STU’s Black History Month celebrations begin with opening ceremony

St. Thomas University’s Black Students Association (STUBSA) began their Black History Month celebrations with an opening ceremony held in Sir James Dunn Hall on Feb. 3. 

STUBSA’s President Sochane Campbell, who was born and raised in Jamaica, opened the event with a speech on the importance of Black History.

“Your presence is invaluable as we reflect on the past and look to the future,” said Campbell.

Chaunté Blackwood, a student at the university, performed the song by Cynthia Erivo from the 2019 film , which represents the oppression of Black people and finding the courage to stand up for yourself and having faith in your religion and people.

To wrap up the event, executive members of STUBSA invited everyone who participated to enjoy snacks and refreshments provided by the association.

Attendees of the opening ceremony dig into the offered food to kick off Black History Month celebrations (Jake Wightman/AQ)

STUBSA has several events planned over the course of February with the goal of spreading awareness of Black culture to fellow students on campus.

The first of which was a durag and bonnet movie night with a fake African wedding on Feb. 8.

There was also an African panel that allowed students of African descent to interact with other Black students, ask questions on Black culture and give information about how to succeed as a Black individual in and outside of Fredericton.

After that, STUBSA will be hosting a ‘Cocoa coils and oils’ night on Feb. 12, which will allow people to learn about Black hair and how to style it. 

“As we all know, our hair is a huge part of our blackness and our heritage,” said Princess Obot, STUBSA’s vice president. “We take pride in our hair.”

On Feb. 24, there will be a dance workshop which will teach students about different traditional dancing styles. Dance is a cornerstone of Black culture and anyone is welcome.

The final and biggest event of the month will be the food fest and Black expo, held on Feb. 28. 

The food fest will include the serving of African and Caribbean dishes. There will also be a guest artist showcasing some of their pieces.

Obot said she wants Black History Month to assist in creating a community here at STU. Being of Nigerian descent and experiencing culture shock when transitioning to life in Canada, she hopes to bring the ideals of community to the university.

“This month is just a way to come together as one, put away our differences because at the end of the day, we’re all Black,” said Obot. “We all face the same struggle, the same upliftment, everything.”

“That’s what it means to me.”