A collection celebrating Black scientists is now available on the Leddy Library website to recognize Black History Month.

The collection shares profiles of 28 scientists from a range of disciplines and contains a variety of supporting resources including original research, podcasts, children’s books, and scholarly monographs. The content explores past and present scientific findings from the 18th century to today with examples from across North America, including Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

Librarians Heidi Jacobs and Roger Reka compiled the list and selected resources.

Says Jacobs: “We wanted to highlight the ground-breaking and barrier-breaking work of Black scientists, many of whom have been forgotten or overlooked. In compiling this collection of names, biographies, and related resources we wanted to showcase the rich history of Black scientists but also highlight those scientists who are looking toward the future through their work to make STEM fields more diverse and inclusive for future generations.”

Reka notes that the works represent a broad spectrum of endeavour.

“This collection ranges from highly specialized academic research to accessible podcasts, from non-fiction books for general readers, to engaging picture books for children and creative works like plays,” Reka says. “What unites this collection is the way these 28 resources highlight the rich tradition of Black scientists and show an exciting trajectory for future scientists of colour.”

View the collection on the library website.

For the first time in years, members of the jazz faculty at the School of Creative Arts are performing together in concert. “Jazz Connections” is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Capitol Theatre.

The concert will feature Detroit-based vocalist Shahida Nurullah; pianist, composer, and arranger Michael Karloff; jazz bassist Michael Palazzolo; trumpeter, band leader, and alum Robert Fazecash; saxophonist Jeffrey Price; Toronto-based guitarist Miles Finlayson; and educator and alumna Vanessa Harnish on drums.

“Music connects the world and brings people together,” says Nurullah.

These professional musicians have performed on international stages, with orchestras, and hallowed jazz clubs. They have recorded and performed with jazz greats in the U.S. and locally and are educators making an impact on students.

“Jazz music has been called ‘America’s cultural gift to the world’,” Karloff says. “Born around the turn of the 19th century in New Orleans, jazz originated as a fusion of the blues, ragtime, African American slave songs, early gospel music, and Latin and Caribbean rhythms. For over a century, jazz has never stopped fusing new musical styles into its fold.”

The ensemble members each made suggestions for the program, which Karloff and Nurullah pared down to fit a 90-minute performance with no intermission. It will feature favourites from Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus, Kenny Garrett, Burt Bacharach, and more.

Find details and brief musician bios on the event website.

The Capitol Theatre is located at 121 University Ave. West. Tickets are $25 with a student rate of $10, available on the Capitol Theatre website or by calling the box office at 519-973-1238, ext. 2.

—Susan McKee

Join the Faculty of Human Kinetics’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee for a free special screening of the film, The Loyola Project, on Thursday, Feb. 9.

The documentary tells the story of the 1963 Loyola Ramblers basketball team from Chicago and the racism the Black players on the team faced as they made their way that year to winning the national collegiate championship.

“This legendary team challenged racial barriers at the height of the civil rights movement and changed the trajectory of college basketball forever,” said Adriana Duquette, chair of the committee hosting the screening. “This is an important film and the Human Kinetics Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee is proud to be able to present it for the University of Windsor and surrounding community.”

The film is narrated by Loyola basketball player and team co-captain Lucas Williamson and combines modern-day interviews with historic footage. Learn more about the film here.

After the screening, there will be a discussion featuring members of the Lancer men’s basketball team.

The Feb. 9 event begins at 5 p.m. in room 140, Human Kinetics Building. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome, with no need to book tickets or register to attend in advance.

—Sarah Sacheli

The Student Success and Leadership Centre has released dates for the 2023 Head Start orientation program, which introduces new students to campus facilities and services, as well as academic expectations at a university level.

Four in-person Head Start dates will be offered alongside one virtual afternoon session for mature, transfer, and part-time students. Three of the four in-person dates are faculty days, which offer program-specific success sessions and other opportunities for students.

One general date in August will also offer presentations specific to mature, transfer, and part-time learners, as well as information and resources relevant to new students no matter their academic program.

• Friday, July 7: arts, humanities, social sciences, and education
• Saturday, July 8: science, nursing, and education
• Friday, July 28: engineering, business, and human kinetics
• Saturday, Aug. 12: general, mature, transfer, and part-time
• Wednesday, Aug. 16: online mature, transfer, and part-time session

Students are encouraged to attend their faculty-specific day, however if they are unable to, there are provisions in each schedule for appropriate support.

Head Start allows attendees to tour the grounds and buildings, to visit the Campus Bookstore, get their UWin Card photos taken, explore residence halls — and gives them a chance to win $500 off their tuition.

Registration will open in May. Find more information on the Head Start website.

Members of the campus and surrounding communities are invited to attend University of Windsor president Robert Gordon’s State of the University Address in the CAW Student Centre’s Alumni Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m.

In a one-hour presentation, Dr. Gordon will celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of faculty, students, and staff at the University over the past year, and look forward to key priorities and plans that will move forward in 2023.