On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, we had the honor of officially kicking off Black History Month with an unforgettable evening at Salon Lacerte, Campus Saint-Jean – University of Alberta. This emotional and inspiring moment brought together influential figures, community leaders, committed partners, and passionate individuals, all united to celebrate this year’s theme: “Heritage and Leadership of Black Canadians.”
🎤 Highlights of the Evening:
The event opened with inspiring remarks from Dr. Jason Carey, Dean of Campus Saint-Jean, followed by speeches from:
- Dr. Alice A Prophète, President of FRAP
- Luketa M’Pindou, Executive Director of AJFAS
- Nathalie Lachance, President of ACFA Provinciale
- Mireille Isidore, Executive Director of KAYANOU
We were also honored by the presence of political figures such as Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton, Heather McPherson, Federal MP, and Marlin Schmidt, Provincial MP, highlighting the significance of this celebration for our society.
✨ Artistic Performances & A Journey Through History
The evening featured a powerful spoken word performance by Hope Anaki, whose poetry deeply resonated with the audience, followed by a dynamic musical performance by MOTI-V, which electrified the room.
Professor Dr. Wesley Crichlow delivered a captivating presentation, tracing the journey of the first Black communities in Canada and their invaluable contributions to our shared heritage.
🤝 An Event Made Possible by Our Valued Partners
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our co-organizers and partners whose commitment made this event a success:
- AJFAS – for their unwavering support and active involvement
- University of Alberta – Campus Saint-Jean – for their warm welcome and logistical support
- Kayanou Institute – for their valuable contribution to this event
📅 What’s Next?
This launch marks the beginning of a month filled with community and educational activities that will highlight the heritage, leadership, and achievements of Black communities across Canada. Stay tuned to discover upcoming events and join us in this collective celebration.
🙏 A Huge Thank You to Everyone: guests, volunteers, partners, and collaborators who helped make this evening an unforgettable success. Together, we continue to build an inclusive and united future.
