Join us in celebration for a series of Black History Month presentations from, and conversations with, profound Black individuals in Canadian society. Each talk will delve into various fields and topics, including community, academia, and politics, to share with attendees various personal experiences, stories, and lessons on what it is like to be Black in Canada. During this very important month, attendees can expect to reflect on the hardships overcome by Black individuals, while also being reminded of the many instances of perseverance and determination to overcome in order to achieve.

Please note that the Zoom webinar links will only be emailed to registered attendees.

More information on our esteemed guests and their respective dates, times, and registration links for their individual talks:

Bernice Carnegie, Co-Founder and Former Executive Director of the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation

Wednesday, February 24

6:00 – 7: 00PM

Eventbrite Link to Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/assu-presents-black-perspectives-a-conversation-with-bernice-carnegie-tickets-142010317683

Among many things, Bernice Carnegie is a Black international Educational and Life Enrichment Speaker who shares the personal and compelling historical journey of her family and how they navigated through racism and other challenges to achieve success since settling in Canada in 1912.

Bernice will share with us her own and her family’s historical experiences living in Canada. Bernice’s profound stories delve into a wide range of critical topics, from navigating through racism and several other challenges after settlement to then overcoming barriers to achieving success.

Dr. Nadège Compaoré,Scholar of International Relations and a Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow

Thursday, February 25

6:00 – 7:00PM

Eventbrite Link to Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/assu-presents-black-perspectives-a-conversation-with-dr-nadege-compaore-tickets-142007758027

Dr. Nadège Compaoré is an incoming Assistant Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She is currently completing a Provost Postdoctoral Fellowship in the same Department, where she is also affiliated with the Munk School of Global Affair’s Environmental Governance Lab.

Dr. Compaoré will share her insights on what it means to be Black in academia, touching on topics such as representation in the classroom and in curriculums, systemic barriers barring Black individuals from entering these fields, and more. This talk offers an opportunity for Black students with interests in advancing their academic careers to gain knowledge and advice from an expert as they explore options for their future endeavours.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen,Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Friday, February 26

7:00 – 7:40PM

Eventbrite Link to Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-perspectives-in-conversation-with-the-honourable-ahmed-hussen-tickets-141901955569

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen is the Member of Parliament for York South—Weston. A community advocate and lawyer, he has proudly represented the residents of York South-Weston since 2015.  He was also the vice-chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association. In January 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Ahmed as Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Ahmed was subsequently re-elected as the Member of Parliament for York South—Weston in October 2019. On November 20, 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Ahmed Hussen as Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

The Hon. Hussen with share his experiences from the world of politics and offers an opportunity for Black students with an interest in leadership, advocacy, or politics to learn from an expert as they forge their own futures in these fields. Topics such as overcoming barriers, combatting anti-Black racism, and representation will be discussed, while the conversation delves into the intersections of identity and politics.