Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

February 04, 2005

U of G celebrates Black History Month

Black History Month at the University of Guelph continues through mid-March with a series of events and activities organized by the C.J. Munford Centre.

The first event begins tonight at 6 p.m. with a discussion of how racism exists within the black community as well as between races in “What is Black?: An Open Forum About Intra-Racism” in the Munford Centre, MacKinnon 054.

On Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in MacKinnon 054, a discussion titled “HIV/AIDS in the Black Community — and We’re Not Just Talking About the Developing World” will examine the theories and realities of HIV/AIDS-affected black youth through a short film presentation and stories from front-line workers.

The Munford Centre is hosting a film/video series beginning Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. Location to be announced. This is the first of three planned film nights exploring issues of racism, multiculturalism and Canadian history from the perspective of the “other.” Screenings will be accompanied by photo exhibits by local artists.

March 3 and 4, “Fiesta Africaribena: A Celebration of Black History Throughout the Diaspora” takes place in the University Centre courtyard and Peter Clark Hall. This is a collaborative effort of members of African Students of Guelph, the Latino Cultural Society, the West Indian Students Association and the Munford Centre.

On March 10, a panel of young black professionals will discuss how they have overcome barriers and found success in “We Did It Our Way: Rising Stars in the Black Community” at 7 p.m. Location to be announced.

February was officially declared Black History Month in 1995 by the federal government in an effort to encourage people to explore the richness of African history and culture.

For more information, contact the C.J. Munford Centre at (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56911.

For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rebecca Kendall, Ext. 56982.