Community Influencers: Itah Sadu & Melisa Ellis) - Feb. 22, 6 – 7:30 P.M.
Join the Hub as Fennella Bruce interviews community influencers Melisa Ellis & Itah Sadu.
Learn more and register today!
Hart House Black History Month Events
Humanz of Hip Hop: The Wealth Building Sessions (Series) - Jan 24 – Feb 23, 2022, 5-7 P.M.
This 5 week program bridges the world of finance and hip-hop and seeks to empower BIPOC students with the ability to navigate barriers and understand their personal finances within current socio-economic structures. The course series will also empower students to ask questions and demand change for greater access and equal opportunity to financial literacy knowledge.
Learn more and register today!
What Makes Us Human? AI, Spirituality and Race – Feb. 2, 6 – 8 P.M.
Join Dr. Rhonda McEwen, Suzanne van Geuns, Robyn Hillman-Harrigan, and De’Aira Bryant for a conversation that explores the intersections between artificial intelligence, spirituality, and critical race theory, moderated by Efosa Obano, lead Program Coordinator for the Black Founders Network at the University of Toronto’s Entrepreneurship Centre.
Learn more and register today!
'Hip Hop Family Skate—Special Edition II – Feb. 18, 11 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Let your backbone glide! In conjunction with Hart House's Hip Hop Education program, take a family break on ice. Head to the Hip Hop Family Skate special edition at Varsity Stadium for an afternoon of strictly Hip Hop beats, and family friendly vibes.
BRN Networking Event: Wellness – Feb. 18, 2-4 P.M.
Join the Black Research Network (BRN) for a guided discussion on mental & physical well-being with physiotherapist and U of T alum Andrea Meade
Andrea will share on some issues of wellness, including the power of personal coaching, time management, stress management, etc.
20th Annual Black History Month Luncheon – Feb. 28, 12-2 P.M.
Please join us to mark the 20th Annual Black History Month Luncheon featuring Guest of Honour Andre DeGrasse 6 time Olympic medalist and his mother Beverley De Grasse, Ontario Poet Laureate Randell Adjei and a special guest appearance by actor Tatyana Ali.
Stay tuned for surprise musical guest performances and join us to spotlight two scholarships in support of U of T students of colour, plus opportunities to win exciting prizes --You won't want to miss it!
Exploring Black and Indigenous Futurisms – Feb. 28, 6 – 8 P.M.
Presented in partnership with the AGO, this year’s event will ground us firmly in the earth as we excavate its metals and materials to examine our close knit ancestral history of African and Indigenous mythology and meaning making.
Learn more and register today!
I Am My Best Thing – Feb. 28, 6:30-8 P.M.
The Well Being Collective at Hart House invites you to join U of T students and members of the community for an evening celebrating Black History, Black Excellence and Black Futures. We will gather in community as we honour Black joy, love, strength, and resilience through expression of art and reflection.
Learn more and register today!
Women in Hip-Hop: Erasure, Trailblazers and Place-makers – March 8, 4-5:30 P.M.
Excavating the feminine influence and honouring Joan Morgan’s concept of “Hip-Hop feminism” this event will showcase 3 incredible voices, trailblazers and knowledge beacons in their own right who refuse to be tempered, marginalized or erased. Their shared experiences and knowledge of hip hop will have you questioning what you thought you knew about Hip-Hop.
Learn more and register today!
The Black History Month Podcast: Weekly Series
Follow @SCSUuoft on Spotify and listen in to our weekly series. New episodes every Monday!
This podcast is to plug and shine some light on great things Black students are doing at UTSC! What got them involved? Their aspirations for UofT, their goals, inspirations, as well as what they have coming up! Stay tuned for more!!
Hosted by Isaiah Murray (VP Equity). Music provided by @manlikekobs_