Stories that celebrate Black voices, perspectives, and ideas
Athabasca University honours Black History Month by sharing stories and experiences of Black students, alumni, and faculty
Athabasca University (AU) is celebrating Black History Month by sharing stories, perspectives, and ideas from Black Canadians and members of the university community.
“Black History Month is an important moment to celebrate the contributions and achievements and to elevate the voices of Black members of our university community,” said President Dr. Alex Clark.
“Athabasca University’s core mission is to remove barriers to university education and make learning accessible to everyone. We could not fulfill this mandate without an unwavering commitment to openness, accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.”
Throughout February, you’ll see stories about Black community members who are fighting racism in health care, uplifting African, Caribbean, and Black communities through advocacy, and addressing inequities through research. We’re also proud to share important learning resources to help people learn about Black history and to honour the legacy of Black Canadians.
Dr. Veronica Fynn Bruey and Dr. Chika C. Daniels join Real Talk with Ryan Jespersen to discuss Black history, racism, equity, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Read about their Black History Month talk
My journey as a refugee studying at Athabasca University
Bachelor of Professional Arts student and refugee Bazibuhe “Bazi” Muhabwa shares how his life was interrupted by war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He also explains how he’s found a welcoming home in Edmonton and studying at Athabasca University.
This nursing grad is leading the fight against anti-Black racism in health care
Donna Lawrence (Master of Nursing ’22) is paving the way for nurses so they don’t have to face the same anti-Black racism in health care that she did.
AU Rising Star sets sights on not-for-profit leadership
After her own difficult childhood, Odion Welch (Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations ’17) spends her time supporting Black youth, and improving the health of African, Caribbean, and Black communities.
Claudette McGowan is making her own future happen
Claudette McGowan (Master of Business Administration ’11) has worn several hats over the years: banking executive, community advocate, mentor and business owner. Her latest venture, a cybersecurity startup called Protexxa, puts her at the forefront of the effort to tackle an explosion of cybercrime targeted at organizations across the country.
Nursing grad advocates for equity in health care
Kimberley Jones (Master of Nursing ’22) devoted her graduate studies to exploring exlore an issue she cares deeply about: equality and equity in the Canadian health-care system.
Learn about Black History Month with these AU library resources
Athabasca University’s Library and Scholarly Resources has provided a selection of materials that pay homage to Black history and honour the Black legacy in our world.
Check out the Black History Month resources
Educate yourself about anti-racism during Black History Month
The AU library has also curated a list of anti-racism resources. These resources range from books about white privilege and systemic racism to guides for learning about how to talk to children about racism.
