Black History Month
The University of Ottawa Students’ union upholds Black History Month as a time where students can come together and witness the achievements, accomplishments and tribulations of black artists and entrepreneurs alike. The events inherent to this month are meant to not only recognize but celebrate black culture all while promoting student development and capacity building as a communal whole within this institution.
Events
Bike Coop Information on Marshall Walter Taylor
Date: February 25th 6pm
An information and content viewing session on Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor (1878-1932), a famous cyclist who at the height of America’s Jim Crow era, broke barriers by becoming the country’s fastest and most famous cyclist.
RISE Live Discussion - Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health x Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience & Culture Lab
Date & time: TBD
Conversation on the discrimination and disparities present in our healthcare system and the related mental health impacts experienced by People of Colour. This conversation highlights the unique burdens faced by students, and how the racial divide in healthcare is being approached by professionals including panelists such as Dr Jude Mary Cénat.
Don’t touch my hair: hair workshop by @curlyhairdesigns
Date & time: TBD
Collab: @Curlyhairdesigns; @Sigmabetaphi
Come embrace your natural afro, coily, kinky or curly hair with professional hair specialists. During this workshop, we will discuss the specific needs of curly & coily hair types, the best products to use, the best techniques to take care of your hair, and so much more! Stay tuned for the date & time of the event!
Black n’ Slay: Racial disparities in healthcare
Date & time: Monday, February 21, from 3pm to 4pm
Take a break and join us on Monday, February 21 at 3pm to help us create a safe space for Black women. During this meeting, we will discuss racial disparities in health care services. See you there!
This event will be held online (on Zoom) at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83418898048?pwd=Z1A4azBBODhmWmVSSHlyOW1wa1Zpdz09
If you need more information or if you have any accessibility needs, please contact the Events supervisor at wrc-events@seuo-uosu.com or visit our Facebook page @uOCRFWRC for more information.
RISE x HellaBlack Podcast discussion
Date & time: TBD
Hella Black Podcast by Delency Parham and Abbas Muntaqim uplifts the voices of Black radical organizers and activists who are doing the work in the field. Both Abbas and Delency are community organizers in Oakland as well as educators, who founded #PeoplesBreakfastOakland which serves the houseless population in Oakland by collecting items such as Tents, Blankets, Jackets, Socks and more.
Black History Month Gala
Date & time: February 27 from 4:30-7:30pm
The Black history month Soulful Expression Gala is a combination of the two major events organized in the past by the BSLA (Soulful Expression) and the RISE Centre (Black History Month Gala). The goal of this collaboration is to allow people to come together during the month to celebrate Black culture, community, and excellence through various forms of art and creativity.
Paint it black
Date & time: Monday, February 28 from 5pm to 6:30pm
Let’s paint together! In celebration of our special ‘Art & Activism’ Week, come get creative with us at the Women’s Resource Center (UCU 220) to help us create a collective art piece highlighting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We will also discuss the importance of having such goals in the fight for equity and justice for all! There will be snacks and drinks too!
Past Events
World Hijab Day: Trivia
Date & time: February 1st from 5-6pm
The RISE Centre, WRC, Multi-Faith Centre, UOMSA, and Muslimah Musings are going to be hosting a trivia night with different Kahoots focused on questions and facts about the Hijab and the people who wear them! We invite you to come and join either to learn more or show off your knowledge! There will be gift card prizes for the winners.
Black n’ Slay: ‘Strong Black Woman’ Stereotypes
Date & time: Wednesday, February 2 from 3pm to 4pm
Join us this Wednesday February 2 at 3pm for a discussion group where we will discuss the ‘Strong Black Woman’ stereotypes. We will watch a video that explains the negative effects of the Strong Black Woman stereotypes on the mental and physical health of these women and discuss it afterwards. This event will be held online (on Zoom) at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83418898048?pwd=Z1A4azBBODhmWmVSSHlyOW1wa1Zpdz09
If you need more information or have any accessibility needs, please feel free to contact the Event supervisor at wrc-events@seuo-uosu.com or visit our Facebook page @uOCRFWRC for more information.
RISE Instagram giveaway
Dates: February 7-11
Instagram: @eera_rise
The RISE centre will be posting trivia questions about Black History Month throughout the week leading up to a giveaway of a UOttawa hoodie!
