February 1 marks the official start of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of people of African descent.
The 2023 theme, Seas of Struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore, honours the strength and determination of people of African descent from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia and reflects the key role the sea has played in this history.
To help mark the month's significance, the tri-colour Pan-African flag will be raised in front of the McNally building. The red, black and green flag was created in 1920 to represent the people of the African Diaspora.
At Saint Mary’s, in addition to events listed below, we will be celebrating BIPOC members of our community on @smuhuskies with Black student athlete profiles featured throughout the month, and within the February edition of the Saint Mary's Entrepreneurship Centre's newsletter, The Entrepreneurial Minute, with a spotlight on BIPOC entrepreneurs. Be sure to subscribe to SMUEC's monthly newsletter here to receive the next edition in your inbox at the end of the month!
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Patrick Power Library
Throughout February, the Patrick Power Library is featuring a collection of library resources for African Heritage Month, on display on the ground floor of the library. Book recommendations will be shared online throughout the month on our social channels (@smuhfxlibrary). All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card. Browse the full African Heritage Month collection online: bit.ly/pplDisplays
Related: Patrick Power Library & Student Affairs share literary display for African Heritage Month
Dynamic Rural Business Series
Monday, February 6
5–8 p.m.
The Black Business Initiative (BBI) and the Sobey School of Business are launching the Rural Black Businesses Series at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
The focus of this event is to bring together rural NS black entrepreneurs and create a space to discuss their challenges and their successes.
CCDI Webinar: Unlearning anti-Black racism
Thursday, February 9
2–3 p.m.
The conversation around anti-Black racism has mostly focused on strategies for eliminating racism within organizations and communal settings. However, tools and strategies can only go so far when we have been socially conditioned into anti-Blackness. In this webinar, we will explore how we can unlearn internalized anti-Black racism.
This webinar is presented by The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).
Saint Mary's Huskies celebrate Black Heritage Month with community events
The Saint Mary's University Department of Athletics is proud to announce its celebration of Black Heritage Month this February, including our 'Black Heritage Day Basketball Doubleheader' on Saturday, February 11.
Throughout the month, Saint Mary's University will be highlighting some of our many incredible Black student-athletes whose impacts and achievements are important pieces of Huskies history, today, and every day.
On February 11, Saint Mary's will showcase a range of cultural events and activities at our women's and men's basketball games against crosstown rival Dalhousie Tigers.
Movie night for Black students: Love and Basketball
Wednesday, February 15
Library Classroom
6:30 p.m.
Join us for a screening of the movie Love and Basketball. Hosted in collaboration with the Black Student Coordinator and Patrick Power Library. Snacks provided.
Kemet Udjat: An African Heritage Month film festival
March 13–15
5–8 p.m.
Scotiabank Conference Theatre (SB 201)
Register here
Join us for three nights of film screenings, discussions and light refreshments. The films will all be shown in person, and the March 14 film will also be available for viewing online. More details to follow.
Monday, March 13: Le Mythe de la femme noire (2023, 1 hr 34 mins), directed by Ayana O’Shun
Tuesday, March 14: I Am Not Your Negro (2016, 1 hr 35 mins), directed by Raoul Peck
(Note: This film will be available to view in person and online.)Wednesday, March 15: Nowhere in Africa (2001, 2 hrs 21 mins), directed by Caroline Link
Presented by Dr. Jean-Blaise Samou, Francophone & Intercultural Studies, with the support of the Office of the Associate Vice-President Diversity & Excellence and the Alliance Française Halifax