Royal Roads University celebrates the legacy, achievements and experiences of Black people in our university community and beyond.
The 2026 theme for Black History Month, 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries, celebrates the lasting contributions of Black Canadians who have helped shape Canada and continue to inspire future generations.
With thanks to everyone who contributed their time and voices to this page, in particular the Black scholars, learners, workers, alumni researchers and activists in our community and here at Royal Roads.
RRU events
Black History Month keynote: Black Legacies in Canada and the Academy
Join Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion at Simon Fraser University, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon for Royal Roads University's Black History Month keynote event.
Community events
2026 Voices
This Black History Month, students in the RRU Black community shared their experiences being Black in Canada. Here's what they said.
Explore the RRU Library's digital display
The Royal Roads University Library's digital display features books, films and essays by Black creators on the topics of Black Canadian history, the contemporary Black experience, Black culture and communication, the Black post-secondary experience, Black women and leadership, Black history in law and business, and Black film and fiction.
Watch past Royal Roads events
BC Black History Awareness Society: Preserving and co-creating Black history in BC
Roots, Routes and Reckonings: On Blackness and Belonging in North America
Voices
Past video messages and stories from the RRU community
- Read: Rodney Kwaku Boateng-Sarpong on embracing the call to be unapologetically Black, celebrating Black identities and authentic connection
- Read: Chinonso Sylvia Uzoaru speaks on embracing community, celebrating our achievements, and the importance of taking time for self-care and connection
- Read: Karl Okyerefo reflects on the importance of this month and what it means to him
- Read: With roots in Jamaica, Dr. Giovanni Malcolm says Black History Month is a time of deep reflection, celebration and reaffirmation of identity
- Watch: Royal Roads students reflect on Black History Month
- Watch: President Steenkamp: From Black history to Black futures and beyond
- Watch: RRU student Alexis Ottley on Black History Month and Black joy
- Watch: RRU student Omololo Sadiq-Abu on the beauty of being African
- Watch: RRU student Uchenna Columbus reflects on Black cultural contributions in Canada
- Watch: RRU student Juliana Adah speaks about inclusion in both Canada and in her studies at Royal Roads
- Watch: RRU student Grace Ndirangu speaks about courage and inclusion, and finding both in Canada
- Watch: RRU student Vivian Ameyaw speaks about what brings her joy as a Black person in Canada
- Watch: RRU student Karo Ogbighele speaks about what brings her joy here in Canada
- Watch: RRU student Michael Agada speaks about Black joy and what that looks like in Nigeria
- Watch: RRU student Mabel Iretiola Giwa speaks about the importance of understanding Black histories
- Watch: RRU student Stephanie Ezeudogu speaks about what Black History Month means to her
- Watch: RRU student Sophia Zibiri speaks about Black History Month and inclusion
- RRU student Wisdom Mawuli Parku speaks about what Black History Month means to him
- Watch: Lisa Wallace talks about the importance of celebrating Black history, no matter who you are
Additional resources
BCcampus
In collaboration with B.C.’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, BCcampus worked alongside a diverse group of racialized and Indigenous experts to develop The Gift We Give One Another: A Collection of Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Resources.
This collection includes publicly available resources from B.C.’s post–secondary institutions, a webinar series and much more.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion has resources for Canadians to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians in their communities:
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
This report, Black Canadians and Public Education, summarizes findings from a study undertaken by Turner Consulting Group to review the extent to which Black history and Black representation is embedded in Canadian K-12 social studies curricula.
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada has additional materials available on their Black History Month webpage including a digital toolkit, videos and biographies of notable Black Canadians who helped shape Canada.
Cultural and educational resources
Interested in learning more? Check out 2023 picks as well as items from the 2022 culture and educational resources list curated by assoc. faculty members Athena Madan and Olaolu Adeleye, and other RRU community members.
Societies and groups
BC: British Columbia Black History Awareness Society
Canada: Visit the Government of Canada's website for more societies and groups across Canada.