Black History Month, an annual commemoration that begins February 1st, is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black communities in Canada and other countries around the world. It is also a time to reflect on Canada’s history, and the ways that anti-Black racism and oppression have, and continue to, cause harm. This year’s theme is titled “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations”.
The Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement is dedicated to fostering inclusion, collaboration, and community-mindedness. BWOSS and BeBlended are two of the many organizations that call the Grebel Peace Incubator home. Aileen Agada-Davidson, co-founder of BeBlended, and Hana H., co-founder of BWOSS, both created their startups in response to barriers for Black Canadians that needed to be addressed.
BeBlended is an online marketplace that connects clients to hairstylists and braiders who specialize in Afro-curly hair. Inspired by Aileen’s own struggles with finding the right hairstylist, she was compelled to start BeBlended. She was not alone in her struggles; since the platform’s launch, BeBlended’s audience has grown significantly with about 1,600 clients and 150 hairstylists/braiders across Canada. The platform seeks to uplift Black hairstylists, support their businesses, and celebrate their skills.
BWOSS, founded by Hana and Lena, is another participant in the Grebel Peace Incubator. It serves as a professional development tool for Black, Indigenous, and women of colour (BIWOC) and empowers them to thrive in diverse industries and entrepreneurial endeavors. Their platform provides various types of opportunities, including scholarships, mentorship, workshops, and employment support. BWOSS sees the amazing talent BIWOC individuals bring and want to help them succeed in their careers.
In the wider campus community, the University of Waterloo will be hosting events and sharing stories throughout the month, recognizing and celebrating Black Canadians and communities. There are still many opportunities to engage with:
ABC (African, Black, and Caribbean) Chill
- February 24 | 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Join Renison Don David for an hour of chill conversation, free food, and a chance to get to know more people in the Renison community.
Anti-Racism Reads: Black Boys Like Me
- February 27 | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
- Join the University of Waterloo Library for their next installment of Anti-Racism Reads, which will feature a conversation with the author Matthew R. Morris about his book Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging.
Black History Month Fete
- February 27 | 6:00 pm
- The Office of the Associate Provost, Students (APS) in partnership with The Black Collective and Black History Studies invites all students, staff, and faculty to join them as they honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black communities. Learn more and register on Portal.
Other student groups, community organizations, and local businesses also have upcoming initiatives for Black History Month. We will continue to repost these and other community events related to peace and social justice on our Instagram!