With February marking Black History Month, the University and Kingston are ing Black students and faculty through various events.
The University affirmed their for Black History Month in a Gazette article, explaining Black History Month offers an opportunity to “celebrate the contributions of the Black community, and to promote a more equitable future.”
“As we celebrate Black Histories and Futures Month, we that the Black experience is deeply woven into the fabric of Canada and Queen’s University,” Vice Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) Stephanie Simpson told the Gazette. “In acknowledging this history, we invite everyone to reflect on the diverse contributions made to Queen’s and society, and we signal to Black communities that they are seen, valued, and welcome.”
Yellow House takeover
The University is hosting the Hyve & Afia Beauty takeover of the Yellow House taking place from noon to 7 p.m. on Feb. 7.
Hyve is a student run organization focused on connecting students with local small businesses, services, and events, focusing on empowering students from minority communities in order to grow their businesses.
The Chop Shop and Trims by Teni, local hairstylists at Queen’s, will be offering fades and lineups. Afia Beauty, a Toronto based makeup artist, will offer an oil making workshop and EECLAWS will be doing nails.
Participants will also be able to contribute to a group mural designed by Yellow House staff, have a bite to eat from the supplied food and refreshments, and take a look at some framed photos from photographer King-David Olajuwon.
Kingston City Hall
Kingston City Hall and Springer Market Square will be illuminated on both Feb. 1 and 28 in red, yellow, and green—red representing the blood of Black people who have been killed in the fight for liberation, yellow representing equality, and green representing the greenery of Africa. The Pan-African flag will also be raised throughout the month.
“During Black History and Futures Month, we celebrate the enduring legacy and leadership of Black Canadians in our community and beyond,” Vanessa Mensah, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion manger with the City of Kingston wrote in a news release. “From trailblazers who shaped our past
to the leaders of tomorrow, we honour their contributions and commit to uplifting future generations, ensuring their stories continue to inspire and guide us all.”
Tracing a Black presence in Kingston and Beyond
The Museum of Lennox and Addington is hosting a Tracing a Black Presence in Kingston and Beyond event, highlighting Black history in Kingston and the surrounding area on Feb. 18.
In honour of Black History Month, the event will highlight Black history, culture, and liberation, featuring items from the Kingston archives, including a 1864 portrait of George Mink, a Black business owner and nephew of a wealthy Kingston hotelier. Mink later secured the contract for the stagecoach and mail routes between Kingston and Toronto.
Qanita Lilla, associate curator for Arts of Africa at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, will speak at the event about hidden histories and representations of racial minorities. She oversees the Justin and Elisabeth Lang Collection of African Art and works to bring its history into the present.
These event comes alongside a list of events compiled by the Queen’s Human Rights and Equity Office for Black History Month such as the LDSB Black History Month Opening Ceremony, SLC Basketball’s Black History Month Themed Night, among others.
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