By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a robust celebration of culture, history, and advocacy, Bishop’s University is hosting its most extensive Black History Month yet, with a series of events designed to honor and explore Black creativity, love, advocacy, and excellence. At the heart of this initiative is Danai Bélanger, the Vice-Principal for Student Affairs, whose leadership has steered the university towards a comprehensive acknowledgment of Black contributions and challenges within the community.
“Black History Month is celebrated all around the world, but for us at Bishop’s, this is an opportunity to celebrate our Black community and the achievements of Black students, staff, faculty, and those who continue to make contributions to our campus,” Bélanger shared in an interview. She emphasized the dual experience of Black individuals on campus, feeling “both hyper-visible and invisible at the same time,” highlighting the nuanced challenges they navigate daily.
The month kicks off with an opening ceremony on Feb. 3, featuring the raising of the Pan-African flag at the LLC Agora. This symbolic gesture is followed by a detailed overview of the month’s events, which are themed weekly to explore different aspects of Black heritage and contemporary issues.
Week 1 – Black Creativity includes activities like a scavenger hunt focused on Black histories in the Eastern Townships, curated by Dr. Sunita Nigam. This event not only educates but also engages the community in a fun, interactive way. Other highlights include a movie night showcasing “The Woman King” (2022) and a paint and sip event hosted by the student group P.U.L.S.E., encouraging artistic expression among participants.
Week 2 – Black Love delves into narratives of love and resistance with screenings like “Queen and Slim” (2019) and a dance workshop teaching Konpa, a dance form from Haiti. Bélanger’s presentation on the Black experience on Canadian post-secondary campuses is scheduled for Feb. 13, aiming to foster understanding and support across the university community. The week also introduces the unique AfroDrag Storytime, blending storytelling with drag performance to celebrate and honor Black narratives.
Week 3 – Black Advocacy focuses on empowerment and education with events like a panel discussion titled “Black@Bishop‘s,” where Black students, staff, and faculty discuss their experiences at the university. “13th” (2016), a documentary exploring the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the U.S., will be screened, followed by a “Know Your Rights” workshop led by local Officer Poirier, aimed at empowering students with legal knowledge.
Week 4 – Black Excellence concludes with a celebration of Black culture through a “Rep Your Flag” night at The Gait, where students can dance to Afrobeat, dancehall, and soca music. An “Antiracism Uncorked” event also takes place, promoting discussions on racial justice in a relaxed, conversational setting.
Bélanger noted the importance of these events in the current climate: “There’s a lot of anti-EDI sentiment creeping around the world, and that has a real big impact on people who have to live these types of experiences every day.” She hopes these initiatives will not only celebrate Black achievements but also stimulate thought and action towards systemic change.