New display at BU highlights contributions of Canada’s Black community

This article is over 7 years old.

BRANDON, Man. – Brandon University (BU) is celebrating Black History Month with a display in the John E. Robbins Library.

A white board features photographs and bios of those recognized for Black History Month.
A display at the John E. Robbins Library at Brandon University recognizes important accomplishments in Canadian history by the Black community.

The display, in the library’s Gathering Space, features biographies of 12 prominent Black women and men who have made great contributions from Canada’s history to present day.

Among those profiled in the display are Viola Desmond, who will be featured on the Canadian $10 bill next year, jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, inventor Elijah McCoy, politician Jean Augustine, and Harriet Tubman, who is remembered helping slaves find freedom as an Underground Railroad “conductor.”

Also honoured in the display is Dr. Afua Cooper, a historian, poet and educator who is the Chair of the Black Canadian Studies Association (BCSA). The BCSA will hold its 2017 conference at BU from May 11 – 13.

Others being recognized are human rights advocate Dan Hill, poet Dionne Brand, clergy member Addie Aylestock, physician Anderson Abbott, former Winnipeg police chief Devon Clunis, and lawyer and educator Dr. Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré.

The display can be viewed during the library’s regular hours, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays and on weekends from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

More information on Black History Month in Canada is available by visiting Canada.ca/Black-History-Month.

Contact

To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca

About BU

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.