February 06, 2025 By Lisa Glock
YouAlberta is written by students for students.
In her fifth year of a bachelor of arts degree, majoring in political science and women’s & gender studies, Lisa Glock is from Stettler, Alberta. She is the President of the University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU). Lisa is passionate about holistic sustainability and student advocacy.
I've taken two international relations courses with Dr. Andy Knight, the developer of the Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures course. When he recommended I write this piece for YouAlberta, I was honoured to share my thoughts. Dr. Knight's teaching style spoke to me and allowed me to delve into the course material in new and interesting ways.
When Dr. Knight shared this course with me and recommended I take it, I was immediately on board. The course was a natural step for me; as UASU executives, we're advised to take the U of A's Indigenous Canada MOOC at the beginning of our terms. Dr. Knight's material was a logical addition to this.
Its excellent structure shaped my first impressions of this course. The modules include many mediums in their content. Readings were included alongside video content with historical examples and modern-day stories, which were supplemented with art, quotes and reflection prompts. This engaging multimedia approach provided a smooth learning experience and easy integration into my routine. These are also excellent qualities for those looking for more accessible course materials.
When it comes to applying these learnings to my daily life, I would say it augments my understanding of coursework in my degree but also has encouraged me to explore similar content, such as reading Black Prairie Archives: An Anthology. This collection was required reading for an English research class I had taken in my first year. It is a regional archive of "Black Prairie" literature, featuring writings spanning from nineteenth-century black fur traders and pioneers to contemporary works of the twenty-first century. Dr. Knight's course spurred my curiosity to go back and read the whole thing. This learning experience continues to prompt me to expand my understanding of Canada's diverse history from an intersectional perspective.
Having experienced the course, I see its relevance and value for anyone living in Canada. This course can help all Canadian newcomers and deeply rooted folks alike to understand the history of Black Canadians. This is critical because it is often overlooked in traditional education. The course highlights contributions and addresses ongoing anti-Black racism.
Personally, my high school education never discussed Black Canadian history, and unfortunately, I believe this is a widely shared experience. I found the course to be eye-opening. It challenged misconceptions about racial dynamics in Canada compared to the US. This component augmented my studies of international relations and provided a deeper understanding of epistemic injustice. This course will spur a deeper understanding of racism's persistence and the ongoing struggle for equality in Canada. This includes learning about Black Canadian scholars, artists and historical figures, fostering a broader connection to and appreciation of the material.
As president, I'm the primary spokesperson for UASU. I oversee the organization's strategy, operations, employees, advocacy and more. This wide-ranging position is responsible for an enormous range of tasks. Learning about diverse perspectives and histories, such as those presented in the course, is vital for anyone looking to take on this kind of representative role. This knowledge empowers leaders to create more inclusive spaces and amplify diverse voices within one's community. For those interested in promoting equity and social justice, this aligns with the course's exploration of racial equity and social justice. Understanding the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Black Canadians can deepen advocacy efforts and promote inclusivity in our day-to-day lives.
I consider this course essential for all Canadians to fill knowledge gaps about Black Canadian history and promote understanding and solidarity. While I found myself occasionally wanting more of a deep dive into certain topics, I appreciate the function of this course is to give a comprehensive overview. Perhaps in future iterations or spin-off courses, more perspectives can be integrated, or focus could be given to specific events, groups or periods of time.
The course offers opportunities for personal growth and development, providing historical context, intersectional perspectives and cultural insights that can inform work, personal life, activism and much, much more. The course can provide a jumping-off point for further study.
The most important takeaway from this course for me is to never stop learning about each other. We can be students of life forever — go out and seek new perspectives and knowledge whenever you can.
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