World Hijab Day: Discussion Panel
Date & time: February 4th from 4:30-5:30
The RISE Centre, WRC, Multi-Faith Centre, UOMSA, and Muslimah Musings have also organized a discussion panel with Hijabis from all different backgrounds and careers who will be sharing some of their experiences as womxn who wear coverings as well as their own connections to the thousands of years of culture and tradition this represents.
Bring the popcorn!
Date & time: Friday, February 11, from 8pm to 10pm
Come celebrate Black History Month with us on Friday, February 11 at 8pm and your friends to watch the recent documentary about former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama where she tells us about her life, her dreams and what connects her to others.
This event will be held online (on Zoom via Netflix Party) at the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89167156293?pwd=K1V2dHhadllIVmg1Y0lrQ29FMEVJQT09
If you need more information or have any accessibility needs, please feel free to contact the Event supervisor at wrc-events@seuo-uosu.com or visit our Facebook page @uOCRFWRC for more information.
MultiFaith Food and Faith event
Date: February 16th (Time TBA)
Location: TBA
A celebration of local Black-owned African/Caribbean style restaurants catering delicious food, whilst the MultiFaith Centre leads a student discussion with direction from prominent faith-based leaders dedicated to the Afrikan and Black heritage. This will also allow students to learn more about the services offered by the MultiFaith Centre and how they can navigate intersections of race, faith, and other aspects of university life. Stay tuned to the MultiFaith social media to find out more information!
Roundtable: Allyship
Date & time: Thursday, February 17, from 5pm to 6:30pm
Come join us and take part in our roundtable discussion on Thursday, February 17 at 5pm on the power of allyship in the fight for social justice. In this roundtable, we will discuss what allyship is, why it is important, how it can be promoted, and what daily actions we can take to be good allies. See you there! Eventbrite link to this event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/table-ronde-allyship-roundtable-allyship-tickets-256181976187
If you need more information or if you have any accessibility needs, please contact the Events supervisor at wrc-events@seuo-uosu.com or visit our Facebook page @uOCRFWRC for more information.
Academic Freedom and Antiracism
Date & time: Friday, February 18, from 1pm to 2:30pm
On behalf of the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience and Culture Research Lab and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health at the University of Ottawa, it is with great pleasure that we are inviting you to a national event we are organizing for Black History Month with the legendary Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Myrna Lashley. The event is entitled “Academic Freedom and Antiracism: A Conversation between Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Myrna Lashley”. It will take place on February 18, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., virtually on Zoom.
This event will take the form of a discussion between Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Myrna Lashley, moderated by Dr. Jude Mary Cénat. There will also be a question-and-answer period for the audience towards the end.
As spots are limited, we must proceed on a first come, first served basis! Register now using the following link: https://uottawa-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d6tnRAhIRFO9SiJp9N_wFw
CSD Movie Nights
Date & time: February 21st (ENG) and 22nd (FR)
Presentation of a movie that talks about how the people throughout history who were fighting for Black rights also helped Disabled people fight for their rights. More information is available at @ uo.cei_csd and the Caracal link will be available day of
Awards
These awards recognize the contributions and accomplishments of members of the uOttawa Black community. Winners of the awards will be announced during the Black History Month Gala on February 27 at 6pm EST. Apart from the monetary values, winners will also receive a trophy
Presented by: University of Ottawa Students’ Union
Value: One award of $500
Deadline: February 17 at 11:59pm EST
Purpose
The Equity Advocate Award is presented to a uOttawa student or group of uOttawa students who demonstrate(s) an outstanding commitment to advancing UOSU’s Equity Statement through action. The award honours a uOttawa activist or group of uOttawa activists who:
- Facilitates, leads, or coordinates equity and diversity activities or causes within or outside of the workplace;
- Advocates for fairness, transparency, and accessibility
- Promotes any of the following: racial equity, disability justice, women’s rights, Indigenous rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and/or justice for other marginalized and/or historically disadvantaged groups.
Eligibility:
- The individual or group must be student(s) of the University of Ottawa
- Individual or group must be part of the Black community
- If you wish to nominate a club, this club must be approved by UOSU and the club must provide their club ID
- Members of the selection committee cannot nominate themselves or their group. However, if someone else nominate them, they must declare a conflict of interest and not participate in the discussion.
- Open to individuals and groups.
- Groups can only nominate themselves for a maximum of 2 awards and individuals can nominate themselves for a maximum of 3 awards.
Presented by: University of Ottawa Students’ Union
Value: One award of $500
Deadline: February 17 at 11:59pm EST
Purpose:
This award is dedicated to a member who has distinguished themselves through a lifetime of contributions and dedication to the advancement of the union.
