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Black History Month 2025

February 01, 2025

Designing the Black Student Centre: Community Engagement_Aug 16 2024 (1920 x 1080 px) - Banner

This year’s Black History Month design highlights the connection between Canada's identity and the celebration of African heritage by incorporating the red, black, green, and yellow colours associated with Black History Month into the maple leaf. These colours symbolize unity, pride, and the shared heritage of people of African descent. The maple leaf itself, featured at the heart of Canada's national flag, represents pride, courage, and loyalty—values that resonate strongly within both the Black community and Canadian society as a whole.

February is Black History Month (BHM), an opportunity to honor the achievements of Black communities—past and present—in Canada, listen to their stories and learn about their significant contributions to Canadian society. This year, SFU has adopted the theme Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.

In celebration of BHM, it is important to emphasize that Black history is Canadian history. While February is a time to celebrate the diversity and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the painful chapters of our history. It is a time to acknowledge the systemic barriers, racism, and discrimination that Black communities in Canada continue to face today. Join us across the university in celebrating Black history, culture, and the invaluable contributions of Black individuals to SFU. Below, you’ll find events and initiatives taking place at SFU and in the local community.

Attend an SFU event

From Past to Future: Black Canadian History and Leadership

Feb. 3 | SUB Social Stage (Burnaby Campus) | 3-5 p.m.

Students of African and Carribean Ancestry (SOCA)'s BHM kickoff ceremony featuring student panelists Ndidi Cascade, Naa Sheka and Sosa Eweka.

Black Futures in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape

Feb. 6 | Rooms 1300-1500 | Segal Building (Vancouver Campus) | 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Join Debra Thompson, PhD and Yabome Gilipin-Jackson, PhD for a transformational discussion on systemic racism, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Black Canadian history and the role of postsecondary institutions in building inclusive systems.

SFU Library Black History Month Displays

WAC Bennett Library (Burnaby), curated by SFU Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA), from Feb. 4-28.
Fraser Library (Surrey), from Feb. 1-21.

SFU English's Writer-in-Residence Program 20th Anniversary

Feb. 7 | Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue (Vancouver Campus) | 6:00-10:00 p.m.

This event will include a reading from 2024 writer-in-residence Junie Désil, whose poetry explores an array of themes including her Caribbean heritage and the diasporic experience, race and health, and Haitian folklore.

Community Kitchen: A celebration of Black Cuisine and Culture

Feb. 13 | SUB Community Kitchen (Burnaby Campus) | 6-8:30 p.m.

A special Black History Month event hosted by Student Services with Chef Cullin David from Calabash Bistro. Participants will explore and celebrate the flavours and stories that define Caribbean cuisine.

Community Kitchen: Celebrating Black heritage with SOCA

Feb. 27 | SUB Community Kitchen (Burnaby Campus) | 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Attend an extra special Community Kitchen celebrating Black History! We are excited to be joined by Stacy and Mekeil from the SFU Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry (SOCA), who will be sharing easy-to-make Jamaican and Kenyan recipes. This event aims to inspire participants to prepare home-cooked meals and preserve cultural bonds through food and shared dining experiences.

Soirée Noir: A celebration of Black excellence

Feb. 28 | SUB Ballroom (Burnaby Campus) | 5-9:30 p.m.

This event, hosted by SFU SOCA, will bring together Black students, faculty, staff and allies to celebrate Black culture, excellence, and community. Join for an evening of meaningful connection, performances, and celebration.

Black Entrepreneurship & Research Symposium

Feb. 28 | UBC Robson Square | 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Join SFU's Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH SFU) and UBC's Black Advisory Hub for a day filled with inspiring talks, networking opportunities, and valuable insights into the world of Black entrepreneurship and research dubbed "Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice".