Royal Roads University celebrates the legacy, achievements and experiences of Black Canadians in our university community and beyond.
With thanks to everyone who contributed their time and voices to this page, in particular the Black scholars, learners, workers, researchers and activists at Royal Roads.
President Steenkamp: From Black history to Black futures and beyond
Philip Steenkamp's wide-ranging conversation on everything from African history to Black futures and beyond with associate faculty member Olaolu Adeleye.
Royal Roads students reflect on Black History Month
Royal Roads students from Canada and around the world talk about what Black History Month means to them. They speak about the inclusion they feel in Canada and on campus, what makes them proud and what brings them joy.
Royal Roads events
Why February, why a month, what's changed?
February is Black History Month in Canada. But what does that mean and why February of all months? In this clip from our free public event, York University Prof. Carl E. James explores questions about the significance of February as Black History Month.
Roots, Routes and Reckonings: On Blackness and Belonging in North America
In this Black History Month event at Royal Roads, McGill University Assoc. Prof. Debra Thompson, Canada Research Chair in Racial Inequality in Democratic Societies, examines key, competing facets of Canadian and American manifestations of racism, including the intersection of racial formations and settler colonialism.
Community events
Explore the RRU Library's digital display
The Royal Roads University Library's digital display features books, films and essays by Black creators on the topics of Black Canadian history, the contemporary Black experience, Black culture and communication, the Black post-secondary experience, Black women and leadership, Black history in law and business, and Black film and fiction.
Additional resources
BCcampus
In collaboration with B.C.’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, BCcampus worked alongside a diverse group of racialized and Indigenous experts to develop The Gift We Give One Another: A Collection of Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Resources.
This collection includes publicly available resources from B.C.’s post–secondary institutions, a webinar series and much more.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion has resources for Canadians to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians in their communities:
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada has additional materials available on their Black History Month webpage including a digital toolkit, videos and biographies of notable Black Canadians who helped shape Canada.
Cultural and educational resources
Interested in learning more? Check out 2023 picks as well as items from the 2022 culture and educational resources list curated by assoc. faculty members Athena Madan and Olaolu Adeleye, and other RRU community members.
Societies and groups
BC: British Columbia Black History Awareness Society
Canada: Visit the Government of Canada's website for more societies and groups across Canada.
Voices
Watch for new content all month long.