Black History Month kicks off in Edmonton
PHOTO BY ANDREW KNACK / City of Edmonton
Numerous events are set to mark the achievements of Black communities in Edmonton.
Black History Month is set to be marked by events, education, and fun in Edmonton. The month, which celebrates the contributions of African, Caribbean and Black Canadians kicked off with an event at the Citadel theatre last week hosted by the city and partner organizations.
The local theme for the month, as per the African Centre, is “Acknowledging the Past and Advocating for Change,” an initiative to celebrate organizations and groups that have a meaningful impact within the local community. “Black History Month offers a community-wide opportunity to celebrate and amplify African descent culture in Edmonton,” said the Centre’s Executive Director Sam Juru. It is part of the centre’s mission of honouring the resilience and contributions of African communities year-round.
Along with the African Centre, the city is also partnering with the Edmonton Community Foundation and the Edmonton Heritage Council to support local community groups in putting on commemorative events through the Black History Month Initiative Fund. “Supporting these community-based events and activities is just one of the many ways we are highlighting the contributions of Black communities in Edmonton,” said Salima Ebrahim, Chief of Staff and Corporate Lead, Anti-Racism and Reconciliation for the city. “We are committed to working with Black communities to address the priorities and combat racism and inequities.”
MacEwan University is kicking off the month with numerous events and activities put on by the MacEwan Office of Human Rights and SAMU. Such as lectures and tea times that cover numerous topics from mentorship to language and line dances welcoming all students and skill levels to come and participate.
While February recognizes the contributions of the diaspora communities to the city, it is important to promote black history and culture year round according to David Ridley, Executive Director of the EHC. “These initiatives create meaningful opportunities for all Edmontonians,” he said, “to understand and appreciate the contributions of Black communities to Edmonton’s past, present and future.”
“Education and awareness are at the heart of Black History Month.” said ECF CEO Tina Thomas. Noting that with the granting program 28 Black-led organizations have received support, up from 15 the previous year, to help host events that highlight the resilience and achievement in the community.
The city of Edmonton also sponsors a free micro-course through the University of Alberta that promotes learning and reflection and solidarity by exploring the histories of Black Canadians through different contexts such as art, activism and migration have shaped the black presence in Canada.
A list of different events can be found at the city’s website. Black History Month runs for the entire month of February.
