Memories of past Black experiences will intertwine with joyful aspirations of future success as Queen’s and the surrounding Kingston community gather throughout February to celebrate Black Histories and Futures Month (BHFM).

“Witnessing and participating in the celebration of Black life at Queen’s and within Kingston is incredibly affirming,” says Lavonne Hood, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion). “This is a chance to experience the stories of those who came before us. People who refused to crumble in the face of racism and inequity. Instead, they endured to reach goals that have benefitted and inspired a community. Today we stand on their shoulders in hopes of continuing to inspire generations to come.”

Inside the Union Gallery Project Room, the exhibition entitled the black experience – a collaboration between The Sunbeamng, the Alma Mater Society’s Social Issues Committee (SIC), and the Yellow House – has been in place since January 20 and ends February 11. The showcase features a collection of archival materials, film, photos, poetry, and more highlighting the Black experience at Queen’s. Not only does it embrace the past, but it’s a moment to speak to those who find themselves here in future years.

“This exhibition is holding space to bring together multiple generations of Black advocacy at Queen’s,” says Mujeedat Lekuti, Commissioner of Social Issues-External. “We know too often these stories fade to the back, but in this moment, we plan to show all that work – be it in the past, in the present, or in the future – deserves to exist side by side so we can all live, learn, and be inspired together.”

Throughout the month, a variety of events, many open to the entire Queen’s community, celebrating Black Histories and Futures are featured on the BHFM Global Calendar, which is regularly updated. To further accentuate the important role the Black community has played at Queen’s, a page has been created to highlight several of those trailblazers.

To mark the beginning of the month, an informal drop-in event will be held on February 2, from 1 to 3 pm, inside the Black Liberation Commons at Robert Sutherland Hall. This gathering, organized by the Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion) and the Human Rights and Equity Office, offers a space for reflection and celebration. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance.

In addition to the BHFM Global Calendar, community members can stay up to date by regularly visiting the Queen’s Black Histories and Futures Month website. For additional resources, please visit Queen’s Black Studies, Office of the Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion), Human Rights and Equity Office, and Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion.

Black History Month has been observed since 1926, beginning as a single week in the United States before growing into a full month dedicated to recognizing and honouring the contributions of Black communities across North America. More recently, Queen’s adopted the designation Black Histories and Futures Month, inspired by Movement 4 Black Lives, which introduced the term in 2015. This changes the focus to not only remembering the past and acknowledging the historical battles and triumphs of Black communities but also fostering an equitable future, ongoing achievement, and a steadfast commitment to education for all.