Black History Month

Today marks the start of Black History Month celebration around the world, an important opportunity to explore the historical and current contributions of Black Canadians in our own communities as well as nationally and internationally.

Black History Month was officially recognized in Canada in 1995 when a motion was brought forward by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament.

At UVic, we recognize the many achievements of Black faculty, staff and students. We also acknowledge that ongoing work is needed to support racial equity, diversity and inclusion.

Recently, the university signed the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The charter is a meaningful commitment to hold ourselves accountable to its principles and actions.

We also invite people to help shape our new Equity Action Plan. 

In all of this work, UVic is centering justice, humanity and oppression—and creating a better university for all, in particular for equity-deserving communities that have experienced systemic racial discrimination.

Info about campus events and opportunities throughout the month will be shared on this UVic news page.