York is celebrating Black History Month. February is packed with virtual events to educate the community and celebrate Black culture at York, in Canada and around the world. Here’s a snapshot of what you can find this week:
For some fun student-led events this week such as trivia, cooking classes and more, the Student Community & Leadership Development (SCLD) Student Engagement Ambassadors have partnered with many of York’s Student Associations to hold #CelebrateWhileWeEducate to celebrate different branches of Black culture at York! Whether you’re looking to learn about famous African icons and pioneers, looking for a dance workshop or testing your knowledge about international flags, there is something for you here.
The Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion (CHREI) is holding a weekly Understanding Racism Workshop Series throughout February to provide students, staff and faculty the tools to understand racism and develop strategies to be anti-racist. This week’s workshops:
Acknowledging & Addressing Racism. Join this workshop and gain an understanding of how to recognize racism, how it can manifest and what its impacts are. You'll learn about strategies to address barriers to inclusive spaces and become familiar with relevant tools, policies and legislation within the York context. Tuesday, February 2, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Registration required.
Challenging Unconscious Bias & Microaggressions. Attend this workshop to learn about forms of unconscious bias and stereotyping that lead to microaggressions and discriminatory behaviour. Learn effective strategies that challenge our biases, reframe our ways of thinking and strengthen the experience of inclusion for all. Tuesday, February 9,1 to 2:30 p.m. Registration required.
In addition to this, you can also attend this month’s Respect, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) Workshops. These workshops are not only a great way to learn, but they are a professional development opportunity that will help you for your career beyond York. Attend at least three of the REDI workshops (90 minutes each) and complete the REDI Online Tutorial to receive a REDI Certificate of Completion!
Panel Discussion: Diaspora, Humanism & the Global Project of Black Freedom. Organized by Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), this panel brings together several influential scholars from Canada, the United States and Kenya to discuss the ideas in their recent books. Once the registration has reached capacity, this event will be streamed live on YouTube. Friday, February 5, noon to 2 p.m.
The week ends with a Celebrate While We Educate Panel representing all of York’s Black Student Associations together, discussing Black History Month on Friday, February 5 from noon to 1 p.m. Registration is required for all events. You can also find them on the SCLD Events Calendar.
Webinar: How York alumni are advancing initiatives in Black communities. This lunchtime webinar brings together LA&PS graduates who are currently involved in various initiatives addressing anti-black racism, to share their work in this area. Join as they discuss their path to success and learn valuable insights. Includes Q&A session. Tuesday, February 9, noon to 1 p.m. Registration required.
More Resources for Black Students:
Career Education & Development offers specialized resources for Black students, aiming to help them with job searches, career guidance and post-graduate study options.
To provide students with a safe space, Student Counselling, Health & Well-Being has created a support group exclusively for Black, Indigenous & People of Colour (BIPOC) students.
As part of the Division of Student's work to address oppression and confront anti-Black racism, SCLD has compiled a working anti-racist resource document to inform and educate the student community.
