SAIT Trojans reflect on Black History Month 2026

04 February 2026

A group of eight individuals stand beneath a basketball hoop in a gym. Some hold sports balls including a volleyball, basketball, and rugby ball. They appear to be talking casually and interacting with one another. — Video still courtesy of Marcos Trovo Mantis.

Student athletes share thoughts on “Black Brilliance,” driving change and inspirational icons

February is Black History Month in Canada — a time to celebrate Black excellence, reflect on the systemic barriers Black communities continue to face, and recommit to learning, equity and collective responsibility.

This year’s national theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” It recognizes and celebrates the leadership, resilience, creativity, innovation and contributions of Black Canadians — past, present and future.

SAIT is hosting events for our learners and employees all February — from feature Trojans basketball games to a documentary screening exploring the role sports plays in Black history, identity and resistance.

Hear from nine SAIT Trojans as they reflect on Black History Month, how to be changemakers, and the Black athletes and leaders who inspire them.

This year’s Black History Month theme focuses on “Black Brilliance Across Generations.” What does the word ‘brilliance’ mean to you as an athlete?

Two images of a SAIT basketball athlete wearing jersey number 2. The portrait shows the athlete standing in a red team jersey. The action photo captures the athlete jumping with one arm extended upward to release the basketball toward the net during a game.

“To me, as an athlete, ‘brilliance’ means doing things off the court that no one else sees behind closed doors. So, getting better, working harder and just preparing yourself for the season.”

– Tatiana Orellana-Prass
SAIT Trojans basketball player
Open Studies student

Two images of a SAIT volleyball athlete wearing jersey number 16. The portrait shows the athlete standing in a red jersey. The action photo shows the athlete jumping high to serve the volleyball during a match in front of a crowd.

“I think ‘brilliance’ — especially when it comes to volleyball, as an athlete — boils down to which script you follow. It could be the script of the team and there’s also the script of yourself, and sometimes you have to follow your own script. I think that’s what brilliance means to me — following your script.”

– Newon Dissee
SAIT Trojans volleyball player
Film and Video Production student

How does participating in sport give you a platform to honour or uplift the communities that paved the way for today’s Black athletes?

Two images of a SAIT basketball athlete wearing jersey number 10. The portrait shows the athlete standing in uniform. The action photo captures the athlete rising toward the hoop for a one‑handed dunk.

“I feel like Black athletes today are great role models for the community. I feel like the community always are looking for outlets, ways to express themselves, and I feel like athletics is a great way to do so.”

– Damein Coleman Jr.
SAIT Trojans basketball player
Open Studies student

In what ways do you think Black student athletes can be visionaries or changemakers within their teams, campuses or communities?

Two images of a SAIT volleyball athlete wearing jersey number 11. In the portrait, the athlete stands facing slightly to the side in a red and white team jersey with long braided hair. In the action photo, the athlete jumps high in the air to serve a volleyball on an indoor court.

“I think as a student athlete you stand out in your community, so you’re a changemaker there. And, as a student athlete, we have the teamwork skills, the discipline skills and the confidence, so I feel like when we walk in a room it’s recognizable.”

– Temi Bankole
SAIT Trojans volleyball player
Software Development student

Two images of a SAIT Trojans track athlete wearing bib number 149 and a red racing singlet. The portrait shows the athlete posed in front of a dark backdrop. The race photo shows the athlete sprinting forward on an indoor track with competitors behind.

“I think they should just be alive. Enjoy the moment, enjoy their teammates and just have as much fun as possible. Always give the brightest smile that you can ever give, and just be happy with where you are.”

– Silas Iyuke
SAIT Trojans cross-country and indoor track athlete
Mechanical Engineering Technology student

Who is a Black athlete, leader or trailblazer whose brilliance has inspired your own journey in sport?

Two images of a SAIT basketball athlete wearing jersey number 12. The portrait shows the athlete standing in a white jersey. The action image captures the athlete hanging from the rim after completing an impressive two‑handed dunk.

“Giannis Antetokounmpo. He came from nothing and he worked hard his whole life to get to where he’s at, so that’s really inspiring for me and it keeps me pushing every day.”

– Killian Yopa
SAIT Trojans basketball player
Open Studies student

Two images of a SAIT basketball athlete wearing jersey number 7. The portrait shows the athlete standing in uniform. The game image captures the athlete leaping toward the hoop, extending one arm to finish a powerful layup.

“The leader I chose is my father. Basically, my dad is someone who works really hard, and that inspired me throughout my basketball journey to work really hard on and off the court. That’s why I chose my dad.” (translated from French)

– Marc Denault
SAIT Trojans basketball player
Marketing student

Two images of a SAIT basketball athlete. In the first, the athlete dribbles aggressively past a defender during a game. In the second, the athlete jumps high for a one‑handed dunk wearing a black team warm‑up uniform.

“I want to say Serena Williams. It’s the way she approached the game to be the best player. It’s one thing to be the best player, but it’s another to be the best player for a long period of time.”

– Diew Moses
SAIT Trojans basketball player
Pre-employment Pipetrades student

Two images of a SAIT basketball athlete wearing jersey number 4. The portrait shows the athlete in a white team jersey and headband. In the game image, the athlete leaps toward the hoop with the ball raised for a layup while defenders close in.

“Stephen Curry inspired me. He’s a Christian athlete who attributes all his success to God.”

– Cameron Carter
SAIT Trojans basketball player
Software Development student

Black History Month events #HereAtSAIT

Join the Office of Community and Belonging, Black Empowerment and Excellence at SAIT (BEES) and the Afro-Caribbean Student Club (ACSC) at events throughout February.

🏀 SAIT Trojans Basketball Games
Saturday, Feb. 7, 6 pm women’s tip-off, 8 pm men’s tip-off
SAIT Wellness Centre
Cheer on the Trojans as they face Ambrose University and recognize Black History Month.

💰 Financial Literacy Workshop: How to Protect Yourself from Becoming a Fraud Victim
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 11:30 am – 1 pm
AA128, Heritage Hall
Join School of Business Instructor, Festus Adebisi to learn practical strategies to recognize scams, spot red flags and protect your personal information.
Register

🍿 Documentary Review: CBC Gem Black Life: Untold Stories, Episode 6 — “More Than Just a Game”
Thursday, Feb. 26, 11:30 am – 1 pm
AA128, Heritage Hall
Watch the documentary and join a guided discussion on the role of sports in Black history, identity and resistance.
Register

📖 Deepen your learning by exploring our curated Black History Month booklist featuring titles available at the Reg Erhardt Library on campus.

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