Celebrating Black History Month at McMaster


Join the McMaster community in celebrating Black History Month throughout February.

Events will include:

John C. Holland Awards (community event)

Saturday, February 1 | 5:30 pm – 12:00 am

Grand Central Ballroom, LIUNA Station – 360 James St. N. Hamilton ON

Black History Month Official Launch

Monday, February 3 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

MUSC Atrium

  • This event marks the official Black History Month launch at McMaster University. Opening remarks will be made by Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Arig al Shaibah. Mac Expo and performances to follow.

Black Expo

Monday, February 3 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

MUSC Atrium

  • This event is an opportunity to learn and engage with Black-focused student groups on campus.

Film Showing – “The Last Black Man in San Francisco”

Tuesday, February 4 | 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Bridges Café

  • McMaster students, staff and faculty are invited to the showing of this 2019 American drama. Discussion to follow. Chips, popcorn and refreshments will be provided.

Together We Rise – “Black Youth Pathways to Success” (community event)

Wednesday, February 5 | 4:45 pm – 8:00 pm

Hamilton Public Central Library – 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4

Art & Jazz Soirée

Thursday, February 6 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

McMaster Museum of Art

  • This exciting night will feature various displays of art, including the museum’s current exhibition “A Harlem Nocturne” by artist Deanna Bowen and a display of works by community artists. The evening will conclude with a musical performance by acclaimed vocalist Colina Phillips. Refreshments and snacks will be provided in the foyer. Attendees will have an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the creative festivities throughout the event.

The International African Museum

Monday, February 10 | 10:30 am – 4:00 pm

MUSC Atrium

  • The International African Museum is a mobile museum. This year’s exhibit will showcase continental African and Caribbean inventions.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Onye Nnorom – “Beyond Bias: Systems, Race and Health”

Monday, February 10 | 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Health Science Centre 1A6

  • The social determinants of health – e.g. education, gender, culture, immigration, institutionalized racism – can affect health and health behaviours.  In Canada, we are very fortunate to have a universal health care system. Using the Black community as a case example, Dr. Nnorom will discuss how racism impacts people’s health, as well as promising practices for addressing systemic and inter-personal racism in healthcare.

Bodies are Dope”

Tuesday, February 11 – Thursday, February 13

  • The Women and Gender Equity Network (WGEN) is hosting a three-day campaign focused on body positivity and celebrating bodies of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPoC) through a series of events on campus. For event details and location updates, visit https://www.msumcmaster.ca/current-events

Let’s Talk About Race

Thursday, February 27 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

  • Racialized, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) students, staff and faculty are invited to a facilitated discussion for our Black History Month “Let’s Talk About Race” drop-in session.

Artist Talk | Deanna Bowen and Dr. Selina Mudavanhu

Thursday, February 27 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

McMaster Museum of Art

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