Black History Month

Promoting Black Flourishing at UM

Celebrating the Black, African and Caribbean communities at UM.

A collection of four Black UM alumni, Hewburn Greenridge, Lindley Abdulah, June Marion James and Horace Patterson.
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UM Black History Month figures (L-R): The first black man to graduate from UM, Hewburn Greenridge [MD/1920]; Lindley Abdulah, 42nd UMSU President in 1960; the first Black woman to attend UM, June Marion James [BSc/63, BSc(Med)/67, MD/67]; and Horace Patterson, 51st UMSU President in 1968-1969.
UM Black History Month figures (L-R): The first black man to graduate from UM, Hewburn Greenridge [MD/1920]; Lindley Abdulah, 42nd UMSU President in 1960; the first Black woman to attend UM, June Marion James [BSc/63, BSc(Med)/67, MD/67]; and Horace Patterson, 51st UMSU President in 1968-1969.
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The annual fund, administered by the Office of Equity Transformation, supports community-driven initiatives that advance Black flourishing. “We are pleased to once again support a broad range of projects that help foster a vibrant and inclusive UM community,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “My sincere thanks to the students, faculty and staff whose leadership and creativity continue to show us what Black flourishing means here at UM.”

Established in 2021, the fund reflects UM’s commitment to anti-racism and the principles of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion. It affirms Black voices and invests in initiatives that value Black experience and community at UM.

Applications to the fund are accepted throughout the Fall Term, with successful applications receiving funding for projects that must take place by March 31, 2026.

Promoting Black Flourishing Fund

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Note: Some projects are also funded through other sources.

From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Black Nurses Inspiring Change

  • Monday, February 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Helen Glass Atrium, Fort Garry campus
  • The Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA) hosts a Black History Month celebration featuring speakers Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Longterm care; Ava Onwudegwu, CBNA vice-president; Ann Nzeruem, Founder, Mara Home and Healthcare Service. There will also be a fashion show and cultural dance.

Black History Month Rally: Remembering the past, Empowering the present, Building tomorrow

  • Friday, February 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Multipurpose Room, 2nd floor UMSU University Centre, Fort Garry campus
  • Join the UM Black Students’ Community in a rally affirming the community’s presence, culture, and contributions at UM and beyond. It is an opportunity to come together, to be seen, to be heard, and to stand in solidarity.

Black Health Symposium

Leading the Way: Black Excellence and Mentorship

  • Saturday, February 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Location: Brodie Centre (727 McDermot Avenue), Bannatyne campus
  • Hosted by the University of Manitoba’s Black Medical Students Association, the symposium will feature a keynote speaker, hands-on workshops, networking with healthcare professionals, a Black vendor market, and a panel discussion on diverse pathways in health and medicine.
    •    Contact: bmsaumanitoba@gmail.com
    •    Register here.

see more Black History Month events taking place across UM

Boilerplate: Community

Creating space for everyone to thrive is more than a goal—it’s who we are. Fostering a vibrant community is among the commitments you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.