Artwork by: Gabrielle Beckford, Media & Communication Studies student
A message from University of Guelph-Humber Vice-Provost, Dr. Melanie Spence-Ariemma
"February is Black Heritage Month. I invite our University of Guelph-Humber community to celebrate, reflect on, and learn about Black history, Black excellence, and the mosaic of Black culture, including the contributions, resilience, and lived experiences that have shaped Canada and our institution.
While we dedicate February to Black Heritage Month, honouring Black heritage does not and should not stop after just one month. We aim to intentionally uplift and centre Black voices this month, and throughout the year. We also acknowledge the barriers and struggles Black communities have faced.
Diversity is part of what makes Guelph-Humber a special place to learn and a space where everyone can belong. Let’s celebrate Black heritage and the roots that shape our community now and always.”
— University of Guelph-Humber Vice-Provost, Dr. Melanie Spence-Ariemma
This year’s theme of Black Heritage Month at the University of Guelph-Humber and Humber Polytechnic is Black Brilliance: Stories That Shape Us. It celebrates the power of Black storytelling as a source of identity, belonging, and community connection.
We encourage you to learn more about Black heritage through the Humber and Guelph-Humber Library’s Black Student Library Guide, which is an education and research guide providing links to further information related to Black excellence in Toronto, Canada, and beyond.
Black Student Support and Engagement (BSSE) is hosting a variety of events that keep Black heritage alive year-round, including this February. To keep up with all the events, click here.
All students are welcome to attend these events happening in the U of GH Atrium:
- On Feb. 4, join Student Life for “Movie Night: Celebrating Black Voices” – a cozy movie night highlighting powerful Black stories and voices – from 6 - 9 p.m.
On Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. explore the Black Heritage Month Library exhibit. Members of the community are welcome to learn about influential Black authors and discover new reads.
Artwork by: Lance Freeman. His piece honours Black inventors and innovators, and is located in the Learning Commons.