Jermain FranklinSports Centre anchor and UWindsor alum Jermain Franklin will talk with hockey exec and film producer Bryant McBride on Friday.

Alumni association celebrating Black History Month

A panel of Black alumni of the University of Windsor will discuss their experiences of life in Canada in a free public event Thursday, Feb. 25.

“Our Black Experience” will run 3 to 4 p.m. online.

Hosted by Dwania Peele (BSc chemistry 2011, BA political science 2011), owner of Canadian Small Business Women and author of The Power Within: Inspiring Stories of Female Immigrant Entrepreneurs and Voices of Strength: Inspiring Stories of Female Entrepreneurs, it will feature grads:

  • Tamara Lopez (BA psychology 2004), an officer with the federal government;
  • Brian Danso (BComm 2012), an account executive with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment; and
  • Osi Nriagu (BComm 2005, B.Ed 2007), an all-Canadian jumper with the Lancer track and field team now serving as a border agent with the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Register in advance to receive the link to join the conversation.

The following day — Friday, Feb. 26 — Jermain Franklin (BA communications 1999) will engage in conversation with Bryant McBride, producer of the documentary Willie, about hockey pioneer Willie O’Ree.

Franklin is an anchor on TSN’s Sports Centre, the country’s premier sports news and information program.

McBride was the first Black executive at the National Hockey League when he served as its vice-president for business development from 1991 to 2000. Willie documents another first — the league’s first Black player.

“Celebrating Excellence” will be presented on the Microsoft Teams videoconferencing platform from 3 to 4 p.m. Registration is required to receive the link. Attendees will also enjoy the opportunity of a complimentary viewing of Willie at their convenience.

Both these events are presented by the University of Windsor Alumni Association to celebrate Black History Month.

Black History: Honouring the past, inspiring the future