Black History Month Features 2024
Week 1: SAKC Executive TeamWeek 2: Chirleen Wisdom-Drysdale Week 3: Mariam KukuWeek 4: Shavell Skeel
Week 1: SAKC Executive Team
(Left to Right)
Oreoluwa Ayelabola (Vice President Operations and Finance)
Sheresee Miller (President)
Abolaji Badmus (VP Academics)
(Not Pictured)
Imani Johnson (VP Student Affairs)
What does Black History Month mean to you?
"Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and history of Black individuals and communities. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles for equality and justice while honoring the resilience and impact of Black figures throughout history. This month resembles the black kings and queens that fought endlessly to make sure our generation enjoys everything that they couldn’t. Despite the fact, we have turned this into a month of celebration and joyful moments across the world!🎉 Black History is My history!"
- Imani Johnson (VP Student Affairs)
Can you share a personal story or experience that has significantly impacted your understanding of Black History?
"Being a student in a Nursing program which entails learning from, working with and caring for individuals from diverse cultural groups, my values as a black lady have helped me succeed. My experiences as a Nursing student in Canada has been a powerful and eye-opening one for me. I have been able to learn and make contributions to the health community as a black student. It has really deepened my appreciation for my resilience and strength and I would say this stems from the various Black Excellence I have heard and seen. I will continue to use my voice to ensure black history is not forgotten and our excellence is seen and appreciated in all forms."
- Abolaji Badmus (VP Academics)
Can you highlight a moment in history that you believe is crucial for people to learn about during Black History Month and why?
"Barack Obama is an American politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first African-American president in U.S. history. This remains a monumental moment for the African community as the event signifies a step in the right direction towards achieving inclusion and diversity. There has been slow but steady progress since the period of slavery to be fully integrated and recognized by society. The evolution continues and so this historical event remains great motivation for black youngsters who otherwise felt marginalized to realize that they too can break barriers. It therefore important for Africans to learn about Black History and the Month of celebration so they can appreciate the journey of our ancestors and how we continue to evolve as a people."
- Sheresee Miller (President)
How can individuals actively support and promote inclusivity in our college community beyond the confines of Black History Month?
"Hello there! As a Black student navigating life at Keyano College, I believe it's important for our college community to embrace diversity beyond the confines of Black History Month. Inclusive campus environments benefit all students, regardless of their backgrounds, and provide a welcoming space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. We must learn about diverse cultures, advocate for equal opportunities, and speak up against stereotypes and discrimination. We can create a campus where everyone thrives by fostering open dialogues and promoting inclusive curriculum and mentorship programs. Please join me in taking action to create a more inclusive campus environment. Together, we can make a difference! "
- Oreoluwa Ayelabola (Vice President Operations and Finance)
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month , for me , is a time to reflect and celebrate the journey of black people, how far we've come, our resilience and what we have achieved.
Can you share a personal story or experience that has significantly impacted your understanding of Black history?
A few years ago I taught a 3rd grade class in the USA. I was able to share my culture as well as my up bringing with them. They were very appreciative because the perspective that they were taught were different from my lived experience
Can you highlight a moment in history that you believe is crucial for people to learn about during Black History Month and why?
The Rosa Parks story is forever etched in my mind. The way she stood up for black people and highlighted that we are one and started the movement against racial segregation on public transportation.
How can individuals actively support and promote inclusivity in our college community beyond the confines of Black History Month?
I believe in respecting each persons culture and race. Attend events that will benefit you as a person so that you can be exposed to and learn about the culture.
Week 3: Mariam Kuku
Student, Nursing
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month, in my opinion, is an occasion to honour and commemorate the accomplishments and contributions made by Black people throughout history. It's important to acknowledge their influence and the challenges they've conquered.
Can you share a personal story or experience that has significantly impacted your understanding of Black history?
I was fortunate to attend a spoken word poetry event during the last Black History Month. The performances were compelling, as poets shared their personal stories, struggles, and triumphs. It was a moving and enlightening experience that helped me gain a deeper understanding of the Black experience and the importance of using art as a means of self-expression and activism.
Can you highlight a moment in history that you believe is crucial for people to learn about during Black History Month and why?
The Civil Rights Movement, which was spearheaded by notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and many others to fight for justice for Black Americans, is a significant historical moment that I think is vital for everyone to learn about during Black History Month. The Civil Rights Act and school desegregation were two major legislative and social developments that came about as a result of this historic period. Knowing about this movement makes us respect the bravery and tenacity of individuals who battled for equality and serves as a reminder of the continuous effort required to build a society that is more equitable for everyone.
How can individuals actively support and promote inclusivity in our college community beyond the confines of Black History Month?
Individuals can actively support and promote inclusivity in the college community by educating themselves and others about black cultures and histories. They should stand against discrimination and prejudice in the college, speak up when they witness injustice and advocate for change. Lastly, people should seek out friendships and connections with people of different backgrounds and learn from each other’s experiences.
Week 4: Shavell Skeel
(Student, Business)
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a celebration of black culture and black excellence. For me it is a time to pause to reflect on the history of my people, to remind myself of how far we have come, and to reinforce the fact that there is still so much more for us to achieve collectively.
Can you share a personal story or experience that has significantly impacted your understanding of Black history?
Being Jamaican, Black history and national pride are taught as part of our curriculum in our schools from very early. I can recall learning of the lives and legacies of great black men and women who challenged many barriers and broke glass ceilings in civil rights, art, music, and across many other platforms. This has significantly impacted my understanding of Black history.
Can you highlight a moment in history that you believe is crucial for people to learn about during Black History Month and why?
The Haitian Revolution led by Toussaint Louverture is a crucial moment in history that will shift one’s understanding of Black History Month. The revolution was a catalyst for a series of other revolutions throughout the Western Hemisphere. This also influenced other nations to seek their own independence and fight for the right to establish their own governments.
How can individuals actively support and promote inclusivity in our college community beyond the confines of Black History Month?
By simply being open. Open to being wrong about whatever you think about any group. Open to learning something new about someone who might not look like you. Open to being pleasantly surprised that though someone might not look like you, you just might share similarities. Also, appreciating the different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds which now make up our community.