Celebrate Black History Month on campus & beyond

February is Black History Month, and this week is Indigenous Education Week (learn more about IEW here). These occasions provide the U of T community with the opportunity to learn more about cultural communities on campus and their traditions and histories, to talk about and denounce racism, and to celebrate the cultural diversity of our campus and our country. These are some of the events you can attend to celebrate Black History Month on campus and in Toronto before February comes to a close. Community Practice and Activism Panel February 22, 6:00pm, OISE Students at the Factor-Interwash Faculty of Social Work have been organizing Black History Month events all month, including this panel at which speakers will address the practice of social work in Black communities and the role of social work in activism. Register for free on Eventbrite. Hip Hop for a Different Future: Decolonization, Spirituality and Social Transformation February 24-26, Student Centre at UTM & Hart House This series of lectures is a collaboration between Hart House, the Multi-Faith Centre, First Nations House, and the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office. The series will engage with "artists, scholars, educators and activists" to talk about hip hop as an anti-racist cultural movement. Learn more on the Multi-Faith Centre website.

National Film Board Mini Film Fest: Invisible City February 25, 6:00pm, Palmerston Branch of the Toronto Public Library (Bloor & Palmerston) The National Film Board of Canada is holding a Mini Film Fest throughout February in honour of Black History Month. At this showing, you can view a screening of Invisible City, a Canadian film about two boys from Regent Park facing challenges as they grow into adulthood. Learn more on the Toronto Public Library website. The eh List Author Series: George Elliot Clarke February 25, 7:00pm, Lillian H. Smith Branch of the Toronto Public Library (College & Spadina)  The former poet laureate of Toronto will read from his latest novel, Motorcyclist, an adventure story, and sign copies of the book at this free event. Learn more on the Toronto Public Library website. “And Still We Rise: A New Generation of Black Students Arises for a New Time” – Lecture by Robert A. Hill February 26, 6:30pm, Earth Sciences Centre This event was organized by the Caribbean Studies department at New College with sponsors spanning various departments at the university. Robert Hill is a professor of history AT UCLA and editor of the Marcus Gavey & Universal Negro Improvement Association Papers, as well as the C.L.R. James Archives. Learn more on the New College website. Know of an event not listed here that you think deserves some spotlight? Share it in the comments or on Twitter, tagging us at @UofTStudentLife.