#BHM2024: Black History Month

Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.

The 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.

International Decade for People of African Descent

The theme aligns with the 10th year of the International Decade for People of African Descent and recognizes that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. 

Throughout the month of February, the U of R will be hosting a number of interesting activities and events through which you can find out more about Black history and its impact on the history of Canada, Saskatchewan, and beyond. 

A Literary Journey: U of R’s Anti-Oppression Book Club

Hosted by the Archer Library, the Anti-Oppression Book Club will be celebrating Black voices for the month of February. The club will be reading Peace Oluwaseun Akintade’s Earth Skin. Meetings will be facilitated by Archer Librarian Mary Chipanshi. Akintade, the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild Youth Poet Laurate for 2020-21, will also be on hand for a hybrid Meet-the-Author event on February 22, 2024. Contact mary.chipanshi@uregina.ca if you want to purchase a copy of Earth Skin and or meet the author at the February 22 event. 

Black History by Black Authors: Blind Date with a Book 2024 Contest

Want to go on a blind date with a book, learn more about Black history by Black authors, and have the chance to win a one of three sets of books donated by the University of Regina Press and a signed copy of Peace Akintade’s Earth Skin?

• Visit the display in the Archer Library to browse the wrapped books with personal ads. 
• Choose one or two to check out as your Blind Date. 
• Borrow the "Blind Date Books" at the Help Desk

• Enter to WIN by completing the online "Rate your Date" form by February 21, 2024 (11:59 p.m.)

For more information, visit Archer Library in person or virtually. 

Celebrations of African-Canadian Black History

In Saskatchewan, Black History Month has become African-Canadian Black History Month. The new title is meant to be inclusive of all people of African descent and aligns with the 1978 UNESCO Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice and was the brainchild of the Saskatchewan African-Canadian Heritage Museum (MCoS). Check out the MSoS website to discover their list of events. 

Love books? Sign up now to go a blind date with a book, learn about Black history from Black authors … and enter to win your very own Black history mini-library!

February is a great time to learn more about Black Canadian communities, their histories and stories, and how they continue to help shape our University, province, and our country.