U of T events to know about this Black History Month

From improving the quality of Black history pages online to discussions about the future of leadership, and celebrating Black excellence through the arts, there are many opportunities to observe Black History Month at the University of Toronto.

Here are just some events happening across the tri-campus. 

Black History Month Welcome Ceremony 
February 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. | Kaneff Rotunda, UTM

On Feb. 2, mark the start of Black History Month with the U of T Mississauga community. Held at the Kaneff Rotunda, this event brings all Black-identifying staff, students, faculty, and alumni together to celebrate, create a safe space based on lived experiences, and engage in cultural games.

This event is hosted by the UTM Students’ Union, Black@UTM at the Office of the Vice-President and Principal, and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office.

Luv, Not Likes – Afrosonic Innovation Lab 
February 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. | Instructional Centre (IC) Atrium, UTSC

Luv, Not Likes is an event series hosted by the Afrosonic Innovation Lab that honours the unsung heroes of Scarborough’s Black music scene. Its inaugural event – taking place at U of T Scarborough – will feature a discussion with Muscle, a local entrepreneur and podcaster. 

Muscle has been at the heart of documenting reggae music culture in Toronto and will dig through an archive of Scarborough music history with Mark V. Campbell. 

Black Histories Edit-a-thon
February 6 – Feb. 8 – Feb. 15 | Online

The Black Histories Edit-a-thon is a series of free, online events that are dedicated to improving the digital coverage of Black histories and experiences. With three events happening this month, participants will learn about editing Wikipedia and Wikidata. 

This event is a joint effort by library and archives staff and students at the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto Public Library, and York University.

The Journey: Black Leadership Navigating Institutional Spaces
February 8 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. | The Great Hall, Hart House + live-streamed

Join ARCDO & Hart House for a film screening of “Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message,” which shares the uplifting story of the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine. Through re-enactments, the film depicts the courage and determination with which Augustine fought for the rights of women and Black Canadians.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Augustine.

News for the People – Virtual Roundtable Webinar Discussion
February 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. | Online

Presented by the Department of History at the Faculty of Arts & Science, News for the People is a virtual roundtable to discuss how Black journalists and historians report stories outside of the mainstream news and curriculum, ensuring Black voices are on the record – historically and in today’s age of misinformation. The keynote speaker is Karen Flynn, professor in the Department of Population Health Nursing Science at the University of Illinois.

Advancing Black Nursing Leadership
February 13 – Feb. 28 | Online

Bloomberg Nursing is hosting a month-long event series titled Advancing Black Nursing Leadership. Join them for three lunch and learn sessions featuring alumni and students who will discuss the impact of Black nurses in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the ways in which Black nursing students are creating positive community spaces to support future Black nursing leaders.

OISE Black Faculty in Conversation 2024: Showing up for Black Women in Higher Education
February 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Online

Join the OISE community and OISE Black faculty for a special conversation that honours the achievements of Black women in academia and acknowledges their leadership and impact. This annual Black History Month event will highlight the distinct challenges Black women face in the field and the shifts required to foster a more equitable environment.