UCalgary marks Black History Month

February, the University of Calgary acknowledges and celebrates the significance of Black History Month (BHM) through events and education opportunities. 

From musical performances and virtual information sessions, to the Mobilizing for Change Conference and a discussion of AI and racism, BHM is an essential time for education, reflection and celebration of Black communities.

The history of BHM at UCalgary

Since 1996, the Government of Canada has officially recognized BHM. In November 2021, UCalgary signed the Scarborough Charter with more than 40 other institutions, committing the institution to empowering Black inclusion and excellence and dismantling anti-Black racism following four core principles: Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality, and accountability. 

In April 2024, UCalgary released a progress report outlining how it has taken action against anti-Black racism and the fostering of Black inclusion. Among accomplishments highlighted by the report: the installation of Jon Cornish (co-founder of the Calgary Black Chambers) as UCalgary’s first Black chancellor. The report also highlights significant work conducting across campus to address Black flourishing in governance, research, teaching and learning, and community engagement. 

Black History Month 2025 events

Here are the events set for UCalgary campus during BHM:

A Celebration of Music by Black Composers VII 

(Feb. 3, 12 p.m., Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre)

Music by Adolphus Hailstork, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson and Joseph Bologne. Musicians include Isaac Willocks, Jessica Muchiri and Edmond Agopian, violin; Ethan Mung and Isaac Willock, viola; Jerome Wang, cello; and Omari Holaki, tuba.

Learn more

Tips and Tools for Black Applicants to the UCalgary Bachelor of Social Work Program 

(Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m., virtual)

A virtual information session that recognizes the unique challenges and experiences Black students may face during the application process. The event includes personal insights, an interactive Q&A, guidance, and support. 

Learn more and register here

Black Canadian Writing - Featuring Irehobhude O. Iyioha & Vincent Anioke 

(Feb. 4, 12-1 p.m., virtual)

Dr. Irehobhude O. Iyioha, PhD, is a fiction writer, lawyer, academic and author of A Place Beyond the Heart. Vincent Anioke is also a fiction writer, software engineer and author of Perfect Little Angels. 

Learn more and register here

The Treasonous State and Postcolonial Precarity 

(Feb. 5, 1 p.m., Social Sciences 1339)

Dr. Paul Ushang Ugor, PhD, from the University of Waterloo discusses Femi Odugbemi's documentary, Makoko (2016), including how Afropolitan humanism designates the humanist vision that informs Odugbemi’s cinematic output as a leading Nollywood film director/TV producer, and the humanitarian uses to which Odugbemi has put his screen media work as a socially committed filmmaker.Learn more and register here

AI and Race Speaker Series in Commemoration of Black History Month with Calvin D. Lawrence 

(Feb. 6., 12 p.m., Bennett Jones Lecture Theatre (MFH 2370) or Virtual)

Join us for an insightful discussion as Calvin D. Lawrence (author of Hidden in White Sight: How AI empowers and deepens systemic racism) dives into the hidden truths of how AI is disproportionately impacting communities of colour, exposing the biases and systemic flaws embedded in the technology that shapes our daily lives.

Learn more and register here

Young, Black and Gifted in Tech- Innovate Calgary 

(Feb. 10., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Social Innovation Hub)

This event is designed for Black post- secondary students. We’re creating space to empower the next generation of Black leaders in tech.

This event is a unique opportunity for Black post-secondary students to explore pathways in the tech and innovation ecosystem. Through inspiring keynote speakers, engaging panels, interactive activities, and professional mentorship. Togther we are building a more diverse and inclusive tech community.

This event is in partnership with: Haskayne School of Business, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Haskayne, University of Calgary Alumni, Calgary Black Chambers of Commerce, ASE Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities, UCalgary Black Alumni Association, Black Canadian Women in Action, ABSSEC, MindFuel, TalentedYYC, Crown Mentorship Foundation, UCalgary African Studies Program and sponsored by Prairies Economic Development Canada.

Learn more and register here

Mobilizing For Change: Addressing Anti-Black Racism 

(Feb. 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with networking from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.; and Feb. 28 from 12 – 6 p.m., MacEwan Conference Centre)

UCalgary’s two-day Mobilizing for Change conference, supported by the Faculty of Social Work, begins with a unique vendor opportunity for Black-led organizations celebrating Black excellence. The event, hosted by Dr. Patrina Duhaney, PhD, chair of Social Work’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force, will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, empowering voices, and sparking action to combat systemic racism and create a more equitable society. The conference includes a special networking session with Black community leaders, an interactive health and wellness expo, and workshops.

Learn more and register here