Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to provide opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members to advance their knowledge about cultures through a series of immersive events and experiences.
In collaboration with the Students' Association of RDP (SARDP), the Polytechnic welcomes individuals to participate in a variety of on-campus initiatives throughout Black History Month. In February, the Polytechnic community will acknowledge the contributions and lived experiences of Black students, faculty, staff and community members.
"At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are steadfast in our commitment to nurturing an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment, one where every student, employee and community member is truly seen, valued and empowered," says Rambo Nyirimihigo, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor at Red Deer Polytechnic. "By creating cultural experiences across our campuses, we open doors for our community to broaden their understanding and engage in conversations that inspire growth, curiosity and make lasting impact."
Black History Month will begin with a Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, February 2 at 9:30 am. The speeches will take place inside the Polytechnic's main entrance.
Additional Black History Month initiatives and events on RDP's main campus include:
- Button Making | February 4 | 11 am-2 pm | Stairs leading up to the Students' Association
- Cultural Fair | February 5 | 11 am-1 pm | Red Deer Bottling Forum
- Black Student Peer Support | February 3, 10, 17 & 24 | 9-11 am | Peer Lounge
- Music | February 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 11:30-1 pm | Red Deer Bottling Forum & The Patch
- Book Display | February 20-27 | RDP Library
- Jamaican Patties (while supplies last) | February 23 | 11:30 am | Outside FarSide
- Fashion/Art Display | Throughout February | 1500 Hallway
- Student Panel | February 26 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm | Margaret Parsons Theatre
- Hair Braiding | February 27 | 10 am-1 pm | Red Deer Bottling Forum
- Research Spotlight with Dr. Juliet Onabadejo | February 24 | 12-1 pm | Global Hub
In recognition of Black History Month, the exterior lights of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will display red, yellow and green lights throughout February, adorning the building with a beautiful Pan-African inspired light display in the following symbolic colours:
- Red represents the blood that unites people of African descent.
- Yellow represents the richness of people of African and Caribbean descent.
- Green represents the abundant natural wealth of the diaspora, a population that is scattered across regions and separated from its geographic place of origin.
"Black History is not just about surviving. It's music, fashion, leaders, inventors, culture and the people who changed the world around us. And that's why this year's theme is Beyond the Narrative: Reclaiming our Stories,'" says Jacq Patterson, President, Students' Association of RDP. "While being survivors is part of the story, it's not the whole story, and in fact, the story is still being written. When we reflect on Black History, we see change-makers, perseverance and a legacy of courage that continues to shape our world."
RDP's five-year Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: Connection. Empowerment. Bravery exemplifies the Polytechnic's commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has equal opportunities. Thirty members that comprise the EDI Student and Employee Advisory Committees have been contributing to the implementation of EDI principles and strategies and have helped champion EDI initiatives that create meaningful impact within the Red Deer Polytechnic community.
For more information about Black History Month at RDP, please visit: rdpolytech.ca/BlackHistoryMonth.
