
Inclement weather moved Friday’s celebration of Black History, Black Futures Month indoors, but as Marium Tolson-Murtty, director of the Office of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, and Mediation, noted, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of dozens of students, staff, alumni, and community members gathered in the Black Scholars Institute lounge.
“The rain is not going to stop us from welcoming and celebrating Black History, Black Futures Month,” she said.
The flag raising has been rescheduled to noon today — Monday, Feb. 3 — outside the west side of Chrysler Hall Tower.
Friday’s event opened with drumming by social work professor Festus Moasun and the singing of the Black national anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing by drama and education student Promys Robinson.
Clinton Beckford, vice-president, people, equity, and inclusion; Shetina M. Jones, associate vice-president, student experience; Black Scholars Institute director Camisha Sibblis; Kaitlyn Ellsworth, Black student support co-ordinator; and Afrofest co-ordinator Victoria Odubunmi addressed the crowd, with Dr. Jones directing her remarks to those of African heritage.
“Black excellence in Canada is a powerful testament to boldness, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to progress, both within education and society,” she said. “As Black Canadian we continue to break barriers, we inspire the nation with a legacy rooted in strength, intelligence, and an unyielding pursuit of justice and equity.
“Our contributions are building a more inclusive and dynamic future — one where every voice is valued and heard.”
The Canadian government has set a theme of “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations” for February 2025.
This special edition of DailyNews