Black Histories and Futures Month: Honouring Black achievements and perspectives

News & Announcements | 30 Jan 2023

February is Black Histories and Futures Month which aims to recognize historic and current contributions and achievements of Black Canadians and their communities. Traditionally, this recognition has focused on achievements of the past and looking back on history. However, there is a growing movement to shift this awareness to support and embrace the celebration of current and future Black peoples, and to acknowledge that there are multiple histories and futures to recognize. Although celebrating and uplifting Black excellence and the contributions of Black students, faculty, staff and alumni happens throughout the year, here is a look at what is happening in February to recognize Black Histories and Futures Month.

Black Medical Students Association Poster Display Unveiling – February 1: A special biographical poster display led by the Black Medical Students Association (BMSA) will hang in the Atrium of the School of Medicine Building throughout February. The theme for the display is “Resistance and Legacy” and the intent is to offer an engaging experience rooted in the celebration of culture, legacy and initiative. “Black history is beautiful, painful, dark, bright, but most of all, is still being written,” says Alex Taylor, one of the organizers of the event. “We hope attendees will walk away with great consideration of resistance in their own lives, to consider pioneers who have come before them, and also the heart of a culture that may provide insight into their own lives.”

Everyone is invited to the unveiling event happening Wednesday, February 1 at 12:30 p.m. in the Atrium of School of Medicine Building (15 Arch Street).

Black Histories and Futures Month Opening Ceremony – February 1: This is the tenth annual opening ceremony to kick-off Black Histories and Futures Month for the overall Queen’s and Kingston community. Focused on the theme of “Recognition, Justice and Development” the event will feature a moderated panel discussion with Dr. Aba Mortley, Daniel McNeil and Martha Williams as well as a Black youth leadership panel, and a live performance by poet and dancer Abena Beloved Green. Organizers will also unveil the events calendar highlighting activities and events planned throughout the month. If you have an event you would like to add to the calendar, please provide the details through this form.

Feature Stories and Social Media: QHS will be sharing stories on our website to highlight Black excellence and the work of Black alumni, faculty and learners throughout the month. Look for a feature story on the launch of the new Queen’s chapter of the Canadian Black Nursing Alliance (CBNA). They will be holding two speaker events open to the Queen’s community:

Black Voices in Nursing - February 10 at 4:30 p.m. - Hear from the founder and director of CBNA Ovie Onagbeboma and Queen’s PhD candidate and nurse practitioner Pauline Bleah-Neuwon
Black Voices in Healthcare – March 3 at 4:30 p.m. – Featuring Dr. Afolasade Fakolade, School of Rehabilitation Therapy and Daria Juudi-Hope, Director of Nursing at Shibogama First Nations Council (other speaker TBD)

You will also find content celebrating the contributions and impact of the QHS Black community on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels. We encourage you to share these stories with your networks.

Black Histories and Futures Month: Honouring Black achievements and perspectives

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