Black History Month to be celebrated at Lethbridge College

Lethbridge College kicked off Black History Month on Tuesday morning with a speech from the event organizer, and instructor in the school of Justice Studies at the college, Ibrahim Turay. Last year, events for the month were mostly celebrated online. Turay says it’s vital to recognize Black History Month.

“We celebrate this history for our youth to know that their ancestors have been here for a very long time and survived in this land. So continue to excel of those that are given the opportunity to do so. It’s important that we celebrate Black History Month. Not just as us coming in, new immigrants to this country. Knowing that we have ancestors who have contributed towards development. We too can make our own contributions towards the development of our communities. I think that’s what we’re trying to do here.”

The college went on to say in a release that other activities include a screening of John Ware Reclaimed at 2 p.m. Feb. 8 in the E.C. Fredericks Theatre. The film follows Cheryl Foggo as she examines the mythology around John Ware, a Black cowboy who settled in Alberta before the turn of the 20^th century. Foggo aims to discover who this iconic figure was and what his legacy means in terms of anti-Black racism past and present. A panel discussion will follow the screening.

The Lethbridge College Students Association will also be handing out meal kits of jollof rice, which is a traditional African dish from February 14 to 18.

A Human Library, where students can check out a person like they would a book, through engagement, stories and cultural knowledge, is scheduled from noon to 1pm on Feb. 17 at Niitsitapi’ksimpstaan (the Aquarium).