THUNDER BAY – Lakehead University’s Chancellor, Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell opened the university’s 2022 Black History Month celebrations at a virtual event on Feb. 8.
“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than be at the opening of Black History Month. I must confess that I am currently in Toronto where I’m involved with many Black History Month events. But, this is the one that is very important and near and dear to my heart,” said Dr. Deverell.
“I should tell you, before I say much else that I was born in 1945 in the Houston, Texas Negro Hospital, and, for the record, I’ve been black and female ever since.”
Dr. Deverell was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2005 for her pioneering work in broadcasting and received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the Lakehead Orillia Convocation ceremony in 2017. She was named Lakehead University’s 10th Chancellor in October 2021 and she is the first person of colour to serve as Lakehead University’s chancellor.
Black History Month was declared officially in Canada 26 years ago by the unanimous approval of a motion by The Hon. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament.
Canada's theme for Black History Month this year is: "February and Forever: Celebrating Black History Month today and every day."
On Feb. 10, the event “Impacts of COVID-19 on Black Communities” will take place and will feature Khater Muhajir, Lakehead University graduate assistant, who will lead participants in a discussion on the Impacts of COVID-19 on Black Communities.
“The BIPOC movement: Where We're at a Year Later (following George Floyd's death)” is a Panel discussion led by Omogbolahan Olatunde, a Lakehead MBA student, virtually on Feb. 18.
An "EDID (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization) Team Pictionary event" will happen virtually on Feb. 22
On Feb.24, The Office of Human Rights and Equity will be holding the 22nd annual game of Black Jeopardy, where players can win prizes for knowledge on key people, events, and historical moments in celebrating Black Excellence at Lakehead.
Lakehead will also be featuring some key moments to celebrate in Black History in Canada and throughout the globe on their website every day during February.
For more information or to register for any of these events, visit: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/black-history-month
