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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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 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.