Celebrate Black History Month
- University of Victoria
Black History Month celebrates the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities. Join the UVic community to celebrate Black History Month with a series of virtual events.
Humanities Literacy Week features Black feminist writer, calls for diverse creative expression with student competition
What: The “Unessay” Competition
Who: UVic Humanities in partnership with the Moose Hide Campaign
When: Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
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An “unessay” is a creative expression of research or scholarship that departs from the traditional academic essay in favour of painting, sculpture, film, embroidery, poetry, music, dance or any other innovative media. Students compete for three prizes as they present work that relates to humanities topics.
What: Humanities Reads
Who: Robyn Maynard, Black feminist writer, activist and educator
When: Friday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
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Humanities Reads features a reading and fireside chat with the Toronto-based Black feminist writer, activist and educator Robyn Maynard, author of Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present.
These events are part of Humanities Literacy Week.
UVSS Students of Colour Collective explore Black stories in cinema and mainstream culture
What: Understanding Black Identity in the Context of Mainstream Canadian Culture
Who: UVic Professor Moustapha Fall
When: Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Zoom link
UVic Professor Moustapha Fall leads a talk on understanding Black identity in the context of Canadian mainstream culture followed by a Q&A.
What: Dance Like Everybody’s Watching
Who: Dancer and UVic alumna Simone Blaise
When: Friday, Feb. 19 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Zoom link
This screening will expose viewers to the lives of three Black dancers in Victoria as they grapple with tokenism, racism and stereotypes. Following the screening, one of the dancers, Simone Blaise, will lead a discussion on topics such as racism, diversity and cultural appropriation.
What: Movie night: The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
When: Thursday, Feb. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Zoom link
When telling Black stories, it is important to go beyond stories of trauma, slavery and colonization. The Boy who Harnessed the Wind tells the true story of a Malawian, William, who—despite being kicked out of school because his parents couldn’t afford the tuition—managed to build a windmill for his community so they could survive a famine. William Kamkwamba is now an author and inventor.
Visit the UVSS Students of Colour Collective website for more information.