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February is Black Histories and Futures Month and the Black Studies undergraduate program in the Department of Gender Studies is hosting four events to recognize the month.

Black Histories and Futures Month encourages us to celebrate the contributions of Black people in Canada, recognize the achievements of Black people, honour those who have resisted systemic barriers, and continue to uplift the community and inspire future generations.

The four events being hosted by Black Studies include:

Sunday, February 9, The Screening Room, 1:00 pm: Documentary screening of . This documentary premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, winning the Special Jury Award for Cinematic Innovation and was featured on the Top 10 Best Films of 2024 list by the New York Times. It follows the events that led to jazz musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach protesting at the UN Security Council against the CIA-backed coup and execution of anti-imperialist and Pan-Africanist Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba.

Wednesday, February 12, Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, 6:30 pm: A book launch for Dr. Juliane Okot Bitek’s new novel, . Dr. Bitek is cross appointed to the Department of Gender Studies and the Department of English and a key member of the Black Studies program.

“Her Black Studies course, BLCK 220 African Literature on these Indigenous Lands, is very popular with students,” says lead organizer Anita Ragunathan (Program Administrative Coordinator, Black Studies), “She is an award-winning poet and her new novel is as lyrical and moving as her poetry. We are very excited for her and this milestone.  We look forward to celebrating her achievement.”

Tuesday, February 25, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, 1:00 pm: Documentary screening of Resistance in a Hostile Environment: Subnormal followed by a post screening discussion with Black Studies Predoctoral Fellow Chichi Ayalogu. This documentary reveals how Black children in Britain in the 1960s and 70s were sent to schools for the subnormal, and how parents, activists, and teachers came together to fight this injustice. The event is for local primary school groups, parents, and caregivers.

Thursday, February 27, Miller Hall, 6:30 pm: Momodou Taal and Zubairu Wai will be discussing the legacy of Malcolm X and reflecting on the role of Pan Africanism, Black Internationalism, and Marxism in building the future X envisioned. Momodou is the host of podcast where he interviews guests in the spirit of Malcolm’s piercing questions. Zubairu Wai is a Professor of Political Science and Global Development Studies at University of Toronto and a knowledgeable, critical, and thought-provoking anti-imperialist and Pan-Africanist scholar.

When asked about the importance of Black Histories and Futures Month and the effort that went into planning these events, Ragunathan is quick to credit several faculty, staff, students, and community members who provided her with invaluable support.

“I had the help of a wonderful planning committee which included students, staff, faculty and a community member: Chichi Ayalogu, Joseph Kangmennaang, Rabeca Mengesha, Alisa Robinson, Aaliyah Strachan, and Keaton Zandbergen. It is important for us to provide students and the broader community with programming that engages, inspires, and encourages people to discover the interdisciplinarity and benefits to an education in Black Studies, while providing an opportunity for students and the community to engage positively with each other.”

Registration information for all four free events can be .