In honour of Black History Month

February is recognized as Black History Month in our global North and around the world. Together, the Office of Community and Belonging, faculty, alumni and community continue to enhance diversity, vibrance and create a future for our generations. We think of students and faculty who chose MRU because of its cultural diversity and have called Calgary home. Together, as we reflect on our common goals and achievements, we centre the voices of members from Black communities and celebrate their legacy, achievements, creativity and contributions that have built Calgary and the rest of Canada.

While some of the racist practices may be considered historical, these challenges continue today. As a society we cannot deny, maintain complacency or willfully ignore the problem. We therefore must ask ourselves — what kind of world do we want to live in? For answers and as a learning institution, MRU is guided by our Strategic Plan titled Vision 2030: Opening Minds and Changing Lives and the Scarborough Charter — representing a commitment to take concrete, meaningful action to address anti-Black racism and promote Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. Both documents contribute to us reflecting on how we can have difficult yet meaningful conversations that will break down barriers as we work towards the elimination of anti-Black racism. This change can be achieved through renewed energy and our commitment to Black leadership, participation, innovation and recognition that we all thrive when we work together.

As we celebrate Black History Month, I encourage you to take time to honour Black excellence, recognize history, colleagues, communities and join in honouring the work and contributions that Black Canadians make to the development of MRU, Calgary and the rest of Canada.