The fourth annual Africa United Celebration gave Black UCalgary students a chance to mark the start of a new school year, while exploring their cultures and solidifying a sense of belonging in the classroom, in research and in leadership.
This year's event, held on Sept. 17, was the biggest yet, with more than 350 students, faculty and community members gathering for an evening of culture, conversation and connection at Hunter Student Commons.
Members of the African Studies Student Taskforce. Photo Credit: Ebenezer Belayneh
"The Africa United Celebration was created by students, initially as a welcome back event, to bring Black people on campus under one roof and celebrate the upcoming academic year," says Dr. Motilola Akinfemisoye-Adejare, PhD, assistant professor (teaching) in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology.
"We invite all students, particularly Black students, to join Black faculty members and other university leaders to hear insights on how they can thrive on campus," adds Akinfemisoye-Adejare, who is also a faculty member with African Studies in the Faculty of Arts.
Guest speakers at the event included University of Calgary Provost Sandra Davidson, Chancellor Jon Cornish and Students' Union President Naomie Bakana, as well as David Bradshaw, president of the Calgary Black Chambers (an organization founded by Cornish).
Black faculty members from across disciplines shared their reflections with students through an overarching message of belonging.
"The University of Calgary recognizes and supports the academic excellence of Black students and faculty," says Davidson.
"Over the past four years, the Africa United Celebration has grown into an inspirational annual event that connects and amplifies UCalgary's thriving Black community."
Black student clubs shared their work and the opportunities available for students, along with an invitation for students to connect and join their communities. Students from the Ghana Field School presented their experiences, igniting interest in the new students in the potential of African Studies.
Students also shared traditional African cuisines, reminding many who are far from home of their roots, while also introducing others to new foods.
"Many Black students go through their courses being the only, or one of very few, people like them in the room," says Akinfemisoye-Adejare.
"Being seen, visible and valuable, where a student can see someone like them who understands what they are going through and share a meal it's mind-blowing.
"When you see Black joy in one room, it's electrifying."
"We belong here"
Jedidiah Akinloye is a fourth-year Computer Science student, minoring in African Studies, and one of the 16 students who participated in this year's Ghana Field School Group Study Program. Participants in the program spent three weeks travelling across nine regions, visiting historic sites and engaging in cultural exchange.
While in the field, Akinloye and his classmates met the president of Ghana and visited that country's Parliament, as well as the Kandiga people, including their chief, who invited them to participate in a celebration.
"We weren't just reading about cultures; we were living them. We spoke with people, learned their language and experienced their way of life up close," Akinloye says.
Akinloye has attended the Africa United Celebration twice and knows the power it has for students across campus.
"I never had a Black teacher growing up," he says. "The event reminds us, as Black students, that we belong here and there are people who see us, support us and believe in our potential. It's powerful to know there are people who look like me and genuinely want to see us succeed.
"They show us that Black students might seem like a minority, but we are welcomed and wanted and appreciated."
Diversity for an innovative future
Akinfemisoye-Adejare says that, while the event was one night, its impact will stretch well into the future.
Students learned about different activities and communities that support their journey toward becoming well-rounded global citizens, making connections that grow their networks and perspectives.
"The university is interested in having collaborations with community, so we can be at the forefront of entrepreneurial thinking, to inspire and provide solutions to society's problems," she says.
"This event creates a sense of belonging. Everyone, especially Black students, belongs and we can start something, do something and be something."
