An evening of entertainment, food, refreshments and an array of special guests kicked off the celebration of Black History Month at Durham College on February 9 when faculty, staff, students and members of the community gathered together at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa to attend the annual Black History Month Mix and Mingle.

Organized by the Diversity office at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), the evening recognized the achievements of Black Canadians while acting as the college and university’s annual Black History Month celebration. It was hosted in collaboration with the Caribbean African Student Association, the Women’s Centre, the Club Carib of Oshawa Inc. and the Oshawa Power Basketball Team who played a game following the mix and mingle.  

The evening featured a keynote presentation by Duane Aubin, a gifted teacher and engaging facilitator who has delivered over 150 seminars, keynotes and workshops throughout southern Ontario and Jamaica, who spoke about diversity and its importance.

Najjah Calibur, an up-and-coming Durham Region singer, radio host, event emcee and motivational speaker also performed with the campus Geek Freaks, a hip-hop dance group, and local writer Sharon Ennis, author of Gabby’s Gift: Hope in the Heart of a Child, did a book signing. 

Oshawa Mayor John Henry, UOIT Provost Dr. Richard Marceau and Durham College President Don Lovisa also took turns offering their thoughts on Black History Month with Lovisa sharing with guests that he spoke with students prior to the event to hear first-hand what Black History Month means at Durham College.

“Many students told me that every month is Black History Month,” said Lovisa who was impressed to find one student able to recite word-for-word a quotation by Malcolm X.

Rochelle Ramathe, Durham College’s diversity officer, was excited about the event and eager to celebrate the history of African Americans and the history of all people. She is hopeful that the evening inspired people from all walks of life to make their mark and realize that their contributions to history can make a difference.

“Many people have contributed to this event and to our history,” said Ramathe. “Nothing is impossible if we collaborate and work together.”