Eligibility:
- The individual or group must be student(s) of the University of Ottawa
- Individual or group must be part of the Black community
- If you wish to nominate a club, this club must be approved by UOSU and the club must provide their club ID
- Members of the selection committee cannot nominate themselves or their group. However, if someone else nominate them, they must declare a conflict of interest and not participate in the discussion.
- Open to both individuals and groups.
- Groups can only nominate themselves for a maximum of 2 awards and individuals can nominate themselves for a maximum of 3 awards.
Presented by: University of Ottawa Students’ Union
Value: One award of $500
Deadline: February 17 at 11:59pm EST
Purpose:
The Creative Activism Award is a way of recognizing artists, musicians, poets, writers, designers, dancers, and other creators whose work is connected to human rights, the environment, economic and global justice, and cultural resistance.
Eligibility:
- The individual or group must be student(s) of the University of Ottawa
- Individual or group must be part of the Black community
- If you wish to nominate a club, this club must be approved by UOSU and the club must provide their club ID
- Members of the selection committee cannot nominate themselves or their group. However, if someone else nominate them, they must declare a conflict of interest and not participate in the discussion.
- Open to individuals and groups
- Groups can only nominate themselves for a maximum of 2 awards and individuals can nominate themselves for a maximum of 3 awards.
Presented by: Womxn’s Resources Centre
Value: One award of $500
Deadline: February 17 at 11:59pm EST
Purpose:
A Woman of Inspiration is an extraordinary woman who leads by example, lives on purpose and inspires others to be more and do more. They are a modern-day hero, game-changer, and role model who leads by example. With courage, confidence, commitment, and integrity, they inspire others to go further, making a ripple impact across their community as well as the Black community and around the globe. We are moving the needle to recognize the achievements of women making an impact.
Eligibility:
- The individual must be a student of the University of Ottawa
- The individual must be part of the Black community and identifies as a womxn.
- Members of the selection committee cannot nominate themselves. However, if someone else nominate them, they must declare a conflict of interest and not participate in the discussion.
- Open to individuals only.
- Individuals can nominate themselves for a maximum of 3 awards.
Presented by: Pride Centre
Value: One award of 500$
Deadline: February 17 at 11:59pm EST
Purpose:
The 2SLGBTQ+ Community Leader Award recognizes the exceptional efforts and activism of a Black uOttawa student who identifies within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Keeping in value with the mission of The Pride Centre, the 2SLGBTQ+ Community Leader has shown commitment in furthering intersectional approaches to gender and sexuality equity, promotes accessible spaces for the Black and 2SLGBTQ+ community and has fostered kinship with their fellow 2SLGBTQ+ siblings.
Individual members within the community are recognized for the exceptional work they do through our peer-nominated awards. Varying year to year, this award showcases the great work many people do behind the scenes for 2SLGBTQ+ equity.
Eligibility:
- The individual must be a student of the University of Ottawa
- The individual must be part of the Black community and 2SLGBTQ+ community.
- Members of the selection committee cannot nominate themselves. However, if someone else nominate them, they must declare a conflict of interest and not participate in the discussion.
- Open to individuals only
- Individuals can nominate themselves for a maximum of 3 awards.
Presented by: University of Ottawa Students’ Union
Value: One award of $500
Deadline: February 17 at 11:59pm EST
Purpose:
The Francophonie award pays tribute to students whose social, political or cultural contributions have a beneficial effect on the Francophone community and on the Black community in general.
Eligibility:
- The individual must be a student of the University of Ottawa
- The individual must be part of the Black Francophone community.
- Members of the selection committee cannot nominate themselves. However, if someone else nominates them, they must declare a conflict of interest and not participate in the discussion.
- Open to individuals only
- Individuals can nominate themselves for a maximum of 3 awards.
Presented by: Bilingualism Centre
Value: Two awards of $1,000
Deadline: February 19 at 11:59pm EST
Eligibility:
- The individual must be a student of the University of Ottawa
- The individual must be part of the Black Francophone community.
Requirements:
1-2 page paper about the black francophone student experience on campus. This can be about a single experience or several experiences. The paper should also include recommendations of steps that the bilingualism centre and UOSU should take to make campus a safe(r) space for back students.
Winners will be the students that provide the most practical (applicability+result) change recommendations to the centre.
Please send your finished paper to: bilingualism-coord@seuo-uosu.com
The centre will announce the progress it has made towards adopting these changes during the gala of the following year.