February is Black History Month, and Lethbridge Polytechnic is proud to launch four weeks of Afro-Caribbean celebration, events and activities to grow awareness and inclusivity for students and employees across campus.
On Tuesday, the campus community will come together for Black History Month opening celebrations where they can eat incredible food, listen as speakers share the importance of Black History Month, learn cool facts about Afro-Caribbean countries with our featured world map, and test their knowledge with questions about Black history in Canada.
Throughout the month, featured art pieces from Black artists will be displayed in the Buchanan Library, and students can share their own creativity by adding to a communal art piece located in Centre Core.
Three movie screenings will be held as part of a Black History Month film series, as Lethbridge Polytechnic partners with the Lethbridge Public Library. The public is welcome to attend, free of charge, at 6 p.m. at the Crossings Branch for an evening (or three!), of film. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.
- The Upsetter (Feb. 7)
- How I Learned to Fly (Feb. 14)
- Olympia (Feb. 28)
On Feb. 11 and 12, students and employees can grab their own Jamaican meal kit and learn how to cook an incredible rice and peas dish like a world-class chef with recipe cards and pre-portioned ingredients. Additionally, the polytechnic Food Court will feature Afro-Caribbean inspired dishes throughout February, including black bean and sausage gumbo, creole baked mac and cheese, peri-peri, Cuban mojo sandwiches, as well as jerk and fried chicken.
On Feb. 25, join Dr. Ibrahim Turay, program chair, School of Justice Studies, as he presents findings from his dissertation on self-identified Black youth interactions with police in Calgary, Lethbridge, Brooks and Medicine Hat between 2019 and 2023. The session will be held in the E.C. Fredericks Theatre (CE1365) at 11 a.m. To learn more about Dr. Turay’s dissertation, read it here.
On Feb. 27, all students are welcome to participate in the closing ceremonies and cultural dress day; attendees are encouraged to dress in their own traditional attire. Then, all students and employees are invited to watch a Cultural Fashion Show that promotes the rich vitality of Afro-Caribbean culture. A catered lunch with comfort food staples such as jerk and curry chicken, rice and peas and steamed cabbage will close out the month.
For a full Black History Month schedule of activities and events, visit: lethpolytech.ca/Events/Black-History-Month.