


Honouring the Black community at the U of A
The future we envision — one where all members of the U of A community thrive and feel they belong — begins with our efforts today while remembering the past. The U of A is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space that challenges anti-Black and all forms of racism and values everyone's rights, dignity and labour. Together, we will continue to identify and pursue opportunities that best support the prosperity of Black community members as we strive to create ongoing, systemic change.
Black History Month is a time for us to come together as a community to honour the contributions, achievements, and lived experiences of Black Canadians. This month is an opportunity to collectively listen, engage, and learn about Black Canadian histories and the cultures of newcomers, which greatly contribute to our society.
Each February, the University of Alberta celebrates the work of Black researchers, faculty, staff, instructors and students who are leading with purpose.
Read the president's message honouring Black History Month 2025 »
Honorer la communauté noire à l’Université de l’Alberta
L’avenir que nous envisageons — un avenir où tous les membres de la communauté de l’Université de l’Alberta s’épanouissent et se sentent à leur place — commence par nos efforts d’aujourd’hui, tout en nous souvenant du passé. L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer un espace sécuritaire et inclusif qui remet en question le racisme anti-Noir et toutes les formes de racisme, tout en valorisant les droits, la dignité et le travail de chaque personne. Ensemble, nous continuerons à identifier et à saisir des occasions qui soutiennent au mieux la prospérité des membres de la communauté noire, alors que nous œuvrons pour créer un changement systémique durable.
Le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs est un moment pour nous rassembler en tant que communauté afin d’honorer les contributions, les réalisations et les expériences vécues des Canadiens noirs et des Canadiennes noires. Ce mois est une occasion d’écouter, de participer et d’en apprendre davantage collectivement sur les histoires des Canadiens noirs et des Canadiennes noires et sur les cultures des personnes nouvellement arrivées, qui enrichissent grandement notre société. Chaque février, l’Université de l’Alberta célèbre le travail des personnes noires au sein du personnel, des équipes de recherche, du corps enseignant et professoral, et de la communauté étudiante, qui mènent avec intention.
Lire le message du président en l’honneur du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs »
Featured Stories



LISTEN TO BlackTalk
Blacktalk is a podcast about the personal experiences of global Black experts and Black Canadians contextualized within the historical experience of being Black. Hosted by Distinguished Professor W. Andy Knight and political science student Abigail Isaac, Blacktalk leaves listeners with new perspectives about anti-Black racism and Black achievement.
Black History Month Events
Check out upcoming events hosted by the university community.

Pan-African Symposium
Feb. 28-29
The symposium is aligned with the U of A’s concerted efforts to counter anti-Black racism and implement the values of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization, and Decolonization.
Learn moreU of A Initiatives
Black-led Research Network Initiative
The Black-led Research Network Initiative (BRNI) aims to build capacity for Black researchers and enhance Black research excellence at the University of Alberta.
Report on
Calls to Action
The Report on 10 Calls to Action by the Collective of Black Student Groups at the University of Alberta provides an update on activities related to the institutional priority area of Black flourishing, specifically on the commitments made to a collective of Black student groups in September 2020.
U of A signs
Scarborough Charter
The U of A is honoured to join our peer institutions across Canada in signing the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education.
Resources
And Still We Rise: A Black Presence in Alberta, late 1800s – 1970s
Part of the Edmonton City as Museum Project, this exhibit explores the formation of Alberta’s Black communities from the late 1800s through to the early 1970s.
Anti-Racism Lab
The Anti-Racism Lab supports a collaborative, comparative, international research program that examines decolonization and intersectional institutional racism in universities in Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Finland, and Sweden. Research collaborators are committed to formulating decolonial and antiracist policies and practices aimed at changing institutional cultures, pedagogical approaches, and processes to transform universities into spaces for developing and advancing social justice.
Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures
A four-module, on-demand micro-course tackling Anti-Black racism in Canada. Developed by Dr. W. Andy Knight, distinguished academic and Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta, this micro-course explores some of the major histories, migrations, artists and activists that have contributed to the presence and survival of Black people in Canada.
Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. Central Regional Hub, Prairies
Based out of the University of Alberta, the BEKH Central Regional Hub is focused on hearing the voices of Black entrepreneurs in the Prairie Region. By operating through regional hubs, the hub aims to better reflect the needs and priorities of local entrepreneurs to ensure relevant research and targeted community programming.
Black Youth for Social Innovation (BYSI)
Black Youth for Social Innovation (BYSI) provides Black students in the College of Social Sciences and Humanties with paid, work-integrated learning experiences and mentorship, empowering them to lead a pluraltistic society.
Engagement and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in Science
Explore a collection of resources prepared by the Associate Dean (Engagement & EDI) and the Faculty of Science Engagement & EDI committee.
Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth
The ELITE Program for Black Youth has been designed as a practical solution to enable Black Youth to develop hands-on skills that will be immediately transferable to disruptive technologies, including robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and tissue engineering.
Graduate Student Engagement Scholarship
Developed in collaboration with Black Students Graduate Association, the recipient must be of African descent and self-identify as Black, African-Canadian, African-American, or Afro-Caribbean or Afro-Latino heritage.
Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology PhD Project
The IBET PhD Project is intended to foster equitable and inclusive research environments to increase the presence of Indigenous and Black academics in STEM.
Partnership for Research with African Newcomers (PRAN)
Led by Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika, a Professor in the Women’s and Gender Studies Department at the University of Alberta, PRAN is a partnership of researchers, professionals, and organizations dedicated to optimizing sub-Saharan African immigrant and refugee (SSAI) settlement and integration. PRAN is facilitating dialogue, pioneering innovative research, developing new tools and resources, charting new training pathways, and raising new questions to improve Canada’s immigration policy, programs, and services.
Resources for Black Students
Developed by the Black Students’ Collective, this content aims to provide a list of resources, services, and activities that directly support Black students' academic development, student participation, and other student services for Black students.
University of Alberta Library Subject Guide: Black Studies
Find library resources for your exploration into Black Studies, a program of studies in Black history and culture, including the African diaspora.
Meet our Alumni
Black scholars, students, and alumni have been influential in shaping Canada's history, and working to uplift the whole people through their work.
Meet some of our grads who are doing great things in Alberta and beyond »

