Royal Roads University celebrates the legacy, achievements and experiences of Black people in our university community and beyond.
This year's theme, Black Legacy and Leadership, invites us to both celebrate Canada's rich history while also looking toward the future and the generations yet to come.
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.
2025 Royal Roads events
BC Black History Awareness Society: Preserving and co-creating Black history in BC
BC Black History Awareness Society President Silvia Mangue leads an engaging discussion in honor of Black History Month. Facilitated by RRU President Philip Steenkamp, she speaks on Preserving and co-creating Black history in BC.
Community events
Voices
Highlighting Black leaders and changemakers from across our RRU community.
Karl Okyerefo: Alum, Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication
Karl Okyerefo reflects on the importance of this month and what it means to him.
Chinonso Sylvia Uzoaru: Student, Master of Global Management
Chinonso Sylvia Uzoaru speaks on embracing community, celebrating our achievements, and the importance of taking time for self-care and connection.
Dr. Giovanni Malcolm: Associate Faculty, School of Leadership/ Tourism and Hospitality Management
With roots in Jamaica, Dr. Giovanni Malcolm says Black History Month is a time of deep reflection, celebration and reaffirmation of identity.
Rodney Kwaku Boateng-Sarpong: Student, Master of Arts in Environment and Management
Rodney Kwaku Boateng-Sarpong on embracing the call to be unapologetically Black, celebrating Black identities and authentic connection.
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.
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.
2024 Royal Roads Events
Roots, Routes and Reckonings: On Blackness and Belonging in North America
In this Black History Month 2024 event at Royal Roads, McGill University Assoc. Prof. Debra Thompson, Canada Research Chair in Racial Inequality in Democratic Societies, examines key, competing facets of Canadian and American manifestations of racism, including the intersection of racial formations and settler colonialism.
Why February, why a month, what's changed?
February is Black History Month in Canada. But what does that mean and why February of all months? In this clip from our free public event in 2024, York University Prof. Carl E. James explores questions about the significance of February as Black History Month.
Voices
Video messages celebrating BHM 2024.
Royal Roads students reflect on Black History Month
Royal Roads students from Canada and around the world talk about what Black History Month means to them. They speak about the inclusion they feel in Canada and on campus, what makes them proud and what brings them joy.
President Steenkamp: From Black history to Black futures and beyond
Philip Steenkamp's wide-ranging conversation on everything from African history to Black futures and beyond with associate faculty member Olaolu Adeleye.