In honor of Black History Month in Canada, the International Education Department, in collaboration with the African Caribbean Student Association (ACSA), screened "Black Panther" last week.
However, it was more than just entertainment; it served as a powerful celebration of Black culture, history, and the ongoing struggle for equity.
Prior to the screening, a student-organized fashion show paid tribute to legendary figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, Sojouner Truth, Malcom X, Maya Angelou, Katherine Johnson and Barack Obama. Each student delivered a speech reflecting the spirit and resilience of these remarkable individuals who catalyzed progress and change.
Among the models was Jenielle Anderson, a Therapy Assistance Diploma student, embodying the courage of Rosa Parks. In her impassioned speech, she declared, "I am the mother of the civil rights movement. On December 1, 1955, I was arrested for refusing to give up my seat on the bus to a white person in Montgomery, Alabama. This sparked a boycott of 17,000 people. Never fear doing what is right.”
At the College, empowering students and providing platforms for sharing perspectives is crucial. It's not just about listening; active engagement is key to fostering inclusivity. The recent show was driven by students' ideas, with Clayon Williams, a Cultural Communication and Journalism Diploma student, proposing a stage for students to impersonate significant Black figures, and Ladi Bil, an Associate of Arts student, suggesting a fashion show. This initiative demonstrates how we engage students and offer platforms for their creativity and advocacy.
Sakura Hirata from International Education, who is also a part of the OC EDISJ committee, emphasizes the importance of moving beyond mere "celebration" of diversity to empowering students by giving them a platform.
"As we embrace the diversity on campus, let’s reaffirm our dedication to uplifting students’ voices," said Hirata.
You can see inspiring quotes submitted by students displayed daily in all campus libraries.
Story submitted by International Education