Elie Ndala, a PhD in Education candidate at uOttawa, is a founding member of GaCran (Groupe d'action contre le racisme antinoirEs), which will be hosting the panel Black History Month, yes but what is next? on Thursday, February 8.
“I helped establish GACRAN at a time when I was questioning so many things about belonging and it brought me a great deal of peace, grounding and fulfillment. I believe this event is essential. We want to bring students together for an open and honest dialogue about blackness in a globalized, multilingual and ever-changing society. Black History Month is undoubtedly a time of celebration, but this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts in critical thinking about why these celebrations are taking place and the importance of delving deeper into these discussions. It’s more than just a commemoration. It serves as a platform for enlightenment and progress to understand where we are, where we’re going and the work that remains to be done.”
“We want to bring students together for an open and honest dialogue about blackness in a globalized, multilingual and ever-changing society.”
Elie Ndala
— A PhD in Education candidate and founding member of GaCran
Black History Month, yes but what is next?
GaCran (Groupe d'action contre le racisme antinoirEs) is hosting a roundtable conversation focused on the significance of Black History Month within our educational institutions. This dialogue unfolds within the framework of comprehensive research and contemplation regarding the role and influence of Black History Month in the field of education, encompassing its historical, cultural, and pedagogical aspects. This exchange aims to illuminate both the beneficial outcomes and enduring obstacles associated with this commemorative occasion.
Speakers include: Professor Awad Ibrahim, vice-provost, equity, diversity and inclusive excellence; Professor Boulou Ebanda, whose research focusses on identity formation, cultural studies and cultural memory, and Professor Gina Thésée, from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), whose doctoral thesis focused on high school students’ relationship with scientific knowledge in a context of racialization. Be sure to register to attend in person.
Franck-Maleek Djamat-Dubois, a uOttawa marketing student, will moderate a panel discussion titled "Intersectionality Inside the Black Community" panel discussion on February 12.
“Intersectionality is something we don’t talk about enough in-depth. Everyone needs to understand that many individuals belong to more than one social identity and therefore are confronted with multiple dimensions of hardship. This event is a wonderful opportunity for all students to hear from our panelists about the Black experience and the different layers of identity within our community, and to learn more about the complexity of intersectionality.”
“Intersectionality is something we don’t talk about enough in-depth. Everyone needs to understand that many individuals belong to more than one social identity.”
Franck-Maleek Djamat-Dubois
— uOttawa marketing student who will moderate the discussion
Intersectionality Inside the Black Community
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will delve into the multifaceted experiences and perspectives within the Black community. This panel will explore the interconnected layers of identity, acknowledging that the Black experience is not monolithic but shaped by various factors such as race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status and more.
Our panelists will each bring a unique voice and expertise. Through candid conversations, we’ll address the complexities of intersectionality within the Black community.
Hip-Hop Celebration
Thursday, February 15 — From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy a dynamic day of networking, talks with local experts, breakdance performances and art. Discover the rich diversity and creativity of our community. Don't miss this celebration of Hip Hop.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tinkering Lab (CRX 220)
Experience hip hop in a unique gaming format. We'll be featuring exciting games like DJ Hero, Floor Kids, and Kingspray, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in the rhythm and creativity of hip hop.
Throughout the day, you can groove to hip hop beats and immerse yourself in captivating visuals in the University Center, creating an atmosphere that embodies the essence of this dynamic culture.
4:30 p.m. at the University Centre
Beginning of the event featuring performances by a talented DJ and a B-boy group showcasing their incredible skills.
5 p.m. at the University Centre
Panel discussion exploring the roots and impact of hip hop on the Black community. Our panelists include esteemed individuals such as Awad Ibrahim, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and a Hip Hop Scholar; Le Flo Franco, a musical artist; Andy Akangah, founder and CEO of Akarts, a proud Black-owned small business celebrating our passion for hip hop; and Adrienne Codette, a community organizer, radio host and educator. The discussion will be expertly moderated by Rachelle Dickenson, Curator at OAG.
Black Entrepreneurship and Justice Ecosystem Conference
February 28, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Be part of an uplifting event that celebrates Black-owned and operated businesses! Our gathering is a lively showcase of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community strength within the Black business landscape. From startups to established enterprises, explore a diverse array of businesses proudly owned and operated by members of the Black community.
Engage in enriching conversations, discover unique products and services, and join in celebrating the resilience and creativity that define Black entrepreneurship. This event serves as a powerful testament to the impact and significance of Black-owned businesses, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and collective empowerment. Come and contribute to this dynamic celebration of economic empowerment and community support!
The Black Entrepreneurship and Justice Ecosystem Conference will be moderated by Garrick Apollon, a corporate lawyer, documentary film maker and entrepreneur who founded CPE Studios, an edutainment production company based in Ottawa. He’s an alumni of uOttawa’s JD program and a senior associate with uOttawa’s Professional Development Institute, where he is also director of the Black Entrepreneurs Hub. Garrick has also been a part-time professor for nearly 20 years at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, where he currently teaches corporate governance and ethics in the Executive MBA program. He also teaches at the Law Practice Program (LPP) at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law.
Speakers include The Honourable Christopher Uwagboe, of the Ontario Court of Justice, Jacqueline Beckles, general counsel with the Department of Justice Canada International Assistance Group (an alumna of uOttawa’s droit civil and JD programs), and Ketcia Peters, a certified trauma-informed coach and chief executive officer of North-South Development Roots and Culture Canada.