This message is sent on behalf of Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College.
February is recognized as Black History Month in Canada—a time to honour the legacy, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals and communities across the country.
To acknowledge Black History Month, Durham College (DC) has raised the Pan-African Flag at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses—a powerful symbol of Black liberation and solidarity for members of the Black/African diaspora. We also confront the systemic barriers that have limited opportunities for Black individuals. DC stands firmly against anti-Black racism and all forms of oppression that deny individuals the right to equitable treatment, access, and fairness. We remain committed to dismantling these barriers to ensure fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all.
We are dedicated to listening, learning, and taking meaningful action to build a campus community that is welcoming to all. Throughout the month, and in support of the theme Pathways to Excellence: Celebrating and Cultivating Black Brilliance at DC, we will be hosting a series of community consultations to better understand the challenges faced by our Black community members and to ensure their voices and perspectives inform DC’s decision-making processes. More information on these consultations will be shared next week.
At DC, we are uniquely positioned to address issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as we prepare our students to become leaders and contributing members of our community. This commitment calls on us to model equity and inclusion at every level of the institution—from leadership to classrooms and beyond. Together, we all have a role in fostering an equitable and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
I encourage everyone to explore the DC Library’s curated Anti-Black Racism and White Privilege collection to deepen your understanding of the experiences, histories, and achievements of Black community members, as well as the challenges they continue to face. Additionally, our Black Excellence & Achievement Content Collection highlights the incredible people and initiatives that shape and strengthen our community.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us also take a moment to reflect on how we, as individuals, can contribute to building a community rooted in equity, respect, and inclusion. By embracing these values, we not only honour the history being recognized this month but also uphold the principles that strengthen us as a college and as a society.