Black History Month and Black Voices in Psychology

Dear students and colleagues,

The Psychology EDI Committee recognizes and celebrates Black History Month. In 1995, the Honorable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament, introduced the motion that officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada. Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black individuals in shaping our communities, institutions, and fields of knowledge.

As the Psychology EDI Committee, we acknowledge that systemic barriers continue to impact Black individuals in academic spaces and beyond, including, but not limited to, the realms of healthcare, employment, housing, education, and the justice system. We reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where Black perspectives, research, and lived experiences are valued and uplifted. This month, we encourage everyone to engage with Black histories, support Black-led initiatives, and reflect on the role we all play in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within psychology and our broader communities.

Celebrate: There are various events taking place in Edmonton throughout the month of February to celebrate Black History Month. See further details through the links below:

• The University of Alberta’s Black Student Association is hosting its annual Black History Month Gala on February 21st from 6:00pm-9:30pm at the Royal Palace. This is a ticketed event.
• The City of Edmonton has several events listed throughout February.
• The University of Alberta’s Chester Ronning Centre is hosting Shad: A Ronning Centre Conversation event on February 25th from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre.

Reflect and Learn:

• Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures. This free online micro-course (asynchronous and self-directed), offered by the University of Alberta, provides learners the opportunity to “reflect, dream, and think alongside some of today’s most prominent Black intellectuals as we examine the history of Black presence in Canada, and imagine vibrant Black Canadian futures.”
• Explore these learning resources about Alberta’s Black history from the Royal Alberta Museum and Alberta Human Rights Commission.
• See this link to learn about the variety of Black-lead initiatives and events at the University of Alberta, including the Black-lead Research Network Initiative
• Reflect on 2026’s theme for Black History Month: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries”.

Let us honour this month with intentional action, ongoing learning, and a commitment to creating lasting and systematic change.

To hear about contributions Black scholars have made to Psychology, please see our newest EDI Spotlight on Black Voices in Psychology.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Passey, Chair of the Psychology Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee