African History and Liberation Month
In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate of Canada, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008.
Today, African History and Liberation Month is an important opportunity to honour the legacy, achievements and contributions of Black people to society and culture, and to recognize the full breadth of the history of Black people in Canada.
Each February, the Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) at Memorial hosts events to mark African History and Liberation Month. Event details for February 2024 are available below, and those for February 2025 will be updated here and in our Events Listing calendar as they are finalized.
Reconceptualizing and Reclaiming African Historical Narratives: Moving Beyond the Interruption of Enslavement by Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel
Friday, February 2 | 7 - 8:30 pm
Each February, Black History and Liberation Month is observed in Canada, and 2024 marks the last of these months to fall during the United Nations’ Decade for People of African Descent, with a focus on recognition, justice and development. To mark this landmark February and , scholar Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel will deliver a keynote presentation on moving beyond the interruption of enslavement to reconceptualize and reclaim African historical narratives.
This evening event is presented by Memorial University’s , in partnership with The Rooms.
Tickets $12 (+HST)
Get your ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090. Parking is free for this event.
'Journey to Justice' Film Night: African History and Liberation Month Celebrations
Friday, February 9 | 7 - 9 pm
As part of celebrations, join us for an enriching film night showcasing the documentary film Journey to Justice from the National Film Board of Canada. The films being screened will be announced ahead of the event.
This event is presented by Memorial University’s , in partnership with The Rooms.
Musical Celebration for African History and Liberation Month
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Friday, February 16 | 7 - 8:30 pm
Join us for an evening of musical celebrations, where the vibrant rhythms of local musicians will resonate, embodying the spirit of unity and diversity.
Dr. Andrew Kagumba is a PhD student in Ethnomusicology at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. He also holds a PhD in Music Education from Texas Tech University. Born and raised in Uganda, Andrew's creative output is deeply influenced by the rich musical heritage of his Ganda culture.
Samuel Ebhohimen- Keyboardist
Racquel Thomas-Vocalist
Kuda Muvevi-Vocalist
Beatrix Abdulazeez - Vocalist
Olatide Elugbaju – Vocalist
This event is presented by Memorial University’s , in partnership with The Rooms.
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Need some help with your job hunt? Want to know more about what employers are looking for? Join us throughout February for three no-cost career development sessions and get advice from the experts in Career Development. The sessions are designed to address the needs and concerns of Black students, but all are welcome to attend.
During African History and Liberation Month, the Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, Career Development and the Black Students Association at Memorial are hosting the following sessions:
Tools for Success: Resume Clinic for Black Students
Join us on Tuesday Feb. 6 from 12 – 12:30 p.m. for a resume presentation by Career Development staff, who will then offer personalized professional advice from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Bring your resume! Event will be held at the Career Development Centre (UC 4002), with snacks provided.
Unleashing Opportunity through Networking: Learn Networking Skills From Staff and Students
On Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 12 – 12:30 p.m., hear networking tips and tricks from Career Development staff. Then from 12:30 – 1 p.m., it’s time to put what you learned into action during a Networking Lab hands-on networking experience. Event will be held at the Landing (UC 3rd floor), with snacks provided.
Breaking Barriers: A Panel of Black Memorial Alumni Discuss Their Pathways
On Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 12 – 1:30 p.m., a panel of Black alumni will share their stories and give advice about building your professional career after graduation. Event will be held at the Landing (UC 3rd floor), with pizza provided.
Panelists:
- Ife Alaba
- Nathan Muya
- Nicole Obiodiaka
- Ronald Rushambwa
The event will be moderated by Lisah Nsanzugwanko, a Memorial student and vice-president of the Black Students Association.