Student Life  

Black History @ NAIT

Black Canadians and people of Black, Caribbean or African Heritage have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage for generations. It is important to NAIT that we celebrate and honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and for their contributions to our communities.

Join us in February and beyond as we come together as a community to amplify Black voices and highlight Black Canadians and their stories of resistance, resilience and achievement.

Why do we celebrate Black History at NAIT?

Celebrating Black History at NAIT is essential for several reasons that include: 

  1. Honoring Contributions: We recognize and celebrate the contributions of people of Black Heritage to our institution. Their impact on our students, community and culture as well as their influence in various filed of study including, science, technology and business. 

  1. Education and Awareness: Celebrating Black History on campus, helps provides a platform to educate the NAIT community about the rich history, culture, experiences and contributions of Black individuals. This education helps dismantle stereotypes and racism, promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of people of Black heritage and foster a more inclusive environment. 

  1. Commitments to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging: Celebrating Black History aligns with NAIT’s institutional commitments to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We strive to create a learning and working campus where people of Black heritage, along with everyone else, feel valued, respected and that they truly belong. 

  1. Building Community: We believe that celebrations and events around Black history provides opportunities for people to come together, share their experiences, collaborate and build a supportive community.  that is crucial for student and staff well-being and success.  

  1. Fostering Dialogue: discussions around black history opens up conversations about race, identify and equity. In turn, these dialogues encourage critical thinking, empathy and allyship while also driving positive institutional changes. 

  1. Inspirating Future Generations: by highlighting the stories and accomplishments of Black leaders and innovators, NAIT inspires students to pursue their goals, knowing that they too can make significant contributions to communities and Alberta’s prosperity. 

By celebrating Black History beyond the month of February, NAIT not only honors the past but also intentionally creates space to listen to the voices of students, staff, faculty and community members of Black heritage and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable institution for ALL. 

Why is February Black History Month?

Black Canadians and people of Black, Caribbean or African Heritage have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity since the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator and interpreter, whose presence in Canada dates back to the early 1600s. 

However, their presence, history, contributions and communities in Canada has not always been acknowledged or celebrated as a key part of Canada’s history. 

In 2008, the Senate unanimously approved Senator Donald Oliver - the first Black man appointed to the Senate – motion to recognize the contributions of Black Canadians and officially designate February as Black History Month. This marked the completion of Canada's parliamentary recognition of Black History Month, building on earlier efforts by the Ontario Black History Society in 1979 and the House of Commons' acknowledgment in 1995 

Therefore, every February, is seen as an essential time to recognize the contributions of Black Canadians and people of Black, Caribbean or African Heritage, highlighting their significant and ongoing role in shaping Canada’s identity. 

Why does NAIT say Beyond Black History Month?

We emphasize "Beyond Black History Month" to highlight the importance of recognizing the harsh realities of Black people and celebrating their history, culture, successes and contributions in the community throughout the entire year, not just in February.  

 

Events & Activities

Registration information

If you are a student, you will need to register through Ookslife to attend the Black History Month events. Please note that you will have to create an Ookslife account.

If you are staff, please use the dedicated registration links to register. 

If you have any technical issues when registering for the events, please email amplifyblackvoices@nait.ca.

SPEAKER PANEL SERIES: Building Lasting Community through Education, Empowerment and Elevation 

February 5 | 1:30PM – 3:00PM | In person | Shaw Theater  

Join the Career Services and the OEDI for an inspiring speaker panel in celebration of Black History Month, centered around the theme: "Building Lasting Community through Education, Empowerment, and Elevation." 

We are honored to welcome distinguished speakers from the Black community who will share their journeys and experiences navigating the workforce and creating spaces for the voices of students and staff of Black, Caribbean and African heritages.  

This speaker series is open to all, regardless of background and is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation on Black History and celebrate the achievement and contributions of the Black community.  

Refreshments will be served. Don’t miss it! We look forward to seeing you there. 

Register Now

BLACK STUDENT CONNECT: BUILDING & CELEBRATING COMMUNITY AND PRESENCE AT NAIT 

February 12 | 4:00PM – 6:00PM | In person | MAIN CAMPUS – NORTH LOBBY 

Hosted by the OEDI Community Resource Center and the Nigerian Students Association, ALL students of Black, Caribbean and African Heritage are invited to come connect with fellow students, build a strong community and celebrate our presence on campus.  

There will be free food, music, lots of laughter and good vibes! 

This event is exclusively for Students of Black, Caribbean and African Heritage. 

