Upcoming Events
To recognize and celebrate the beginning of Black History Month, join the USask community for a kick-off event that will inspire our power to collectively shape the future by exploring and celebrating the unique contributions of the Black community across all disciplines.
Location: North Concourse, Place RielTime: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Monday, Jan. 29 to Thursday, Feb. 29
Time: Evenings after sundown
The Peter MacKinnon Building, located at the top of the Bowl on the USask Saskatoon campus, will be lit in red, yellow and green lights evenings after sundown to honour the legacy and contributions of members of the university’s Black community.
"Food for the Soul" is a series of culinary events hosted by USask Culinary Services during Black History Month in February. Held at Marquis Culinary Centre, each event will feature a unique menu highlighting the rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine of the African diaspora.
Join USask Culinary on Feb. 1, 7, 13 and 28 for a culinary journey celebrating the soulful flavours of Black history and culture.
During February, USask Peer Health's Cultural Wellness group will host a series of events. Social Insights is a four-part series that dives into different aspects of the Black experience.
The first part of the series will be happening on February 1st and will be focused on racism and mental health with guest speaker, Ida Belete.
Ida Belete has been working in mental health and education for over 10 years. During this time, she has been an advocate for spreading awareness on various social issues, taking a special interest in racism and social justice. As an educator, she has created and instructed courses to specifically tackle the issues of black women and other POC in Saskatchewan. She has been recognized for her work in education and mental health, including being nominated for the YWCA Women of Distinction award in education.
The events will be held in the USask Community Centre (Room 104, Marquis Hall).
Sign-up for Part 1 of the Social Insights series here: https://forms.gle/tyQGNAVUcigaVZ4b9
Hosted by the USask Pan-African Students' Association, this event is to showcase the ins and outs of African cuisines, culture and art. With free entry, go on a journey at each booth, support small Black businesses and be an audience to multiple electric performances.
Date: Feb. 2Location: GSA Commons
Time: 6 PM
Find more information here.
The USask Peer Health Scene Society's goal is to promote cultural diversity on campus through films. Films from different countries and in different languages will be presented bi-weekly.
Two movie nights will be hosted on February 2 and 27. Both movie nights will be held in the USask Community Centre (Room 104, Marquis Hall).
In honor of Black History Month, the Student Wellness Centre in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Association of Black Social Workers and USask Black Faculty and Staff Caucus, is hosting The Mosaic of Black Joy and Wellness Photovoice exhibit. The exhibit will be on display from February 6 to February 9th.
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Location: Place Riel, North Concourse
The launch ceremony will be held Feb. 6 at 10 AM and is open to the USask community and members of the public.
The theme for Black History Month 2024 at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is “Celebrating Black Experiences: Arts, Literature and More.” Members of the USask community are welcome to join the Provost’s Book Club, which will meet on three Wednesdays from 12 noon – 1 pm during the month of February.
Building on the momentum from 2022 and 2023, book club attendees will continue to read and discuss selections from the 55+ sections of The Black Prairie Archives: An Anthology, edited by Karina Vernon. The ebook version is available from the University Library, and hard copies of the anthology can be purchased through the Shop USask Bookstore.
Book club members can join the gatherings in person or online via Zoom. Registration is not required in advance. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and retirees are welcome to attend one, two, or all three weekly sessions. Please note that there will be no book club gathering during USask’s Winter Mid-Term Break, which is scheduled from Feb. 19 to Feb. 23, 2024.
About the book:
"This anthology establishes a new black prairie literary tradition and transforms inherited understandings of what prairie literature looks and sounds like. It collects varied and unique work by writers who were both conscious and unconscious of themselves as black writers or as “prairie” people. Their letters, recipes, oral literature, autobiographies, rap, and poetry- provide vivid glimpses into the reality of their lived experiences and give meaning to them." - Wilfrid Laurier University Press
| Feb. 7 |
PMB 206, Peter MacKinnon Building Facilitator: Natalya Mason, Community Engagement Specialist, Division of Social Accountability, College of Medicine Zoom link: https://usask-ca.zoom.us/j/92000182593?pwd=QjBhaXM4d29oY1FtRXE1aFBDRE51UT09&from=addon |
Readings: Mulatto Nation – Marika Warner p.467 The Drinking Gourd: Three Tales p. 541 Optional Materials:
|
| Feb. 14 |
Admin C210, Administration Building Facilitator: Karina Vernon, editor of the Black Prairie Archives: An Anthology Zoom link: https://usask-ca.zoom.us/j/93464409712?pwd=bXZ2TnRXUENBN2R5UGZBb1I0UzN6QT09&from=addon |
Reading: Letters - Mildred Jane Lewis Ware p. 50 |
| Feb. 28 |
Admin C210, Administration Building Facilitator: Professor Airini, USask provost and vice-president academic Zoom link: https://usask-ca.zoom.us/j/94182085831?pwd=bVF2MEsyYkVoeVpwYWR2OHRtYnZNdz09&from=addon |
Reading: I can p. 380 Optional Materials: The power of "I can" | Wakefield Brewster | TEDxCalgary (YouTube) |
Feb. 9 Workshop
Time: 1-3 PM | Location: Murray Library Room 102
Join local award-winning interdisciplinary poet Peace Akintade (she/her) in this poetry workshop. Using the traditional methods of Yoruba drumming, modern Spoken Word and Beat Poetry, Peace hopes to widen the grasp of the poetry identity. Multiplicity... meaning how we all have multiple identities, live in multiple places and across multiple times in history, but in the moment experience art in the same time. This come and go poetry-writing workshop will focus on metaphors, storytelling, and personification. Participants will be invited to contribute to a larger collaborative creative process.
