It is difficult to put into words what it is like to walk the path where enslaved people once tread as they were about to be shipped to the Americas, at the site of what was described as the “gate of no return.”
Late last year, along with a small delegation from the University of Waterloo, we toured Cape Coast Castle on the Gold Coast of Ghana as part of a trip to Africa intended to build pan-African collaborations. The castle is one of dozens along the West African coast established by European traders as part of the Atlantic slave trade. Not only did we learn about the past, but it was a powerful reminder of the on-going impact of this history on our world.
February is Black History Month. It is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities to our country. It is also an opportunity to reflect on ways to eradicate systemic racism in our institution and beyond. In collaboration with the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism, we work with our community to advance anti-racism and equity through evidence-based policies, practices and programs.
We continue to respond to the recommendations from the President’s Anti-Racism Taskforce and make progress on programs and initiatives to support and foster an equitable environment at University of Waterloo. We put in place new student opportunity funds to eliminate some of the financial barriers for Black and Indigenous students. This summer, the University of Waterloo’s Anti-racism Unit will launch the Sankofa Pathways to University (SPU) program, open to Canadian Black youth. This 7-week university course is titled “Taking B(l)ack History,” and focuses on Blackness, Black history, and Black futures. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn a transferable university half-credit (0.5). Ultimately, we seek to put in place the resources and systems to ensure our Black students, faculty and staff thrive.
Go to The importance of Black History Month for the full message from University of Waterloo President and Vice Chancellor Vivek Goel.