From the organizer:
York University’s Black Legacy Initiative celebration in Black History Month February 2025 was a transformative, cross-campus initiative that centers Black excellence, community leadership, and institutional accountability. The initiative’s vision was not only to celebrate Black identity and excellence but also to influence systemic change at York by embedding Black-led programming, cultural recognition, and community engagement as integral to the University’s academic and equity priorities. The February 2025 event, themed ‘Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future,’ brought together over 190 attendees, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. It featured panel discussions, cultural performances, a networking dinner, and interactive exhibitions that celebrated the contributions of York’s Black community. The Umoja Black Legacy Alliance (UBLA) – an executive steering committee of Black staff, alumni, faculty, students and community leaders — emerged as a result of the event and its success which demonstrated large-scale and strong community buy-in, cross-departmental collaboration, and growing institutional support. This grassroots cross-campus collaboration is reshaping how York University celebrates Black identity, culture and excellence.
From an attendee:
This collaborative community event allowed Black students like myself to network and meet fellow students, as well as Black staff, faculty and alumni in the same space. The cultural significance and the celebrations were heartwarming and this event was one of the first I felt like I belonged.
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