How to recognize Black History Month 2025 #HereAtSAIT

03 February 2025

Two students smile and make the peace sign with their hands while standing behind a popcorn machine at Black History Month Fest 2025.

Attend events, add to your reading list and connect with the SAIT community this February

February is Black History Month

It's a time to learn about, honour and celebrate the legacy of Black people in Canada.

Learn more

Canada’s past, present and future are shaped by Black Canadians and their communities. This Black History Month, you’re invited to deepen your understanding of Black Canadian history through memorable events and curated resources courtesy of Black Empowerment and Excellence at SAIT (BEES), the Afro-Caribbean Student Club and SAIT.

📅 Plan your month

Film and finance, dance and discussion — our event lineup offers fun opportunities to get curious, connect and celebrate! Spots are limited so don’t wait to sign up.

Documentary review: Deeply Rooted 🎬

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Watch and discuss the 23-minute documentary Deeply Rooted, an exploration of the experience of a seventh-generation Black Canadian. SAIT employees Hugh Baker and Efua Ukuwelah will lead a group discussion following the screening. Popcorn will be provided!

Film poster for the documentary short, Deeply Rooted. — Film poster for the documentary short, *Deeply Rooted*.

Black History Month Fest 2025 💃🏾

Friday, Feb. 14

Head to the Irene Lewis Atrium in Stan Grad Centre for an unforgettable student-led experience filled with electrifying music, dance performances, rhythmic drumming and hands-on crafts. No registration required for this one — just come on down and join the party!

Students dance and celebrate at Black History Month Fest 2024.

Inclusion Talks: The impact of Black Labour on history and culture 💬

Wednesday, Feb. 19

This virtual session will honour the contributions, struggles and triumphs of Black individuals throughout history and examine how to advocate for equity and justice in an ever-shifting landscape.

💻 Update your Zoom background for Black History Month with special graphics found under “Holidays and national days” on sait.ca.

Financial Literacy: Navigating the Canadian Investment Environment 💰

Thursday, Feb. 27

Bring your lunch and join Festus Adebisi, Accounting Instructor in the School of Business, to learn the fundamentals of investing in Canada. This session will be particularly helpful to newcomers to Canada but is open to the entire SAIT community.

✨ Join a like-minded community

Black Empowerment and Excellence at SAIT (BEES)

The BEES committee is a voluntary group of Black students, employees and allies who work to support Black people on campus and combat anti-Black racism at SAIT. BEES strives to reflect diverse perspectives and fair, campus-wide representation of the Black community and its allies and is seeking more members to continue its work in advocacy, empowerment, mentorship and hosting events on campus. Contact BEES to learn more.

I would like to encourage any student or staff members of Black descent to join BEES so we can provide our community with symbiotic supports to add more to the contributions of Black Canadians and facilitate the inspiring story of our existence in Canada over time.

Festus Adebisi,

School of Business Instructor and BEES committee member

Festus, Black Empowerment and Excellence at SAIT Committee Member and SAIT Instructor, smiles in front of Heritage Hall.

Afro-Caribbean Student Club

The Afro-Caribbean Student Club is committed to creating a community for growth, support and networking on campus. Afro-Caribbean students are invited to connect with the student club through Instagram, LinkedIn or email.

Being with the Afro-Caribbean Student Club has really been a worthwhile experience. My why for joining the club initially was to build my social and communication skills while interacting with members of the community — and by extension, Black professionals outside SAIT — and this has helped me so much. I also wanted a community of friends I could feel comfortable around and I decided to give it a try. For new and prospective club members, I would say you should join to connect with other students who share similar culture and experience with you. You feel more comfortable and seen, nothing beats having that community. You also stand to gain access to professional and fun events, social gatherings and collaborations with other clubs. And most importantly, you develop leadership skills by joining the executive team or volunteering.

Oluwafisayo Oloruntoba,

President, Afro-Caribbean Student Club and second-year Data Analytics and Management and Leadership student

Fisayo, President of the Afro-Caribbean Student Club, smiles in front of Heritage Hall.

📚 Recommended reading

The Reg Erhardt Library has curated a collection of physical and ebooks for Black History Month aligned with this year’s theme of “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” These publications highlight the resilient Black leaders and unique Black communities of Canada that have broken down barriers and paved the way forward, leaving a legacy of hope for an inclusive future for new generations of Black Canadians. Find the full list in the library’s monthly digest.

🐎 Did you know? High Rider by Bill Gallaher is the compelling story of John Ware, who was born into slavery and became one of the most successful independent ranchers in southern Alberta. SAIT’s John Ware building was named in his honour, and the 4Nines Diner within it is a tribute to Ware’s cattle brand (9999).

A series of four book covers for Black History Month, including High Rider, Black Women As Leaders, They Call Me George and Breaking The Ice. — Caption

A sneak peek of featured titles available at the Reg Erhardt Library.

Building a more inclusive campus, together

Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT, including recent accomplishments and what we’re working on.

Community and Belonging

a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Visit Natoysopoyiis Resource Centre