Celebrating and recognizing the diversity present on its campus, Lethbridge College is proud to once again celebrate Black History Month.
Throughout February, a group of Afro-Caribbean students and employees have worked with the Lethbridge College Students’ Association to organize a variety of Black History Month events. The goal is to celebrate and raise awareness of the different cultures and backgrounds of those who make up the college community.
“Celebrating Black History Month on campus allows us to showcase our diverse, inclusive and welcoming community to all of southern Alberta,” says Ibrahim Turay, an instructor in the School of Justice Studies. “We are excited to have a month where we can showcase the diversity present in both our college and Lethbridge as a whole.”
The college will officially close Black History Month with a “Peace and Justice” themed celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 28. The event will include a performance by Lethbridge’s Global Drums troupe and Sudanese-inspired foods provided by the city’s Africana restaurant.
“It’s important that we recognize Black History Month and our role in providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all of our students, employees and community members,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “As an educational institution, it’s vital that we play a leading role in celebrating the many cultures that make up our diverse campus and learn more about each other.”
Black History Month has been officially recognized in Canada since 1995 and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of people of African and Caribbean descent to the development and cultural diversity of Canada. The Government of Alberta officially recognized Black History Month for the first time in 2017. According to the 2011 census, Alberta has the third-largest black population in the country.
Lethbridge College held official Black History Month celebrations for the first time in 2017.
The Black History Month closing ceremony will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday in the Cave, located in the college’s Centre Core.