Feb. 15 Workshop and Performance
Time: 1:30-3 PM | Location: Education Library
Join local award-winning interdisciplinary poet Peace Akintade (she/her) for a performance and poetry workshop. Hear readings from Peace’s new book “Earth Skin” and learn how Spoken Word and Beat Poetry have influenced her creative process. This interactive experience will incorporate contributions from her earlier workshop on February 9th, and will continue as participants are invited to join Peace in a workshop on to gain insight on the poetry writing process.
Please note: All are welcome; no registration is necessary. However, if you would like a reminder, please feel free to register for the events below.
About Peace:
Peace Akintade-Oluwagbeye (she/her) is an African-Canadian interdisciplinary poet, public speaker, chorus-poem playwriter, and thespian residing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Author of "Earth Skin" a poetry collection retelling the joys and woes of human connection. Organically from Yorubaland, Nigeria. Peace explores the intersectionality of the artist community from an explorer's perspective, dipping her honey-stained fingers into poetry, dance, performance art, critical research, and the theatre world. Recipient of the 2022 RBC SaskArts Emerging Artist Award, and the 2023 Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal. She is also the 2020-2021 Youth Poet Laureate, 2022 and 2023 READ Saskatoon Poet Laureate, and Artist Cohort with the Remai Modern Gallery for the Here and Now: Live Arts Initiative bringing accessible poetry workshops to the general public. She is currently working as an artist-in-resident with BAM Saskatoon in collaboration with the City of Saskatoon 2025 Mural Art Project.
In celebration of International Development Week and Black History Month, the University of Saskatchewan International Office is hosting a Lunch and Learn event to provide an opportunity to learn more about USask’s current collaborations in Africa and make new connections between researchers already working in and/or interested in working in Africa. Faculty, staff and students interested in research are welcome to attend.
Date: Friday February 9th, 2024Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: HLTH 1130 (in Health Sciences). This is an in-person event only.
Please join us for a panel conversation stemming from artworks and themes in the exhibition Human Capital, currently on-view in the College Art Galleries, curated by Tak Pham. Panelists include Sally Frater, Crystal Mowry and Farihah Shah.
Friday, February 9th, 2024, 4:00 to 5:30 PM,University of Saskatchewan Convocation Hall, Peter MacKinnon Building
Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available.
Human Capital is organized and circulated by the MacKenzie Art Gallery.
Date and Time: February 10, 1 pm - 4 pm
Location: College of Engineering
Event Description: This event aims to foster connections among Black-identifying researchers and students, specifically targeting high school students. Invitations will also be extended to grade 7-8 students, subject to capacity constraints. Students will participate in engaging STEM activities hosted by U of S researchers.
Seminar event:
Dr Nnamdi Ndubuka will be presenting on the topic "Achieving Black Health Equity – The Role of Enhanced Public Health Surveillance" to the School of Public Health on Thursday, February 15th, 2024 from 12:00 to 12:50. He will be presenting in-person in Room HLTH GB06, and his presentation wil lbe available live via Zoom at this link. Everyone is welcome!
About Dr. Ndubuka:
Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, is a public health physician working as a Medical Health Officer with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority where he leads the implementation of public health programs in 33 First Nation communities across Northern Saskatchewan. He is an Associate Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan with a cross appointment at School of Public Health.
As a researcher and public health expert, Dr. Ndubuka is particularly interested in the contribution of social determinants of health to infectious disease epidemiology including TB, HIV- and HCV-related risk behaviors and public health practices. Over the past decade, Dr. Ndubuka has worked collaboratively with policy makers, academia, Indigenous communities, and people with lived experience on several community-based studies concentrating on the social construct of communicable disease-related risks.
