BACKGROUND 
The month of February 2023 marks the 28th Anniversary of the National Declaration of February as Black History Month in Canada; as proposed by Rosemary Sadlier and championed by the Honourable MP Jean Augustine. Both Jean and Rosemary remained rooted & resilient in their pursuits to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities.
Globally, the international community has recognized that people of African descent represent a distinct group. Whose human rights must be promoted and protected, hence the significant acknowledgment by the United Nations (the UN), the designation and proclamation that the decade 2015 – 2024, is dedicated as the INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT. To learn & participate in the Decade for People of African Descent, visit the United Nations website at the UN.org
Athletics & Recreation (A&R) uses the Sankofa Bird to represent that we are forever; rooted in the past and resilient moving forward!
In celebration of Black culture, in recognition of Black achievements, and in support of the significant contributions that Black Canadians have made to build Canada, A&R will roll-out or support the following activities throughout BHM:
BLACK HISTORY MONTH @ YORK
York University is considered a leading Canadian post-secondary institution that values diversity and inclusivity. With a long history of academic research creating positive change, student engagement, and inclusive initiatives around the culture of Black-Canadians, the University is proud to celebrate our community and highlight the many events taking place during Black History Month.
Throughout February stay tuned to this website and our social media channels for many ways our extended community are creating positive change locally and around the world through research, community service, and much more. You can also follow along and join the conversation with the hashtag #YUBHM or #YULIONSBHM!
Click here for more details about the Black History Month program at York University.
YORKULIONS PROGRAM
BLACK HISTORY MONTH PAN-AFRICAN LIMITED-EDITION FASHION CLOTHING LINE!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Launch of the BHM Pan-African limited edition fashion clothing line. ON SALE exclusively at the Pride Shop store located in the lobby of Tait McKenzie or
visit shopyorkulions.ca.
BLACK EXCELLENCE & GRIT SPEAKER SERIES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 @1pm
Date: Wednesday, February 2
Time: 1pm
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/99209825468?pwd=aGFybm5YM2toSW1wWjcvS3Y5anh4dz09
Meeting ID: 992 0982 5468
Passcode: 029424
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 @7pm
Date: Tuesday, February 7
Time: 7pm
Zoom: htttp://yorku.zoom.us/j/93396521092?pwd=RkNONWpnMndtMFh0eVVmV0x1UVhRZz09
Meeting ID: 933 9652 1092
Passcode: 261646
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 @6pm
Date: Thursday, February 28
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: South VIP Lounge
OPENING CEREMONY HONOURING WINSTON LAROSE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HARRIET TUBMAN INSTITUTE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
The Harriet Tubman Institute is committed to the study of the past as it is linked to the present experience of Africans and its Diasporas from multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Thus, the Institute's research program brings to light the diversity of Africans and its Diasporas. It joints to the necessity that we understand the diversity of Blackness and what Blackness means in the Canadian context. It offers York faculty members and students a unique niche of knowledge that exposes the richness and diversity of Africans and people of African descent's experience in Canada and globally.
On Thursday February 2, the event will recognizing local community Jane & Finch, leader, Winston LaRose, also known as Mr. Jane and Finch. He is a Social Justice Advocate, Community Activist, and the Executive Director Jane Finch Concerned Citizens Organization.
Date: Wednesday, February 2
Time: 12-2pm
Location: York Lanes, Second floor, Room 280N (upon invitation only)
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlduGprD0iHNNvQ9_96QF2D_ztOF4-y0H4
Follow @yorkulions IG account for Live snippets
WORD SOUND POWER - AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BLACK ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 @5:30PM-8:30
The Jean Augustine Chair is proud to announce this year's Black History month showcase. The showcase is an opportunity for the amplification of cultural and artistic expression as we spotlight Black oral narratives and musical expression.
RSVP for Free tickets
Date: Wednesday, February 8
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Accolade East Building, York University
BLACK HISTORY MONTH BASKETBALL GAMES
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 @6PM
BHM Basketball Games Women at 6 PM & Men at 8 PM, Winston will be present at the 6pm game – Tribute video for Dr Winston LaRose and recognition ceremony. BHM Pan-African limited edition fashion show.
Date: Friday, February 10
Time: 6pm
Location: Tait McKenzie, York University
Half performances will feature:
• LIVE presentation of Black History Month lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. WINSTON LAROSE A.K.A. Mr. JANE & FINCH with special tribute video performances by Dario Dvon.
• BIVSAA will model the special editition BHM Pan-African limited-edition fashion LINE
BLACK ICE SCREENING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 @7PM
In partnership with the Division of Advancement, Black Ice screening at the Accolade East, February 13, 2023 @ 7:00 – 9:30 pm
Free tickets are available
Date: Monday, February 13
Time: 7pm-9:30pm
Location: Accolade East Building, York University
BLACK HISTORY MONTH PAN-AFRICAN FASHION LINE (LIMITED EDITION)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Last Day to purchase the BHM Pan-African limited edition fashion clothing line. While quantities last!
Visit shopyorkulions.ca
MORE ABOUT BIVSAA
STUDENT-ATHLETE PROFILES
Over the course of Black History Month, visitors of yorkulions.ca will profile prominent Lions student-athletes of colour through the return of our Student-Athlete Spotlight series. They will discuss the success they've achieved both on and off the field of play.
