University Canada West is honouring Black History Month on Friday, February 28 with a series of inspiring events.
Through panels, workshops and a film screening, UCW will explore the themes of Afrofuturism, labour and social justice, celebrating the contributions and addressing the challenges of Black communities in Canada and beyond.
A “Meet with the Black Mentors” workshop will feature special guests Saanich Police Constable Alex Omoding and Raphael Ndubu, CEO of SUNY Medicals Inc. Born in Uganda, Const. Omoding went from a tourism and hospitality background to becoming Team Lead of Saanich Police’s Community Engagement Division. Mr. Ndubu runs a company focused on healthcare innovation, particularly in reducing infections related to catheter use. He brings strategic thinking and a patient-centred approach to his work. The event will also feature an Arts and Reflexive Painting Workshop with Prof. Hala Mousa, who teaches communications at UCW.
The event will also feature the panel discussion“Envisioning Black Futures Through Labour and Justice” with UCW Department of Associate of Arts, Communications and Social Sciences professors Dr. Atsena Abogo, Dr. Manfred Asuman, Prof. Hala Mousa and Dr. Denis Dogah.
From 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, there will be a Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony hosted by instructors Mekdes Tessema and Tigist Wollelo, accompanied by a selection of exotic snacks.
There will also be a film screening of 12 Years a Slave.
Register here to secure your spot: UCW's Black History Month Celebration Tickets | Eventbrite
Event details:
1. Interactive Workshop: “Meet with the Black Mentors”
Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Vancouver House Campus, Sheldon Levy East Building Lobby
This workshop will bring together UCW Black mentors, community leaders and entrepreneurs to share insights on Black labour and its connection to career trajectories. It’s an empowering opportunity for Black and immigrant students to gain guidance and inspiration for their professional development.
Highlights:
- Inspirational Labour Booth for Sociology, Criminology and Social Justice students (featuring Constable Alex Omoding, Community Engagement Team Lead at Saanich Police Department)
- Entrepreneurship Booth for BCom students (featuring Mr. Raphael Ndubu, CEO of SUNY Medicals Inc.)
- Arts and Reflexive Painting Workshop with Hala Mousa, UCW Communications Instructor
2. Panel Discussion: “Envisioning Black Futures Through Labour and Justice”
Date: February 28, 2025
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 pm (PST)
Location: Vancouver House Campus, Sheldon Levy East Building Lobby
Join us for a thought-provoking panel featuring academics, artists and community leaders as they discuss how Afrofuturism imagines labour and justice as tools for shaping Black futures.
Speakers:
- Dr. Atsena Abogo, UCW Associate Professor, ACSS Department
- Dr. Manfred Asuman, UCW Associate Professor, ACSS Department
- Ms. Hala Mousa, UCW Communications Professor, ACSS Department
Facilitator: Dr. Denis Dogah, UCW Assistant Professor, ACSS Department
3. Film Screening & Discussion: “Labour in Afrofuturist Cinema”
Date: February 28, 2025
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 pm (PST)
Location: Vancouver House Campus, Sheldon Levy East Building Lobby
We will screen the acclaimed film “12 Years a Slave” (Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2013), followed by a discussion on Afrofuturist critiques of past and current labour practices in Black communities and the envisioning of just futures.
Facilitator: Dr. Manfred Asuman, UCW Associate Professor, ACSS Department