Dr. Ndubuka is an advocate of social determinants of health, anti-Black racism, quality improvement, equity, diversity and inclusivity. He has a passion for leadership, good governance and research. In 2022, Dr. Ndubuka became a fellow of the prestigious John Ware Institute. He was named as one of the Top 75 finalist of the Canadian Immigrant Award in 2023
Dr. Ndubuka is a member of the Black Faculty and Staff Caucus at the University of Saskatchewan. He is the past national president of the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists, past president of the Rotary Club of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and President-Elect for the Black Physicians of Canada. He is a two-time recipient of the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 2018, he received the Rotary International Presidential Citation Award for outstanding leadership and service above self. Dr. Ndubuka is also a two-time recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award for his contributions in community service, sports, education and volunteerism.
He has published several peer-reviewed articles and presented at various conferences both locally and internationally.
Evening social:
Please join the School of Public Health Student Association on Thursday evening February 15th for a social celebration of Black History Month. The event will be held physically in Arts 134, and virtually here, starting at 6:00 pm. Come join the SPHSA for fun evening of group social activities like meet and greets and trivia activities. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. For more information contact sphsacouncil@gmail.com.
Join the Pan-African Students' Association and the USask College of Engineering for a seminar event titled, "Life Beyond the Tests: Nurturing Black Excellence in Life's Next Chapter," featuring prominent community leaders and speakers, including Dr. Akindele Odeshi from the USask College of Engineering.
Date/time: Feb. 16 at 5:30 PM CST
Location: HLTH 1150, E Wing of Health Sciences Building
Drinks and refreshments provided.
About the speakers:
Professor Akindele Odeshi, the Associate Dean Academic & Professor in the College of Engineering, will be speaking. Before joining USask, Dr. Odeshi was at the University of Technology Chemnitz, Germany, where he got his doctorate while working as a Research Assistant. Dr. Odeshi continues to contribute to research in the areas of engineered materials and physical metallurgy, amongst others. Dr. Odeshi will be giving tips on how to advance to graduate school and furthering your study.
Paula Collins is an entrepreneur, founder, CEO and director of Masala Model and Talent, in addition to being an actor, a mentor, motivational speaker, an author and much more! Paula was a part of Canada’s top 100 Black Women 2023. Paula will be speaking and sharing insights on how she has made it this far, and giving tips on how to maximize potential as students, as graduates, as a part of the workforce and as potential entrepreneurs.
Dolapo Fadare is the founder of StriveOpp, an agency that gives tips on how to secure opportunities as a student. Dolapo is a USask alumni that has received over $75,000 in grants and scholarship throughout her university education. Dolapo consults with hundreds of students and helps them discover their potential and sources for scholarship opportunities and shares them.
The USask College of Medicine Division of Social Accountability is hosting a number of events in February to recognize and celebrate Black History Month, including special speakers, a movie night and a book club open to health sciences students, faculty and staff.
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies will be hosting a Black History Month event featuring, presentations on African languages, philosophy and dance.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 21
Time: 5-7:30 pm
Location: Room 104, Arts Building
About this event
The program includes a presentation by Rita Idowu (PhD student, Department of Linguistics, and entertainment (dance)” entitled, "Languages spoken by African immigrants in Canada," followed by a presentation about African Folk Philosophy and an entertainment program.
Get ready for a night of elegance and celebration at "Noir Nuit" - PASA's Black History Month Gala" on February 24th, 2024.
More information and tickets can be found here.
Join the College of Arts and Science for a panel discussion highlighting this year's theme for Black History Month at USask, "Celebrating Black Experiences: Arts, Literature and More." The discussion will be followed by a brief question and answer period for attendees.
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:00am CST
Location: Zoom (register below)
Panelists include:
USask, in collaboration with National Geographic and the Canadian Black Scientists Network, are pleased to bring a screening of The Space Race to the USask Saskatoon campus. The Space Race uncovers the little-known stories of the first Black pilots, engineers and scientists who became astronauts.
February 27, 2024
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Room: E1130, Health Sciences Building
107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon
Free registration can be accessed here.
Program schedule:
5 PM: Doors open
5:00 - 5:30 PM: Refreshments/Networking
5:30 - 5:40 PM: Announcements
5:50 - 6:00 PM: The Space Race intro
6:00 - 7:30 PM: The Space Race screening
7:30 - 8:00 PM: Post-screening discussions
Join us for a gala hosted by the USask Black Faculty and Staff Caucus as we wrap up Black History Month. The event will feature authentic Afro-Caribean food and a performance by Sonia Reid.
