A message to the Laurier community in support of Black History Month

Jan. 31, 2024

Dear Laurier community,

As we enter Black History Month, Wilfrid Laurier University proudly honours the cultures, histories, and contributions of people across the African diaspora. While celebrating Black history is important every day, this month is an opportunity to reflect on the people who have worked, and continue to work, for inclusion, equity and freedom from anti-Black ideologies, policies, and practices.

Black History Month is also a time to acknowledge the role institutions of higher education have played in perpetuating inequities affecting Black communities. We have a responsibility to foster Black inclusion, Black flourishing, and Black excellence in the academy. In 2021, Laurier and more than 40 other universities and colleges across Canada cemented our commitment to these responsibilities by signing the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canada.

I am proud to share that in May, Laurier and the University of Waterloo will jointly host the 2024 Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum. The Forum will bring together university presidents and provosts, EDI leaders, faculty, contract-teaching faculty, staff, students, and community members in learning and action.

This year's theme, Bridging Black: Building Connections for Black Flourishing, aims to bridge the gaps in both learning and action and build stronger connections between the different stakeholders in higher education. The sessions over May 9 and 10 will acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Black communities in the academy, and provide a forum for discussions on how we can work together to build more equitable and inclusive universities. I am looking forward to welcoming colleagues from across Canada for these important sessions.

Throughout this month, the Black History Month Hub will highlight various events, stories, and opportunities to promote Black excellence around the university. I encourage everyone to take the time to learn about the inspiring work of Black students, faculty, contract-teaching faculty, and staff members across Laurier's campuses and locations. Black History Month is an opportunity for us all to further education on anti-Black racism, support Black inclusion, and celebrate the exceptional Black individuals who enrich Laurier’s thriving community.

Sincerely,

Deborah MacLatchy, PhD

President and Vice-Chancellor, Wilfrid Laurier University