Black History Month takes place every February. It is a time to celebrate the history and heritage of the black community.
“Black History Month is a time to share our accomplishments. So Black History Month is not just for black people, it’s for everybody,” said Afrikadey! Society artistic director Tunde Dawodu.
While Black History Month is not as highly publicized in Canada as it is in the United States, many events took place in Calgary and on the University of Calgary campus. The Afrikadey! Society, in partnership with the Calgary Public Library, promotes black culture and raises awareness about the many obstacles overcome by people of African descent.
“The idea of celebrating Black History Month is to recognize the things black people have been able to accomplish,” said Dawodu.
He said it is especially important to have Black History Month in Canada. “We influence ourselves, especially in Canada from where we come from. When we come, we bring something with us and culture-wise it’s always nice to share it with others because through your culture, people can know you better.”
A Black History Symposium, which showcased African art, music and culture, a French Africa variety showcase of art and music, a Ray Charles tribute Orchestra and a Youth Talent show were several of the events that occurred.
The African Students’ Association held numerous events on campus.
ASA vp external Veronica Lajide said, “regardless of race or age, Black History Month is a time we celebrate and pay respect to men and women who have fought for the rights of Black people, pioneers who championed the movement of equality for all.”
Events held by the asa included an I Make Black History Talent Showcase in MacHall, which included music, dance and spoken word. Documentary films were screened and a debate on “Should Caribbeans acknowledge their African roots” also took place. A fundraising fashion show concluded the events. Proceeds went to the Red Cross, Horn of Africa, Feed 1 Project, and Black History Awareness events.
ASA public relations officer Maryam Adeyemo said ASA does its best to “incorporate people of different nationalities into the association, Caribbeans, Afro-American, Afro-Canadian, Afro-latina/latino, Afro-Asian, Africans at heart, whatever it may be.”
Co-president Philip Kaite agrees. “The point of the club is to bring people together.”