REGISTER
About Sonia Reid:
Sonia Reid, a seasoned singer, started singing and playing piano at the age of eight in church. Her talent and dedication led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts in music at Redeemer University and to work professionally across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. Sonia’s performances are energetic, soulful, and passionate. The last 30 years have been spent focusing on performing and providing high quality vocal coaching to singers. For the past 25 years she has taught vocal lessons to students of all ages, inspiring them to become musically confident. She believes music must first resonate with the artist to have a powerful impact on their audience.
International students are strongly motivated to study in Canada because of the opportunity to work during and after studying. Is this expectation being met?
This panel discussion is a platform for black international graduates to share their experiences as they seek employment in Saskatoon, as well as a brief presentation on topical issues relating to the developments impacting international students' workforce integration. USask Career Services will also share tips on job readiness as well as Q & A at the end.
All are welcome!
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: ISSAC Student Lounge, Room 70, Lower Place Riel
Stories from the USask Community
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Spotify Playlist
The USask College of Arts and Science community has curated a Black History Month playlist that features songs from Black artists.
Scarborough Charter
Building Black Inclusion and Fighting Anti-Black Racism
In the fall of 2020, Canadian universities and colleges from across Canada engaged in a national conversation co-creating significant and tangible actions that would address equity and inclusion in Canadian post-secondary education. These national dialogues focused heavily on anti-Black racism and strategies aimed at increasing Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. Additionally, discussions were centered on designing a concrete plan to meet these aims, a plan that was developed mutually and authentically through the engagement of a number of partner institutions.
The result of these conversations was the creation of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education: Principles, Actions and Accountabilities. This document supports and commits to building and sustaining a culture committed to fighting anti-Black racism and supporting Black inclusion in Canadian higher education.
In November 2021, the University of Saskatchewan, along with more than 40 partner institutions across the country, signed the Scarborough Charter.
In 2023, the Provost’s Advisory Committee – Scarborough Charter (PAC-SC) was created to provide USask’s provost and vice-president academic with advice on priorities and actions stemming from the commitments to action outlined in the Scarborough Charter. The PAC-SC will make recommendations on institutional strategy and transformative actionable steps to assist USask in achieving a more respectful, accountable, equitable, diverse, and inclusive community. The PAC-SC will also assist USask in preventing anti-Black racism by critically reviewing policies, processes, and practices to understand how they may contribute to systemic anti-Black racism and by providing recommendations that will further Black inclusion and excellence.
Resources and Initiatives
- Black Lives Matter Saskatoon
- A positive space for the black community of Saskatoon, and their allies. A space to communicate, plan, and support one another.
Black in Saskatchewan
Founded in 2020, Black in Saskatchewan is a youth-led community organization created to contribute to the holistic growth of the Black community in Saskatchewan by addressing systemic issues, connecting members to various networks, and educating on Black experiences.
Black Faculty and Staff Caucus
The Black Faculty and Staff Caucus is the voice of all Black faculty and staff at USask and was created to provide support and guidance to members, increase their visibility and engagement on campus, and harmonize their common interests to promote a transparent, collegial, and inclusive learning and working environment.
Black Students' Mentorship Association
A mentorship association run by members of the USask campus community that functions to catalyze the growth of Black students in professional settings with the guidance of Black professionals in the community.
Black Medical Students' Association - USask chapter
The USask BMSA chapter is part of the larger Black Medical Students’ Association of Canada, a collaborative network of Black medical students across the country that was established in 2020 and involves Black students from 17 different Canadian medical schools.
Pan-African Students' Association
A student-run community of African and Black students at USask who provide supports, cultural events, and educational activities for the campus community.
- Saskatchewan African Heritage Museum
- The Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum Inc. is a provincial organization whose primary purpose is to celebrate, explore, research, document and preserve the history, heritage and contributions of people of African ancestry.
USask University Library Resource Guide
This guide is dedicated to Black History Month and highlights the resources offered at the library that focus on the accomplishments and experiences of the Black community. In this guide, we invite you to read, watch, listen to, participate in, or actively learn more about why this month is so important.
Shop USask Bookstore
During Black History Month, Shop USask Bookstore offers a curated selection of books and resources available for purchase.
Peer Health USask
Students who are passionate about student health, want to make a difference on campus and want to address health issues that affect student well-being. Black History Month events are being held throughout the month of February. Follow Peer Health USask on Instagram for more.
USSU Pride Centre
Resources and information for Black History Month will be posted to their Facebook, Instagram, and the USSU Centres' Discord server.
Resources and information for Black History Month will be posted to their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the USSU Centres' Discord server.