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University of Victoria

Black History Month at UVic

February is Black History Month. It provides an important opportunity to explore and celebrate the historical and current contributions of Black people in Canada. At UVic, we recognize the many achievements of Black faculty, staff and students. We also acknowledge ongoing work is needed to support racial equity, diversity and inclusion.

Black inclusion and flourishing

In December 2021, UVic signed the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education.

Work is underway to meet commitments outlined in the Scarborough Charter through community engagement, the collaborative efforts of the Scarborough Charter Steering Committee and committeed actions through the Equity Action Plan. There are also many individuals and groups across campus working toward these goals.

Learn about Black inclusion and flourishing at UVic.

UVic events - 2026

Feb 2 - 6: Global Village

Global Village invites vendors, community organizations, and cultural ambassadors to bring cultures from around the world to life at UVic and is hosted by the Students of Colour Collective and the University of Victoria Students’ Society. 

Before the Rain Falls immersive exhibition
Feb 4 & 5 in the SUB Upper Lounge. Come and experience art, reflect and engage in discussions of migration, heritage, identity, memory and home with 5 student artist pieces.

Between Places, Between Belonging: A Panel
Feb 4 from 2-4 p.m. in the SUB Upper Lounge

More than a seat at the table: Amplifying BIPOC Voices: Panel
Feb 6 from 2-4 p.m. in the SUB Upper Lounge, featuring research from Gabrielle Warrior, UVic alumni and member of Scarborough Charter Steering Committee.

Feb 3 - Black History Month Panel - Faculty of Law

12:30 - 1:50 p.m. in Fraser B261
Join UVic Law’s Racial Justice Program for a panel discussion moderated by Assistant Professor of Law Andrew Luesley. The panel will explore the diversity of Black experiences in Canada, with attention to history, community, and institutional life.

Feb. 5 - Celebrate Black History Month with Food

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come enjoy an African and Caribbean inspired meal at The Cove (Feast)! Offered by University Food Services in partnership with the Scarborough Charter Steering Committee. 

Feb. 6 - African Beading Workshop

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Student Life Hub (next to Mystic Market, Jamie Cassels Centre)
Learn about African beadwork traditions and create your own waist beads at this hands-on cultural celebration of African heritage.

Feb. 6 - Afrobeat night

6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Vertigo, Student Union Building
Come for the food, culture, some dancing, and community building. This all ages event is presented by the Students of Colour Collective, African and Caribbean Students Association, Black Law Students Association, and the Scarborough Charter Steering Committee.

Feb. 10 - Black Diaspora, Intellectual Life and the Current Academic Landscape

2:30 - 4:00 p.m. in the Engineering Computer Science Building, room 123
A public talk by Dr. Bright Gyamfi from Rutgers University.

Feb. 17 – Black Staff Lunch & Lounge

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 
Join an informal lunchtime gathering for Black staff to connect. Held on the third Tuesday of every month until July.

Feb. 25 – Between Weight and Witness

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. online via Zoom 
Acclaimed poet and Writing professor Shane Book (All Black Everything) together in conversation with current Writing graduate student Junie Désil (Allostatic Load): two powerful voices in contemporary Black Canadian literature reflecting on on their writing practices, the intersections of art and activism, and what it means to tell Black stories in the current moment.

Feb 27 – BC Black History Awareness Society Keynote

7 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the Baumann Centre, 925 Balmoral
Join Writing professor Wayde Compton in conversation with current Writing graduate student Junie Désil at this free public event, also featuring a musical performance by Caleb Hart. Compton co-founded Vancouver’s Black-led Hogan’s Alley Society and also Commodore Books, Western Canada’s first Black Canadian literary press, while Désil is an award-winning poet and author.

 More BC Black History Awareness Society events

Student clubs & advocacy

Resources