Sheridan celebrates Black History Month | Learning and unlearning: A commitment to progress
Date: Feb. 1, 2021 – Feb. 28, 2021
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Black History Month 2021 at Sheridan
This past year brought painful reminders of the continued existence of anti-Black racism worldwide, and a global outcry for change and concrete action in response.
The events of 2020 reinforced the importance of educating ourselves on our privileges and perceptions, the need for reflection and difficult conversations around race and bias, and that it’s vital to offer and seek support when we need it. We know that the lived experiences of Black students, their families and their friends, are unique, and the challenges they face can be overwhelming at times.
Our world is changing. As an educational institution, Sheridan’s role is to create a safe and inclusive space for our community members to learn, grow and navigate this transformation. In recognition of Black History Month 2021, the theme of Sheridan’s observance this year will be: “Learning and unlearning: A commitment to progress”.
Members of our diverse community are invited to participate in a series of events that will explore this complex process and the work it involves. Let us all do what we can to make Sheridan a welcoming and progressive community for all members to learn, work and thrive.
We have a full month of virtual programming in store
February 4 | 6 p.m. | Live Cooking Lesson
We’ve teamed up with Wayne Passion of @ReggaeKitchen to teach you how to make Jamaican Stew Chicken! Wayne and your Student Life Coordinators will also lead us in meaningful and powerful conversations about Black History Month and ways to contribute to our community positively.
REGISTER for the Live Cooking Lesson
February 9 | 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Dark Matters Film Screening
A film Screening of the documentary “Dark Girls.” The film contains interviews of African American women describing the role Shadism has played in their lives, with notable African Americans including Viola Davis detailing her experience.
Following the film screening, Dr. Akua Benjamin, Ryerson University and Jana Vinsky, Liberation Practice International, use a critical reflective practice approach to facilitate an in-depth discussion on Shadism.
Join us and let’s take a deeper dive into this issue.
REGISTER for Dark Matters Film Screening
February 10 | 1 p.m. | The Skin We're In
An afternoon with an activist, radio host, and award-winning journalist, Desmond Cole to talk about his work documenting social justice in Toronto, and guide us in a discussion about the black experience in this city.
Cole will also be sharing from his book, The Skin We’re In, where Cole chronicles just one year—2017—in the struggle against racism in this country.
REGISTER for The Skin We're In Q&A with Desmond Cole
February 11 | 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m | Black Leadership Ambition Collective Knowledge and Success: Career Conversation Series
In partnership with Black Mentorship Inc. (BMI) this session will feature alumni and career development professionals that will share insights into volunteerism, personal branding, and about the importance of investing in your community and in yourself.
SEE FURTHER DETAILS for Black Leadership Ambition Collective Knowledge and Success: Career Conversation Series
February 17 | 1 p.m. | Shop Talk
Hosted by your Student Life Coordinator, Alexa Senior, and Sheridan Life Radio Host, Favor Okafor, engaging in an open discussion about honoring Black culture in 2021 and beyond. We are proud to welcome our special guest and panelists - local Toronto Community members who have been actively making a difference in the black community. We’ll be talking about everything from culture, music, food, lifestyle to the events of 2020. Special guests include Keosha Love, Michel Chikwanine and Akil McKenzie.
February 18 | 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.| Ignited to Inspire: Black Women Thriving During a Pandemic
REGISTER for Ignited to Inspire
February 23 | 4 p.m. | Navigating, challenging and confronting anti-Black racism
REGISTER for Dr. Taylor's keynote
February 23 | 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Screening and Q&A with director Frances-Anne Solomon
The event is a special Black History Month installment of the “Film For Thought” series, sponsored by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Sheridan College and the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton.
REGISTER for the film screening
February 24 | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Historian Voices: A Black History Month Special
Join us on February 24 for a double screening and panel discussion with Director and Sheridan grad, Akil McKenzie (Bachelor of Film & Television '18), about a message of hope, encouragement, and inspiration for the Black community.
February 24 | 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.| Recognizing and Celebrating Diversity
Panel discussion about the importance of recognizing our differences and celebrating them rather than using them as a source of division. There will be an opportunity for a question answer session afterwards.
February 24 | 7 p.m. | Black History Month paint night
REGISTER for paint night
Share your reflections for a chance to win
You may submit any piece of work that shares your experience and reflection on what Black History Month means to you. This can be through photography, creative writing, painting, illustration, poetry or whatever medium through which you would like to express your reflection.
Thanks to our generous partners at the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton and Sheridan Alumni, we will be awarding up to 10 students with prizes varying from $100 to $500 in value for their submissions.
To participate, visit the Sheridan Student Union's web page and scroll down to the submission form under 'Create'.