Remembering (Aspects of) Our Black Identity – Black History Month 2026
The 2026 Black History Month celebration held yesterday was a resounding success in spite of the heavy snow in the morning. Many thanks to the more than 150 people who attended both in person and online and who engaged deeply in the day’s activities.
Special thanks to Dr. Ruth Murambadoro for a powerful keynote lecture, to First Light NL for sharing their beautiful land acknowledgment video and remarks with us, and to Laurabel Mba for reading the labour acknowledgement developed by ARC – NL. Thanks too to our panellists for candidly sharing their lived experiences and insights on diverse topics; thanks go to Peace Ejimofor, Laurabel Mba, Didan Ashanta Wedderburn, Alubu Johnny Selemani, Sa’adatu Usman, and Sean Drake. For bringing joy, many thanks to the Black youth featured in our digital collage, Nana Kwame and Dominick Lamouche, and the Ikirezi Burundian dance group.
We were grateful to have representatives from many different sectors present. It is our work together that makes NL a welcoming place for newcomers. Special thanks to the Honourable Joanne Thompson for her recorded remarks; to the Honourable Lin Paddock for not only providing thoughtful remarks but for joining us in-person with the Deputy Minister and their team for much of the afternoon; and to City of St. John’s Councillor Lynn Hammond for her meaningful comments and willing partnership. Finally, special thanks are due to ANC’s new board chair, Ross Reid, for his welcoming remarks and his support throughout the day and to the ANC staff and leadership who worked collaboratively to ensure this event’s success. Many thanks to the Government of Canada and its Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program grant for the financial support. Thank you all!!
Here’s hoping the rich conversations and new connections made will continue into the year ahead!