Student RSVP

 


BLACK STAFF CONNECT: BUILDING & CELEBRATING COMMUNITY AT NAIT 

February 18 | 12:00PM – 3:00PM | In person | OEDI Community Resource Centre - Room T110 

Hosted by Ola Odanye & Alisha Shah from the OEDI, join us for Black Staff Connect, an event dedicated to building and celebrating the Black Staff community at NAIT. Connect with colleagues, share experiences and strengthen presence on campus. Light refreshments, lots of laughter and fun will be served. 

Be a part of this empowering event and help us create a supportive and vibrant community. 

This event is exclusively for Staff of Black, Caribbean and African Heritage. 

Staff RSVP

Attendance is optional and not tracked. However, we kindly request that you sign up to help us better prepare for your arrival. 

STUDENTS: Exploring Black Experiences: A journey through history and culture. 

February 3, 10, 24 | In person | 12:00PM – 3:00PM | OEDI Community Resource Centre – T110 

Hosted by the OEDI Community Resource Center, ALL STUDENTS are invited to join engaging sessions on  Exploring Canadian Black Experiences. In these sessions, there will short films, games, and lively conversations about history, culture and the journey towards systematic changes.  

Drop-in to unlearn, learn, relearn, ask questions you might have about Black experiences and be part of a community striving for positive change.

February 3 RSVP

February 10 RSVP

February 24 RSVP 


STAFF: Exploring Black Experiences: A journey through history and culture 

February 4, 11, 25 | In person | 12:00PM – 3:00PM | OEDI Community Resource Centre - Room T110 

Hosted by the OEDI Community Resource Center, ALL STAFF are warmly invited to join our engaging sessions on Exploring Canadian Black Experiences. Enjoy short films, games, and lively discussions about history, culture, and the ongoing journey towards systemic change. 

Drop-in to unlearn, learn, and relearn, and be part of a supportive community striving for positive change. We look forward to seeing you there! 

February 4 RSVP

February 11 RSVP

February 25 RSVP

Past Events

Welcome to Black History Month - Opening Event

February 1, 2024 | 12:00PM – 1:30PM | Dow Theatre & Virtual | Registration for in-person and virtual attendance closes January 31 at noon

As we kick off  Black History Month, you are invited to attend the opening event at the Dow Theatre.

Following the welcome address, we will be screening a 15-minute film titled "Ice Breakers" followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Alisha Shah and Tino Villatoro. The film screening and panel discussion will be hosted in-person and virtually.

If you attend in-person, there will be free food! We will be serving West African cuisine including small chops, meat pies, puff puff, Lagos donuts, and more! 

 

The Story of Black Hair - All You Need to Know About Black Hair

February 7, 2024 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM | Virtual | Registration closes February 6 at noon

“The stigma around Afro-textured hair is a construct and comes from myth.” Emma Dabiri, Author, Don't Touch My Hair

Hosted by the OEDI, students and staff are invited to join the virtual conversation about Black hair. In this session, we will learn about the history behind Black hair, how it was used to escape slavery. We will also talk about how we can demystify stereotypes, and answer questions about Black hair.

Come unlearn, learn, relearn, and ask any question you might have about Black hair.

Black History @ NAIT Apparel

Black History at NAIT apparel graphic
Black History @ NAIT hoodie male model

Limited special edition Black History Month and Beyond hoodies

To commemorate Black History Month and Beyond, a limited quantity of Black History Month hoodies are now available for purchase on shop AT NAIT.

Visit Shop @ NAIT

Learn more about Black History

Black Albertans You Should Know | Royal Alberta Museum

Every February, we honour and reflect on the history, achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and Albertans.

CBC Doc: 50 years of never-before-seen footage of historic Black events 

A Toronto community activist works to share his life-long video archive of black history with the world for the first time.

CBC series: Black on the Prairies

Exploring the past, present and future of Black Prairie life through the themes of Migration, Putting in Work, Black and Indigenous Relations, Politics and Resistance, and Black to the Future.

Educational Resources – Government of Canada

Organizations and educational resources on the history of Black communities in Canada

Noteworthy Figures in Canada

Read the biographies of some notable Black people in Canada who have helped shape Canadian heritage and identity, and who have made and continue to make enormous contributions to the wellbeing.

The danger of a single story – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice.

Resources

Library computer image

Black History Month: Virtual Bookshelf

Explore our curated list of books and videos available through the NAIT Library on various topics supporting Black History Month.

Black History Month books and videos

Black woman talking with other woman at table image

NAIT Student Counselling Centre

Life has its challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. For NAIT students, we offer free, confidential help and work with you to create a personalized plan to improve your self-care, mental health and overall well-being. 

Learn more and book an appointment


Related pages

We've compiled some additional reading, supports and resources here:

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