Lakehead Celebrates Black History Month
February is Black History Month. It is a call to many voices and especially in these times, it is a call to immobilize the weight of racism.
This year at Lakehead University, the African and Caribbean Student Association (AFCASA) has put on a series of events for February. Their Feed Your Love program on Valentine’s Day showcased African heritage through food and music for everyone to enjoy. However, even though these light-hearted festivities are fun to attend and participate in, we must not forget the struggles and tribulations persons of African heritage have faced. People across Canada take part in Black History Month celebrations and events every February to honour the contributions made by Black people to their communities and Canada.
“Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build" is the topic for Black History Month in 2024.
When asked what Black History Month means to Felix Ikokwu, AFCASA’s president, he replies:
“Black History Month is deeply meaningful to me, serving as a time to celebrate, reflect, and honour the achievements of the Black community. It's especially significant as I reflect on my own journey, coming to Canada at a very young age and often being the only minority in classroom settings. This isolation was challenging, making finding others who shared my identity or experiences hard.
During Black History Month, however, I'm reminded of the incredible resilience and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It reassures me that, despite often being one of the few Black people in a room, I have the potential to achieve greatness and positively impact my community. This month is a celebration of our heritage and the accomplishments of those who have paved the way, offering inspiration and motivation.
To me, Black History Month is not just about recognising the past; it's a beacon for the future. It reinforces my identity, encourages me to celebrate our collective achievements, and inspires confidence to pursue my dreams. It's a reminder that I'm part of a larger, powerful community capable of overcoming obstacles and making significant contributions to society.”
The very essence of commemorating Black History is what the world needs: Love.
If you are interested in joining AFCASA or attending their events for Black History Month, feel free to follow their Instagram @afcasa_lakehead