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. 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 EDI-AR hosts events to mark African History and Liberation Month. Event details will be updated here and in our event calendar as they are finalized.
Past Events
Tools for Success: Resume Clinic
The EDI-AR Office, Student Life, and the Society of Black Graduate Students invite you to join the upcoming career development sessions offered during African History and Liberation Month!
Author Talk: Shania Sanderson
In celebration of African History and Liberation, join author Shania Sanderson for a look into her new book, Always Expect the Unexpected.
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Venue: The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Ave., St. John's, NL.
About the book:
Nekia had everything she ever dreamed of, the typical falling in love and marrying the man of her dreams, a beautiful baby girl and closely knit, loving family. Nothing could go wrong, or so she thought. Twisted fate and bitter luck was about to turn her world upside down and take her through a series of unfortunate events. Will she be able to overcome the unexpected incidents that are waiting for her just over the horizon? Take a journey through this elaborately written book of short stories to get a taste of love, suspense, mystery, drama, and a minimum amount of horror in Always Expect the Unexpected.
About the Author:
Shania Shenekia Sanderson was born in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica and raised in the Parish of Manchester. Though her career path led her to Nursing, Shania has been writing short stories and poems since the age of 13. Her unique style of composing creative pieces will leave every reader searching for more.
This is a free program, but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090.
In partnership with The Rooms.
LinkedIn Workshop
The EDI-AR office, Student Life, and the Society of Black Graduate Students invite you to join the upcoming career development sessions being offered during African History and Liberation Month.
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Venue: Career Development Office, University Centre (UC-4002)
Film Screening: "Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story"
In celebration of African History and Liberation Month, join us for a special screening of the National Film Board of Canada’s documentary ‘Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story’, directed by Michael Mabbott and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee.
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue: The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Ave.
This is a free program, but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090.
In partnership with The Rooms.
Conversation with Dr. Boluwaji Ogunyemi & Dr. Delores V. Mullings, Vice-Provost, EDI-AR
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Venue: The Landing (UC-3015)
Virtual Access: Register for the event
Light refreshments will be served.
A Musical Evening at The Rooms
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Venue: The Rooms (9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s)
Seating is limited – Reserve your free ticket by calling (709) 757-8090 or Online!
This event is presented in partnership with The Rooms.
Career Development Sessions
Venue: The Landing (UC-3015)
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 2: The Art of Small Talk
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Session 3: Networking Event
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served.
National Film Board Screening: John Ware Reclaimed (Alberta’s Super Cowboy) at The Rooms
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Venue: The Rooms (9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John's)
Seating is limited – Reserve your free ticket by calling (709) 757-8090 or Online!
This event is presented in partnership with The Rooms.
Reconceptualizing and Reclaiming African Historical Narratives: Moving Beyond the Interruption of Enslavement by Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel
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, scholar Dr. Beverly-Jean Daniel will deliver a keynote presentation on moving beyond the interruption of enslavement to reconceptualize and reclaim African historical narratives.
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Venue: The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Ave., St. John's, NL
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
As part of the celebrations, join us for an enriching film night showcasing the documentary film Journey to Justice from the National Film Board of Canada.
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Venue: The Rooms
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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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 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.
The Black Heritage Choir features:
Geraldine Ankrah- Music Director
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 for a resume presentation by Career Development staff, who will then offer personalized professional advice from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Bring your resume! Refreshments provided.
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Career Development Centre (UC-4002)
Unleashing Opportunity through Networking: Learn Networking Skills From Staff and Students
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. Refreshments provided.
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Venue: The Landing (UC-3015)
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 advise about building your professional career after graduation. The event will be held at the Landing (UC 3rd floor), with pizza provided.
Panelists:
- Ife Alaba
- Nathan Muya
- Nicole Obiodiaka
- Ronald Rushambwa
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Venue: The Landing (UC-3015)
The event will be moderated by Lisah Nsanzugwanko, a Memorial student and vice-president of the Black Students Association.