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Niagara Falls
Friday, March 29, 2024
Brock to mark Black History Month with several events

With Black History Month two days away, events are being planned across the community to celebrate and honour the history of black Canadians.

Throughout February, Brock University will host a series community events, displays, interactive workshops, panel discussions and film screenings both on and off campus.

“We organize these events in the spirit of equity,” said Jean Ntakirutimana, associate professor of modern languages, literatures and cultures.

“It’s a matter of highlighting diversity and inclusion.”

Also known as African Heritage Month, Ntakirutimana stressed the importance of recognizing the accomplishments and struggles of black members of society throughout history.

“People of African descent have played an important role in the history of Canada and of the world.”

The same applies in Niagara, Ntakirutimana said, noting people of African descent helped shape the region’s history in many ways, including their involvement in the Underground Railroad, the construction of the Welland Canal and fighting in the War of 1812.

Several of the events will also have a special emphasis on the contributions of African women in history.

“That aspect is often forgotten,” Ntakirutimana said. “These feminine figures have played an important role in the history of humanity.”

Brock University’s Black History Month events:

  • Black Women and Powers/Femmes Noires et pouvoirs: Cultural display curated by SOFIFRAN from Monday, Jan. 29 to Sunday, Feb. 11 in Brock’s James A. Gibson Library.
  • Reflections Unheard: Black Women and Civil Rights: Film screening and panel discussion  on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Sankey Chamber. Open to the public.
  • Les matriarcats d’Afrique: Interactive workshop by SOFIFRAN (in French) on Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in WH 208. Open to the public.
  • It Takes A Riot: Film screening and panel discussion of Simon Black's film about the 1992 Yonge Street rebellion on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Sankey Chamber. Open to the public.
  • Contribution of Afro Descendent Women to the History of Humanity: A presentation by Nafee N. Faigou of SOFIFRAN and Jean Ntakirutimana of Brock University, on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Sankey Chamber. Open to the public.
  • Wilma: The Story of a Black Canadian: Film screening and Q&A with filmmaker Ayo Adewumi and Wilma Morrison on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the St. Catharines Public Library. Open to the public.
  • Babe I’ve Got to Go: Film screening and panel discussion with Andrew Moir, migrant labour advocates from Justicia, Jamaican farm worker from Vineland and a representative from the Jamaican Consulate. Held Thursday, March 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. Open to the public.

Student-organized events:

  • Let’s Talk About Colourism: Held in the Student Justice Centre on Thursday, Feb. 8, the student-focused workshop, which aims to examine colourism in depth, includes an open discussion and short presentation. Closed event.
  • Let’s Talk About Black Love: Held Wednesday, Feb. 14 in the Student Justice Centre, the workshop includes a short presentation followed by an open discussion about stereotypes and expectations related to black love and interracial dating, among other topics. Open to the public.
  • Black Men and the Pressure of Masculinity: Film screening and panel discussion on Monday, Feb. 26 that will focus on the experiences of black men with toxic masculinity, social expectations and more. Open to the public.
  • The Kaleidoscope Experience: Exposition and gala on Friday, March 2 held to cap off the month’s celebrations, while also recognizing the richness of Afro-Caribbean culture. Open to the public.
  • The Bell-Sloman Collection: Public lecture held Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. in MW 156 at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. Open to the public.

(Lists provided by Brock University)

Brock is working in partnership with SOFIFRAN on several events — an organization that aids French-speaking immigrant women who have settled in Niagara.

Events are organized and co-organized by Brock African Heritage Renaissance Group.

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