As we continue to honour and acknowledge the rich diversity within our community, the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism (EDI-AR) invites you to contribute to our celebration of Heritage Months. These monthly recognitions provide an important opportunity to learn and reflect on the unique contributions, histories, and experiences of different cultural groups and communities, and their impact on health, society, and the world.
Throughout the year, we will be showcasing submissions from our Faculty that highlight the importance of these cultural celebrations on the digital screens throughout the Health buildings. All members of our Faculty, regardless of background, are welcome to submit.
Share your inspirations and reflections
We are currently seeking submissions commemorating:
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Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month
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Sikh Heritage Month
We encourage you to share something meaningful to you. This could include, but is not limited to:
- A quote or excerpt from an author, activist, scholar, or leader that inspires you.
- A brief reflection on an event, figure, or movement tied to the Heritage/Commemorative Month and its relevance to health and well-being.
- A personal memory or experience related to the Heritage/Commemorative Month.
- A portrait of yourself or an image/artwork. (please ensure you have appropriate permissions for any images submitted).
- A recommendation for a book, film, documentary, or other resource that enhances understanding of the Heritage/Commemorative Month.
Submissions should be no more than 50 words and can be sent electronically to health.edi@uwaterloo.ca by April 3.
Please include your name and affiliation (student, staff, or faculty member) when submitting your entry. If you wish to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission.
We look forward to your contributions as we celebrate the diverse heritages that enrich our Faculty and foster greater understanding across our community.
Sample digital screen slide created from contribution
Image description: Quote by Maya Angelou that reads "Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women." followed by the inspiration it provides: “This quote is a powerful reminder to me that empowering oneself is a form of empowerment for all women. On International Women's Day, we celebrate these acts of courage, and the great achievements all women brought to the world.”
Inspirations and commemorations
Black History Month
Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.
To honour and celebrate Black History Month, I chose a quote from Nelson Mandela because he was one of my heroes. I read his autobiography, ‘A Long Walk To Freedom,’ when I was in graduate school, and I was forever inspired by his courage and his leadership.
A. Russell Tupling, Professor and Chair, Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.
Dr. Paul Farmer's powerful words highlight health inequity. During Black History Month, we honour groundbreakers like Gwennyth Barton and Ruth Bailey, who broke barriers in 1948. Their resilience continues to inspire today’s Black healthcare workers.
Charity Oga-Omenka, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health Sciences
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Due to the inequalities and injustices faced by black South Africans, Mr. Mandela encouraged all to pursue an education to impact change. Education is an equalizer and has the power to break barriers.
Rethabile Lechesa, PhD Student, Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Suicide represents an important part of Black history, yet is rarely discussed, analyzed or conceptualized, including in health research. Amidst rising suicide rates, especially amongst Black adolescents worldwide, my dissertation will investigate the factors associated with, and accuracy of scales assessing, suicide risk amongst young Black people in the Americas.
This watercolour painting titled "Exist" represents the beauty and the importance of 'existing' fully and unapologetically in the spaces an individual resides in.
Labiqah Iftikhar, Artist, and MSc Student, School of Public Health Sciences