BACKGROUND
The month of February 2024 marks the 29th 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 BASKETBALL GAMES
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2
WOMEN @6PM - MEN @8PM
Location: Tait McKenzie, York University
Ticketing: www.yorkulions.ca/tickets
• LIVE Anthem performed by WIBI member Emmanuel at each game.
• LIVE Halftime performances featuring IE Crew- York's Hip Hop Dance Club
• LIVE Halftime showcases featuring members from Grassroots Elite Canada.
• ON-SITE Concessions. Funds raised will benefit Grassroots Elite Canada - @wearegrassroots (IG)
BLACK EXCELLENCE: SPEAKER SERIES
FEBRUARY 2024
FISIHA KEBEDE
FEBRUARY 7 @ 7PM
Location: York Lions Stadium North VIP Lounge, 4th floor / Zoom
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/6775383433
KAISON STONE
FEBRUARY 14 @ 8PM
Location: Zoom
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/95631798774
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: CAMPUS RECREATION
FEBRUARY 2024
NIGHT SWIM
FEB 2 8:30PM - 10PM
FEB 15 8:30PM - 10PM
Location: Pool @Tait McKenzie
AFRO-DANCE
FEB 14 @8PM
FEB 29 @7PM
Location: Studio 4 @Tait McKenzie
3V3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FEB 16
Location: Fieldhouse @Tait McKenzie
Register here
(before February 13)
Come out and enjoy our 3v3 Basketball Tournament in collaboration with Black History Month.
This event will be accompanied by a brief educational component highlighting the achievements and contributions of notable Black athletes throughout history related to the intramural sport.
This will help provide participants with a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the month
STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT SERIES
FEBRUARY 2024
Over the course of Black History Month, Athletics & Recreation will profile prominent black student-athletes and staff through the return of our Student-Athlete Spotlight social media series. They will discuss the success they've achieved both on and off the field of play. Follow us on Instagram @yorkulions to share in the celebration!
PRIDESHOP: PAN-AFRICAN FASHION LINE
(LIMITED EDITION)
FEBRUARY 2024
BHM Pan-African limited edition fashion clothing line. While quantities last!
Visit www.yorkulions.ca/prideshop
DIVERSITY IN ACTION (DIA)
We would like to introduce ourselves as the DIA (Diversity In Action), we are the collective voice for diversity, equality and inclusion within York athletics. Founded In 2020 by two students who recognized the necessity for accountability, representation and student advocacy— Our initiative was born. Previously known as BIVSAA (Black & Indigenous Varsity Student Athlete Alliance), DIA was created to address the systemic barriers of misrepresentation and inequality of Black & Indigenous opportunity, varsity membership and experience within Athletics & Recreation.
Through the passionate work of our many student leaders who have committed themselves to the advancement of equity, equality and Anti-Black racism— York Athletics has seen profound systemic change. From the hiring of a Black Senior EDI advisor and the creation of Standardized EDI training for athletes and coaches, to the immeasurable change in student advocacy and expression of identity. We have created meaningful change for generations of students to come.
Diversity In Action means representation for ALL marginalized-identities including 2SLGBTQIA+, giving students the power to be seen, felt and heard. We value the lives and intersectional identities of our students and thus aim to reflect that. Together we are the change, a team of unified respect for and consideration of our differences.
The DIA is here to unify student efforts working alongside Athletics & Recreation to ensure the student voice is met with Action. We will engage in the education, student engagement and celebration of diversity, equity and equality within York athletics as we aim to make York a better place for the generations of students to come.
It takes one person to make a change but with a team, we are the change.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
@ YORK UNIVERSITY
FEBRUARY 2024
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.
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Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the legacy, history and contributions of Black community members at York University
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We celebrate Black excellence – the many achievements and successes of Black community members – and recognize that the contributions of this community have benefited the university and our wider society
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This year's theme for Black History Month is "Black Voices, Black Stories." We encourage York community members to listen to and amplify the diverse voices and stories of Black community members at York.
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We also invite community members to experience the rich heritage, traditions and culture of the Black community by attending the various Black History Month events being held across our campuses, where appropriate. These events include:
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Word Sound Power, an annual celebration of Black Artistic Expression, presented by the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora on Wed. Feb. 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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We ask community members to take the time to learn more about the past and present contributions of Black people in our university community and beyond.
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We all have a responsibility to do the work to learn about the Black community, stop anti-Black racism, and dismantle the deeply ingrained structures of power and privilege that allow anti-Black racism to thrive. Anti-Black racism renders Black thought, experiences and contributions erased from society and historical accounts.
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Our Framework and Action Plan on Black Inclusion reminds us that racism and white supremacy have been part of academia since its inception. These documents also acknowledge the impact of the systemic issues at the university and reinforce our commitment to addressing anti-Black racism at York.
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 #BHMatYU
Click here for more details about the BLACK HISTORY MONTH program at York University
