University Canada West observed Black History Month with a series of events around campus.
The month kicked off with the UCW Library presenting a February 2 screening of the documentary Someone Like Me, directed by Steve J. Adams and Sean Horlor. The film documents the journey of Drake, a gay asylum seeker from Uganda, as he finds support within Vancouver’s queer community during resettlement in Canada. The film explored themes of freedom, sexuality, race, safety and belonging, all against the backdrop of the pandemic.
On February 7, Student Life hosted a presentation on Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Impact. Asha Wheeldon, the visionary founder of Afro-vegan meal-kit company KULA Foods spoke about the profound influence of Black-owned businesses on corporate social responsibility, social justice, economic empowerment, cultural richness and environmental responsibility.
Student Life also hosted a Black History Month social at Vancouver House on February 13. Students came together to recognize the richness of Black culture. From delicious Caribbean-vegan delights catered by Calabash Bistro to engaging board games, it was an afternoon filled with flavour, fun and learning.
A forum Black Pioneers: Discussing Black History in BC took place on February 23. Silvia Mangue from the BC Black History Awareness Society shared the incredible stories of BC’s Black pioneers. The discussion on the achievements and challenges of Black leaders in Western Canada was eye-opening.
Also taking place on February 23 was the “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate, a Future to Build” panel hosted by the UCW Department of Arts, Communication and Social Sciences at Vancouver House which wrapped up the month’s events.
The theme, “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate, a Future to Build,” resonated with the broader national focus. Panelists included Mekdes Tessema, UCW Sessional Instructor, Business Analytics, Dr. Atsena Abogo, UCW Sessional Instructor, Social Justice, Dr. Denis Dogah, UCW Assistant Professor, Politics, and Shereen Kotb, moderator of the panel, herself UCW Assistant Professor, Politics.
Dr. Abogo presented the topic, “Are we all Canadians? An autobiographical and ethnographic journey of a Black feminist scholar in Vancouver: Empowerment, Critical Awareness, and Integration.”
The subsequent panel discussion saw Derin, a UCW alumni and current staff member, offering empowering advice to students from marginalized communities. Dr. Dogah suggested enriching the UCW academic curriculum with courses focused on African history and politics. Mekdes shared her journey of preserving her Ethiopian cultural heritage throughout her academic career. Dr. Abogo reiterated the significance of the intersectionality of social marginalizing categories such as race/skin colour, gender, social positioning in shaping the resistance, empowerment and successful experiences of Black individuals, drawing from her own academic and personal journey.
The Q&A session that followed allowed for further engagement, with attendees posing questions on various aspects of Black experiences and identity. The panel concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Shereen, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the present while striving for a future marked by equality, justice and inclusion.
Published on March 08, 2024.
